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First Library Lesson Today

We had our first library lesson from Mrs. Cottman. We have the pleasure of having a "real life" librarian teach us library skills once a month!!  Today, students had to be genre detectives and figure out what genre their stack of books came from. The kids had a lot of fun.  See Twitter Feed for photos.

Studying for Tests

I realize "studying" is a new concept for most 4th graders. I spend a great deal of time in class teaching them how to study. For DLRs [Daily Language Reviews] we take notes in red pen daily. They should review these Thursday night.  To prepare for Math Tests, we will review all topics covered so far in class. Your child can review their Home Links Workbook [Unit 1] assignments as well as their Student Journal & notes. They can also go online to math Resources and review lessons.  In Social Studies & Science, we will do a Study Guide [together], which is usually vert similar to the real test.  As I tell the kids, I'm on their team. My goal is for them to be successful. The night before the test just be sure they are reviewing their notes, skimming through textbooks [if applicable] for key words and concepts.  Welcome to 4th grade...they are growing up!!  8-)

                                     

Tests, Homework, Fixes, Redos...

    

At Back to School Night, a bright green paper was passed out explaining tests, homework, fixes, and redos.  As we have adopted a "Growth Mindset," we want to be able to give students several chances to succeed.  At the same time, we also want to prepare them for 5th grade expectations and beyond...

In this 1st trimester [until Nov. 3], students can fix/redo ANY homework assignment once.  Taking a second look at an assignment, and correcting errors, is a great way to learn from mistakes made. Often times, MORE is learned from looking at errors than just rote practice.  That is why we give students this opportunity.  

Also in the 1st trimester, students can retake ANY test or quiz that they got less than a 70% on...to a 70%.  If your child scores lower than a 70%, I will send the quiz home with a bright red slip for you to sign in their Friday Folder.  Students will then return the test/quiz to me and we will work out a time for a retake.  

If you aren't in the habit of looking through your child's work on Friday--get in that habit now. Nobody wants any surprises when Report Cards come out!!

First Trimester	Late work is accepted; must be turned in by the following Monday; turns to a zero after Monday	Can fix or redo any homework assignment for a higher grade	Can fix or retake a test—only to a 70%
Second Trimester	No late work will be accepted (unless sick)	Can fix or redo any homework assignment for a higher grade	Can fix or retake a test—only to a 70%
Third Trimester	No late work will be accepted (unless sick)	No fixes or redos	No test corrections or retakes

Birthdays

A few parents have asked me about bringing in treats for the class for birthdays.  YES....you can bring in treats in celebration of your child's birthday!!  We have 34 students in the class.  We pass out treats at the very end of the day as students are walking out the door--so please keep it very simple. We don't have time in the day to give up academics for birthday treats.  If you CHOOSE to bring in birthday treats, please follow the District's "Healthy Snacks" guidelines that was passed out the first week of school.

THANK YOU!!!!

A HUGE thank you to those parents that provided supplies for our California cookie decorating!!  It was a great way to review the regions of CA before our test today...and SUPER YUMMY!!!  

Accelerated Reader

Your child and I set AR goals today!!  The process to determine reading levels and point goals is not the same as in years past, so it has taken a bit more time.  AR point goals are set individually--based on reading levels & the amount of time left to read in the 1st trimester.  On Monday, your child will receive a pink paper that will help them track their progress toward his/her goal.  

AR GOALS ARE DUE BY NOVEMBER 3RD!!