The Cloud Connection
Aug. 26, 2013
Math: We are using a new Math Text this year so there could be a bit of a learning curve for all of us as we get used to the language and strategies that accompany this curriculum. I am planning on using the math text on a daily basis and as homework, so students need to bring their book home each night and back to school each day. Tentative homework for this week is; Mon. pg. 15/16, Tues. pg. 21/22, Wed. pg. 27/28 and Thurs. pg. 33/34. We are covering Place Value in our first chapter so this should be review.
Reading: This week we are beginning our first novel, The Most Beautiful Place in the World . The text is fairly easy, but the message in the book is perfect for the beginning of the year so I'm asking the entire class to read this book. We'll be learning how to record our thinking in our reading journals, the class expectations for working with a partner as well as discussing important topics presented in the book.
Language: I'll be focusing on gathering ideas for writing pieces this week as I teach the class about the trait of Ideas in their writing. We'll also review Write Tools so I know where to begin with this scaffolding of the writing process. I'll be giving the class a spelling inventory to see where their strengths/holes are.
Social Studies: Students will be working out of Atlases this week as they work on their geography. We'll also review the parts of a map and how to read them.
Science: We're going to study insects during the next couple of weeks so I'm hoping to get started on that unit this week. We'll use our "new improved" trail to aid in this instruction.
Other items: Our first week just flew by and I enjoyed getting to know your child. It is such a gift to have a smaller class this year so I am expecting that we'll accomplish great things.
Please join us for our Open House Wed. so you know how to support your child in their 4th grade experience. I am hoping that I can get several of you in to volunteer!
In addition to math homework, students are expected to read 15 min. at least 4 times a week and record their thinking about their reading each day. These are due on Mon. Analogies will go home each Mon. and need to be completed and turned in on Fri. Families are encouraged to work on these together with the understanding that students know about the relationships and logic behind the answer they submit.
I am compiling a list of emails so that I can send the newsletter home electronically as much as possible. If you have an email address and still want a hard copy please let me know. Thank you, and I'm looking forward to visiting with you Wed. evening.