Here we go!

Welcome again to a new year full of opportunities and excitement in Room 25!  Here is what is happening this week:

Social Studies
The focus in Social Studies this year is Our Nation: States and Regions.  Last week we began the first region: the Northeast.  Flash cards will be made for studying vocabulary throughout the chapters. Along with vocabulary, the geography of each region will be studied and tested upon.  Next Tuesday, the states and capitals of each of the Northeast states will be tested.  Your students completed practice maps last week to familiarize themselves with the region that can be used at home to study.  Here is a map to help study at-home as well (exclude Maryland).

Math

Last week we took our first Friday quiz over place value and comparing numbers through the hundred thousands place.  Those will come home Monday.  For the rest of the week, we will be covering:  renaming numbers, adding and subtracting whole numbers, and problem-solving using these strategies.  You can expect a short homework sheet daily for at-home practice (Monday-Thursday).  We are scheduled to finish Chapter 1 by Wednesday and have a review game on Thursday for the chapter test on Friday.  This week we will also start our Math Workshop which will help focus on individual strategies for smaller groups.

Language Arts
Reading
During our whole group instruction the past week, we have been practicing strategies to help us during class discussions, read alouds, and independent reading.  A big focus for my 4th graders this year is the use of Cornell Notes.  This note-taking tool was introduced this week and will be a staple in the reading process for my students to keep track of what is being read, as a class and independently.  This week we will continue to practice these skills, along with beginning the rotation process for centers and guided reading groups.

Word Study
Spelling is going to get a reboot in my classroom this year.  Starting this week, "Spelling" as you know it will now be referred to as "Word Study".  The emphasis will be more on using the words correctly in context, rather than simply spelling them accurately.  My philosophy is that simply spelling a list of words at the end of the week does not build a better reader and thinker; but if those words are used throughout the week in different contexts, the words will eventually become a part of the students' own everyday vocabulary.  With this being said, there is no "pretest" at the beginning of the week, and the quiz may not always be on Fridays.  Last week's words will be quizzed on Monday and the the new list will be given on Tuesday.  Here are the new words for the week.


Have a great week!  Let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

Welcome!

Welcome, welcome, welcome!

I am excited to start my 15th year in education as your child's 4th grade teacher at North School!  This is my fifth year at North, where I have been a Reading Specialist/Interventionist and fourth grade teacher.  Prior to settling at North School, I taught 4th and 5th grade in Chicago Public Schools, as well as in Detroit (go Tigers!).

I won't bore you with going over the same rules and expectations that you and your child already know about being a student at North School, but I do want to make sure we have a mutual understanding of MY expectations this year for my students.  They are not difficult, and follow the same common-sense approach as many other teachers:

1. My students' success is my number one priority.  In the midst of so many expectations, standards, curriculum, assessments, and labels...all I care about is my students succeeding.  Whether through celebrating growth, tapping into likes/dislikes, analyzing challenges, or reteaching something differently; I will do all that I can to help my students succeed, as well as feel successful.
2. Keep on trying.  4th grade is going to be more difficult than 3rd (obviously!).  I know that we will all struggle at a certain point.  All I expect is to try.  If something is difficult, I will help.  If my students don't want my help, I will trick them into thinking I'm not helping...and then help them some more! 
3. Your involvement is essential.  We are a team in this.  Support at home is awesome; whatever you can give!  I will keep you updated on what is happening here in Room 25, and my door/phone/e-mail is always open for you to tell me what's going on with your child.

I look forward to an amazing year.  Our motto for our school and classroom this year is:  

GO FOR THE GOLD!

It's going to take all of us, as a team, to conquer 4th grade...and I'm anticipating an extraordinary journey!  Thanks parents!