Working Hard in the Summertime

I am trying very hard to become more competent with technology. I feel comfortable, but I want to be more than that. Thanks for your comments.

Happy New Year & New Semester

It's hard to believe that we are already beginning the 4th six weeks--the 2nd semester! Where did the time go? I hope everyone had a great Christmas Break! Thank you to everyone who helped make our Santa Letters and Christmas Party a success.

We will be writing EXPOSITORY papers this six weeks. I hope to get through all the types by the end of the month. That would give us a month to practice them. Then in March, we will begin reviewing all writing and grammar we've worked on this year. Don't forget that the TAKS test is now called the STAAR test. Fourth graders take 3 of them. The Writing STAAR will be March 27th and 28th.

With the start of this semester, many students are beginning to see their school supplies quite low. Please ask your child if he/she needs anything--ESPECIALLY PENCILS! 

It's Bully Awareness Week

Bullying has received much attention in the media lately. Many parents assume that bullying is something that happens in big, inner city schools. You probably picture a nerdy kid with glasses cornered by a "Fonzy" look-alike. What many parents don't know is that bullying usually isn't that obvious. Bullies are smart! Most are so smart that they could grow up to be very successful business people because they have the wit and drive to get them there. Sadly, most choose to use that wit and drive to scare others. As parents, it is our job to make sure our children are safe. Teachers alone cannot stop bullying. Parents, TALK to your children. KNOW your children. Be a voice when they're too scared to speak up. If you feel your child is being bullied, talk to him/her, and talk to the school. If you feel your child may be doing the bullying, talk to him/her, and talk to the school. It takes everyone to keep our children safe.

3rd Six Weeks

Wow! Can you believe that we are in the 3rd Six Weeks? Time is flying by! The kids are already busy practicing for the Christmas program during their PE time.

In science we are talking about forces and motion. This is a fun topic for kids because they get to compare strength. We'll get out in the hall and build ramps--this is usually a favorite with the boys.

Spelling this week is practicing words with the long "i" sound. There are several ways to make this sound in the English language, and we'll be practicing them.

We will continue talking about starred paragraphs in writing. In addition, I'll write a story with the class and end the week with the kids working on their own stories. Ask your child what he/she is writing about on Thursday or Friday.

Report cards will go home on Thursday. Please sign the envelope and return it to your child's teacher.

I'm posting again....or should I say blogging?

We are busy writing! We’re going to master writing sentences and then move on to paragraphs.

This week we’ll continue to work with nouns. The new specific grammar rules we are:

·     using commas in a series to combine sentences--> commas are used to separate not just words but phrases too

·     correctly using was and were--> these past tense verbs must match the subjects (singular subject~use was; plural subject~use were)

·     capitalizing names of races and nationalities

·     commas in a series--> I need to buy milk, pepperoni, pizza, and paper towels. OR it could be… I need to buy milk, pepperoni pizza, paper, and towels.

·     spelling sight words--> Words like because, said, there, one…All students in my classes have a laminated Dolch Word page in their binders. This lists these words that all 4^th graders should be able to spell correctly.

·     adding a sentence to a paragraph--> This is a hard concept, and we will work on this skill all year. Sentences are added to stories to improve the story by giving more details that allow the reader to understand and/or imagine the story more accurately.

We will have a test over measurement and matter on Friday. Most of the test is applying the things we’ve learned in class rather than repeating facts.

New spelling words went home on Monday, and the test is Thursday.

Our Fall Follies theme is Hollywood Stars. All 4^th graders are encouraged to get creative. Dress as movie stars, directors, main characters in a movie or show, or other movie related images. Absolutely no blood, guns, knives, or scary costumes! The parade will begin at 9:45. Parents are encouraged to sit in the gym or cafeteria. A note about our party will go home on Thursday. We will have a breakfast star party!

My very first entry!

I am the first person to admit that technology is SUPER important to my life and teaching, but I've put off blogging. I've never done this before! I think my biggest fear is that I will start, but not keep it up. I know many parents would benefit from a blog. So, please excuse me as I learn as I go....and if I don't keep this as up-to-date as I should.