Getting to Know You

Your 4th graders and I are enjoying getting to know each other. We are creating a wonderful community of learners. I know we are all strugging to get used to a new and rigorous routine, yet I am pleased with the efforts everyone is making to adjust and do their best.

I want to clue you in on the curriculum we are currently covering in our class. Math is all about place value and reviewing the basics with our addition, subtraction, multiplication and division facts. You should have received a letter on Monday explaining how you can help your child practice these facts. Thank you in advance. Our Chapter 1 Math Test will be next Wed., 8/27.

We have our first Spelling Test this Fri., 8/22. The words are in your child's agenda. Long and short vowel sounds have been a focus.

The Secret Moose is a short novel we are reading together in class. We are working on comprehension and vocabulary. We took our baseline SRI test today in the Media Center and your child was able to begin checking out books. Please have them read daily. You will be getting more information next Friday about our independent reading projects.

In grammar we are studying nouns. In writing we are covering Voice as one of our 6 Traits of Writing. We will be in the Computer Lab on Friday morning working on our final copy of "The Day I Met..." so please ask your child about the story they will begin writing this Wednesday in class. We have been doing some pre-writing activities to get ready. By the way, I am asking your child to use cursive writing. It is a struggle for some right now but I told them to stick with it. Usually, in 4 weeks time they should feel more confident and be able to increase their speed.

The new Social Studies textbook should be in their backpack today 8/19. Unit 1 is called Our Land and First People. Becoming familiar with maps is our first order of business.

A special thank you to our parents who have contributed items to our classroom. They are appreciated. Jane Evans and Stephanie Dinnan will be our room parents this year, and they will let you know more about how you can be involved.

I look forward to sharing more with you at Open House. Please join us this Thurs. at 6:30 pm in the GM cafeteria.