It has been a great first full week here in Room 16! Thank you to all of the families who were able to attend last evening's curriculum presentation. There is always so much to share and so little time!
In case I did not say it in so many words last night please understand that the moment your child walked into our classroom, they also walked into my heart. As I have told them, I carry them with me wherever I go. I think about them, wonder about them, and yes, worry about them. I am here to lift your child up. To help them reach just as far as they can go. One of my most important goals for the school year is to help "our" children become independent thinkers, problem solvers and learners. In the fourth grade we begin to shift more responsibility to the student for their learning. It has been my experience that when children realize that they have a stake, a say, if you will, they truly do "step up to the plate"! Everyone has strengths and challenges to celebrate and nurture. Together we will make this a year of tremendous growth and accomplishment!
This week we've been busy...
...in Math, refreshing our memoriesand practicing place value and rounding. Today your child is bringing home thier login information for Think Central the website that supports our Math Expressions curriculum.
...in Writing, collecting potential story ideas from topics we feel that we are "authorities" about and special people that are important parts of our lives. We also completed our annual "Fall Writing Sample". A personal narrative written completely on our own to show off our awesome beginning of fourth grade writing skills!
...in Reading, identifying and practicing behaviors that support reading; such as, getting started right away, rading the whole time, and selecting "just right" books using the IPICK method.
...in Social Studies, using several different types of maps to learn more about the state of Michigan.
...in Science, investigating our "mock rocks". Man-made rocks that will allow us to become better geologists as we learn about physical properties of rocks.
In the effort to create a class email group, I would appreciate if each family could send me a quick email so that I can capture your email address for sending out reminders and other information throughout the school year.
In case I did not say it in so many words last night please understand that the moment your child walked into our classroom, they also walked into my heart. As I have told them, I carry them with me wherever I go. I think about them, wonder about them, and yes, worry about them. I am here to lift your child up. To help them reach just as far as they can go. One of my most important goals for the school year is to help "our" children become independent thinkers, problem solvers and learners. In the fourth grade we begin to shift more responsibility to the student for their learning. It has been my experience that when children realize that they have a stake, a say, if you will, they truly do "step up to the plate"! Everyone has strengths and challenges to celebrate and nurture. Together we will make this a year of tremendous growth and accomplishment!
This week we've been busy...
...in Math, refreshing our memoriesand practicing place value and rounding. Today your child is bringing home thier login information for Think Central the website that supports our Math Expressions curriculum.
...in Writing, collecting potential story ideas from topics we feel that we are "authorities" about and special people that are important parts of our lives. We also completed our annual "Fall Writing Sample". A personal narrative written completely on our own to show off our awesome beginning of fourth grade writing skills!
...in Reading, identifying and practicing behaviors that support reading; such as, getting started right away, rading the whole time, and selecting "just right" books using the IPICK method.
...in Social Studies, using several different types of maps to learn more about the state of Michigan.
...in Science, investigating our "mock rocks". Man-made rocks that will allow us to become better geologists as we learn about physical properties of rocks.
In the effort to create a class email group, I would appreciate if each family could send me a quick email so that I can capture your email address for sending out reminders and other information throughout the school year.