Letters from Language Arts
What's Happening In ELAR, Issue 9
Life As We Know It
It is an unavoidable truth that our children are measured by their performance on standardized tests. In fourth grade, we have three. The first test, writing, is coming quickly on April 9. We believe that if our instruction is on point, our kids will do just fine on the test; however, testing is a genre unto itself. Kids needs to learn the testing language in order to answer to be successful. We will devote a portion of our class time to test prep. We will make it as enjoyable and fruitful as possible.
With Pencils Sharpened and and Journals Ready,
Anne and Caitlin
Writing Camp Begins March 18!! This is an in-class activity
Students will be participating in writing rotations for the next few weeks. In each rotation, students will be perfecting a specific writing skill. Students will also be meeting with either Mrs. Mozisek or Ms. Smalling each day. We look forward to students having the opportunity to review and master skills in a joyous way.
Extra Help
If your child ever needs help understanding a topic in class, or they bring home a grade below a 70, they are always welcome to bring it back to class and get help to improve and bring their grade up to a 75. We are available every morning at 7:30am, unless we have morning duty.
Subjectively Speaking: What To Expect When You're A 4th Grade Parent
Reader's Workshop
We have been asking noticing interesting parts of books, writing our thinking to what we notice, and asking questions of our characters. This allows students to think deeper about what they are reading. Once they interact with the text, it becomes easier for them to comprehend what is happening within it.
Writer's Workshop
Writing Workshop has turned into Writing Camp from now until April 8th.
Texas History
Should we stay or should we go? This is the big question happening in Texas history right now. Should Texas become part of the United States, or should we stay our own republic? There are many differing view as the kids are learning. We also continue to examine life as a pioneer during this time period.
Expository Essay Rubric
Spelling: Words Their Way
We are beginning to study words with silent letters at the beginning of words. Below is a link for your child to watch for help on the spelling pattern.
Grammar Rules!
With the Writing STAAR test coming up April 9, we are continuing to focus on strategies to use on revision and editing passages. We are also working on using grammar skills we have learned in our expository writing and our social studies journals.
Flocabulary
Students should continue to access this resource at home and practice the new words they learn in the vocabulary section of Flocabulary.
UpComing Events
3/25: Practice Math STAAR
3/26: Practice Reading STAAR
3/28: WITS
3/29: Field Day during Special
4/1-4/5 All School Talent Show
4/9 Writing STAAR Test
4/19 Good Friday Holiday
About Us
We are overjoyed at being your language arts and social studies teachers. It is our goal to not only create good readers and writers but lifelong readers and writers. Thank you for making this journey with us.
Email: Anne-Louise.Smalling@springbranchisd.com
Location: https://maps.google.com/?cid=7155001544484722155
Phone: 713 251 6300
Twitter: @MDESmalling