Week Four

Did your student tell you about the autumnal equinox? If not ask them what it is!
http://http://encyclopedia.kids.net.au/page/au/Autumn_equinox
Literacy
This week we are reading a story called "From the Banks of Plum Creek". For those of us who enjoy Little House on the Prairie we will find some familiar characters. Remember those homework packet are due every Friday. Last week I was missing about five of them. Turning them in late is better than not turning them in at all. We are taking our first official reading test this Friday. We have been practicing together for 2 weeks. This week everyone is on their own! We are also going to officially start our small reading groups.
Math
We are on to multiplication this week! We will do a lot of playing around with numbers in order to learn the basics of multiplication. Look for homework every night. I would encourage you to check the homework even if your students says it is finished. I will assign homework Monday - Thursday. Our next test will be in about two weeks. In the meantime practice those facts! Here are some helpful web pages:
http://http://multiplication.com/interactive_games.htm
http://http://www.coolmath4kids.com/
http://http://www.playkidsgames.com/mathGames.htm
Other Business
I want to apologize for sending the Wednesday folders home late this week. I am having a hard time getting used to the end-of-day routines so I kept forgetting. A student suggested that we pass them out in the morning! Why didn't I think of that! From now on you can expect to get them every Wednesday.

Week Three

On to week three!!
Literacy:
This week in Reading Street we are reading a story about Lewis and Clark. Remember Spelling Packets are due Friday. It looks like most of our class remembered to turn it in last week. Also remember that we have a Spelling test and Reading test at the end of every week. Please make sure you are reviewing spelling word and vocabulary words at home. Both lists can be found in the Spelling Packet.
I am going to start our small reading groups this week. Most of the work for these groups can be finished in class. You may want to ask your student if they need to bring the work home to get it finished.
Math:
We are still working on whole numbers this week. We will review the information from last week and take a test on Thursday or Friday. Look for a study guide to come home at the beginning of the week.
Science:
This week we will study and practice the scientific process. Things are going to get a little buggy in our classroom! :)

Week Two

The first week of school was great! Even though there were headaches getting to school and trying to get home our class had an awesome time! Last week we got to know each other and reviewed our school rules. This week is when the real learning begins!
Literacy:
Our story this week is from the book Because of Winn Dixie. If you haven't read the book yet I do suggest it. The story is great for fourth graders and adults. As we read the story we will be reviewing sequence. Our first Spelling Packet was passed out today. Remember this is due Friday.
Math:
Math this week is all about numbers and operations. Check your student's homework folder each night for homework.
Science:
In Science this week we are talking about observations, classifications, and the Scientific Process. Ask your student what we did today. Many of the hands on experiments and demonstrations can be done at home.
Have a great week!

Week One

I can't believe it's the first week of school!! This summer just flew by. Please take a minute to read the note I sent home about this school year. Clicking on the title of this post will link you to another copy of this letter.