Dear Families,
"Picture Day" is coming! I sent home packets with your child today, so if you would like a picture of your child please be sure to get the paperwork completed and returned to me before Monday, October 5th. Fourth grade students will be photographed at 9:35am on that day.
Students have been busy at work in a variety of areas. One of the exciting programs I just started that is meant to increase your child's vocabulary by 100's of words is called Wordly Wise. Your children were introduced to 15 new words today. Throughout the week they will be engaged in meaningful activities in order to master meanings as well as spelling. Each week we also work on 10 additional words children already know, but that are spelling demons. For instance, there, their, and they're. They have also been introduced to four types of sentences. Ask them about powerful sentences and if they can describe for you a "Double the Who" or "Triple-Decker sentence. We will be reviewing these types of sentences on numerous occasions. They will use them in their autobiographical narrative that we started planning last week.
In math, we are studying Geometry. We have talked about lines, rays, and line segments and started talking about angles today. In order to make math more hands-on we have looked at line segments on actual blue prints, used geoboards to create line segments, created angles with straws and twist ties, and will be building geometric solids. In project math, students will also be graphing information on all students' career choices and their future incomes. I'm hoping to compete the graphs this week, but at this point only a few students have looked up their career income. It would be great if you could sit down with your child and look on the computer or in a library book regarding their future career choice. In addition to graphing the income, I also want them to understand what they will be doing in their chosen work and where they might have to move in the country to work in their field (geography).
For the "All About Me" project, students have made scrapbook covers, they all need to have completed a second interview with their parents, and have started to decorate their shoes in a way that represents who they are. Additionally most of them have completed writing about a summer activity they enjoyed. Stop by and read the writing posted on the bulletin board outside my room. This week students will be bringing home a family tree to complete. If you have photos of any of the people on the family tree that can be copied for their scrapbook, please send them along. Any stories about their relatives will also make the family tree come alive! I appreciate your efforts!! Students are also reading books of their choice and completing book reports. This part of the project has two purposes. For one, students and I will understand the type of fiction they prefer and two, they will understand the elements of plot.
Finally, we are beginning to touch on map skills and we will soon be looking at ecosystems for science.
If you have any questions, please feel free to email. I am looking for a room parent to help me with the student store. If you are interested, please let me know and I will explain what is needed. Also, the kindergarten teacher, DeeDee and I want to have a used book, DVD, and game sale; however, we need donations. We would love for you to make more space on your shelves for new books and get rid of the old ones. Donations can be dropped off in my room.
Thanks for your caring,
Kim
Arriving at Smith Ranch
Arriving at Smith Ranch!
Monday, September 28, 2009
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
4TH GRADE CLASSROOM UPDATE!
Dear Families,
Whew, last week flew! Students are getting to know each through lots of team building activities and classroom assignments. We have been practicing daily routines, signals, and classroom protocol. Agreements regarding behavior have been made and are being discussed daily. I'm happy to say all is going well.
Base-line assessments in math, spelling, and writing have been completed. I will have a good idea of how to group students based on skill level next week. During small group work, I will have an opportunity to work even closer with students in order to support them in a variety of ways. My goal is to find just the right balance between challenge and too easy. In other words, I don't want your children to be frustrated while learning, but continue to master academic and social skills.
So far, students have met a character named Rikki Tikki Tavi from an in class read aloud. I think they enjoyed this story and were adept at identifying Rikki Tikki Tavi's character traits. They were even able to support their answers with evidence from the book. They have also picked D.E.A.R. books from our in class library for silent reading thoughout the day. Ask your child about the difference between a "Must Do" and a "May Do"! I have asked each student to bring a book from home, for our "All About Me Project". This book will be used to write a book report, but I would like it to be one that students are excited about reading or one that they have read before and are willing to read again. Some students have remembered to bring a book and others still have not. We will be starting the reading on these books next Monday, so please remember to send a book with them to school. My main objective is for them to understand the elements of plot, a fourth grade standard, and thought it would be more enjoyable if they had a choice on their book. We also learn more about our likes and dislikes when we see each others' book choices.
Students are working hard in writing. They are describing themselves in writing from a picture or drawing of themselves engaged in an activity. They are answering detail questions to extend their writing, as well as including sensory details. Most students have completed rough drafts and are ready to begin revisions. They have also done what I call a "Power Write". Students are given a writing prompt and are asked to write as much as possible within three minutes. The idea is that over time they will build their writing fluency or their ability to write more. We will do power writes at least twice a week. As students build their writing skills, this activity will be easier. They have also just completed an "I Am" poem, another part of the "All About Me Project". Stop by the classroom to read these wonderful poems.
In math we have been checking multiplication knowledge and learning about graphing. Students learned about gathering data and actually created a triple-bar graph today after polling
each classroom at IA about hair color. They will be creating graphs in the "All About Me" project that will touch on differences and likenesses within our classroom as well as future career aspirations for each individual.
We have also been learning about earthquakes. Students had the opportunity to work in small groups and create posters to demonstrate what they had learned as well as practice their presentation skills. My main objective in studying earthquakes was not only knowledge, but also to help students to learn how to effectively take part in a small group and begin the process of becoming comfortable presenting in front of a group. So far, so good!!
I think that's it for now. Don't miss our IA game night, next Tuesday, the 22nd of September.
Please email me with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Kim
P.S. I already have some great pictures of our class. I'll post them on my next BLOG as I am waiting for my computer to be repaired!
Whew, last week flew! Students are getting to know each through lots of team building activities and classroom assignments. We have been practicing daily routines, signals, and classroom protocol. Agreements regarding behavior have been made and are being discussed daily. I'm happy to say all is going well.
Base-line assessments in math, spelling, and writing have been completed. I will have a good idea of how to group students based on skill level next week. During small group work, I will have an opportunity to work even closer with students in order to support them in a variety of ways. My goal is to find just the right balance between challenge and too easy. In other words, I don't want your children to be frustrated while learning, but continue to master academic and social skills.
So far, students have met a character named Rikki Tikki Tavi from an in class read aloud. I think they enjoyed this story and were adept at identifying Rikki Tikki Tavi's character traits. They were even able to support their answers with evidence from the book. They have also picked D.E.A.R. books from our in class library for silent reading thoughout the day. Ask your child about the difference between a "Must Do" and a "May Do"! I have asked each student to bring a book from home, for our "All About Me Project". This book will be used to write a book report, but I would like it to be one that students are excited about reading or one that they have read before and are willing to read again. Some students have remembered to bring a book and others still have not. We will be starting the reading on these books next Monday, so please remember to send a book with them to school. My main objective is for them to understand the elements of plot, a fourth grade standard, and thought it would be more enjoyable if they had a choice on their book. We also learn more about our likes and dislikes when we see each others' book choices.
Students are working hard in writing. They are describing themselves in writing from a picture or drawing of themselves engaged in an activity. They are answering detail questions to extend their writing, as well as including sensory details. Most students have completed rough drafts and are ready to begin revisions. They have also done what I call a "Power Write". Students are given a writing prompt and are asked to write as much as possible within three minutes. The idea is that over time they will build their writing fluency or their ability to write more. We will do power writes at least twice a week. As students build their writing skills, this activity will be easier. They have also just completed an "I Am" poem, another part of the "All About Me Project". Stop by the classroom to read these wonderful poems.
In math we have been checking multiplication knowledge and learning about graphing. Students learned about gathering data and actually created a triple-bar graph today after polling
each classroom at IA about hair color. They will be creating graphs in the "All About Me" project that will touch on differences and likenesses within our classroom as well as future career aspirations for each individual.
We have also been learning about earthquakes. Students had the opportunity to work in small groups and create posters to demonstrate what they had learned as well as practice their presentation skills. My main objective in studying earthquakes was not only knowledge, but also to help students to learn how to effectively take part in a small group and begin the process of becoming comfortable presenting in front of a group. So far, so good!!
I think that's it for now. Don't miss our IA game night, next Tuesday, the 22nd of September.
Please email me with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Kim
P.S. I already have some great pictures of our class. I'll post them on my next BLOG as I am waiting for my computer to be repaired!
Sunday, September 6, 2009
WELCOME 4TH GRADERS!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dear Families,
Just wanted to let everyone know how excited I am to be your teacher in the upcoming year. I cannot wait to build a fun, safe, and enriching community. I am really anxious to meet you all and find out more about you! Our first few weeks will be a time of team building, learning procedures, and starting our first project (The All-About-You Project). Our class will be incorporating math, history, reading, writing, and science into this learning adventure. A couple of things students will need to bring to class in those few first weeks of school include a book they want to read or one they have read and are willing to read again, a picture of them enjoying an activity, and old pair of shoes. It sounds a bit mysterious, doesn't it? More will be revealed as we start this fun and informative project!!!
I would like school supplies to arrive with students within the first week of school! If you have not received a list, please see Donna at the front desk or ask me. Some of the supplies will be used on a community level with our classroom, so please don't get too attached to a particular set of markers, for example.
Just outside my door, you will find a small cork board. This board is for parents. If you have a question or concern when you drop or pick up your child and prefer to hand write a message to me, you can post it in an envelope outside my door. I will get back to you within 24 hours. My office hours at this time will be on Tuesday from 3:30-4:30 if you would like to meet face to face. If this time doesn't work for you and you desire a meeting, let me know. My email address is kim@innovationsacademy.org. or post a note outside my door. Please know that you are welcome to visit the classroom at anytime to see what your child is doing or to volunteer.
Speaking of volunteering, is anyone interested? I have two requests at this time. I need a parent(s) to make (23) bookbags for the back of students chairs. This way, they can keep their silent reading book and literature study book with them at all times, as well as their pencil pouch. I think it will be a great way to stay organized. Any takers? I also need some volunteers to help with the student store when it is up and running. K-8 students will have staggered breaks and lunches. I would like to make the student store available to them during those times,so will need some help manning the store. Students will have the opportunity to man the store before and after school. This is a great opportunity for students to practice math skills and to raise money for classroom/school needs.
I am also looking for donations of supplies to my classroom. Please take a look at the following list and if there is anything you can provide, I would appreciate your help.
Sheet Protectors
Paperclips
Chart Paper
Tissue Paper (all colors)
Pencil Top Erasures
Speciality Papers (ask me)
Tape (all kinds)
Disposable forks, spoons, plates, cups, and bowls
Dry-erase markers
Kleenex
Binder clips
Paper Towels
Clipboards
Book Sets (ask me)
Envelopes
Construction Paper
Paint and Paint Brushes
Glue Guns and Glue Sticks
Canvases for oil painting
Ziploc bags (all sizes)
I know this is going to be a great year! Enjoy your last few days of summer and I will see you all on Tuesday.
Kim
Just wanted to let everyone know how excited I am to be your teacher in the upcoming year. I cannot wait to build a fun, safe, and enriching community. I am really anxious to meet you all and find out more about you! Our first few weeks will be a time of team building, learning procedures, and starting our first project (The All-About-You Project). Our class will be incorporating math, history, reading, writing, and science into this learning adventure. A couple of things students will need to bring to class in those few first weeks of school include a book they want to read or one they have read and are willing to read again, a picture of them enjoying an activity, and old pair of shoes. It sounds a bit mysterious, doesn't it? More will be revealed as we start this fun and informative project!!!
I would like school supplies to arrive with students within the first week of school! If you have not received a list, please see Donna at the front desk or ask me. Some of the supplies will be used on a community level with our classroom, so please don't get too attached to a particular set of markers, for example.
Just outside my door, you will find a small cork board. This board is for parents. If you have a question or concern when you drop or pick up your child and prefer to hand write a message to me, you can post it in an envelope outside my door. I will get back to you within 24 hours. My office hours at this time will be on Tuesday from 3:30-4:30 if you would like to meet face to face. If this time doesn't work for you and you desire a meeting, let me know. My email address is kim@innovationsacademy.org. or post a note outside my door. Please know that you are welcome to visit the classroom at anytime to see what your child is doing or to volunteer.
Speaking of volunteering, is anyone interested? I have two requests at this time. I need a parent(s) to make (23) bookbags for the back of students chairs. This way, they can keep their silent reading book and literature study book with them at all times, as well as their pencil pouch. I think it will be a great way to stay organized. Any takers? I also need some volunteers to help with the student store when it is up and running. K-8 students will have staggered breaks and lunches. I would like to make the student store available to them during those times,so will need some help manning the store. Students will have the opportunity to man the store before and after school. This is a great opportunity for students to practice math skills and to raise money for classroom/school needs.
I am also looking for donations of supplies to my classroom. Please take a look at the following list and if there is anything you can provide, I would appreciate your help.
Sheet Protectors
Paperclips
Chart Paper
Tissue Paper (all colors)
Pencil Top Erasures
Speciality Papers (ask me)
Tape (all kinds)
Disposable forks, spoons, plates, cups, and bowls
Dry-erase markers
Kleenex
Binder clips
Paper Towels
Clipboards
Book Sets (ask me)
Envelopes
Construction Paper
Paint and Paint Brushes
Glue Guns and Glue Sticks
Canvases for oil painting
Ziploc bags (all sizes)
I know this is going to be a great year! Enjoy your last few days of summer and I will see you all on Tuesday.
Kim
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