Welcome back everyone! I am so happy to see all of the kids here happy and healthy here in 2015. One semester down, one to go!
First of all, a cold weather reminder. We will go out for recess as long as there is no precipitation and it is above freezing. Please make sure your child is dressed appropriately for the cold weather and send them to school with winter coats, hats, etc. We always have a handful of boys that can be quite stubborn about dressing appropriately, so we have a solution. Starting Monday when it is 45 degrees or lower, if a student is not wearing long pants and a winter coat for recess, they will not get to play outside and will have indoor recess instead. This of course is in the best interest of the child and their comfort. (If you do not have access to a winter coat for your child, please contact me.)
Now let's see what we have been up to:
MATH:
Long division has been our best friend this week. After reviewing previously taught methods, we moved on to good ol' standard algorithm. Every kid found their "long division groove" and homework grades have been some of the best we have had all year! The test was today and will be returned in next week's Wednesday folders.
Next week:
We begin teaching a very visual method of algebraic reasoning called the "strip diagram". It is part review and part new. It is a terrific way to solve multi-step problems and benefits visual learners. We also will begin an online Personal Financial Literacy unit called, EverFi.
SCIENCE:
This week we reviewed and investigated heat transfer as it relates to weather. We did some really neat investigations with water of different temperatures to illustrate how heat transfers from high to low through conduction and convection.
Next week:
We will begin to bring the water cycle into the equation as we learn why weather exists.
Have a terrific and safe weekend! The extra credit opportunity is still on for tomorrow, as of right now, but will likely be rescheduled if it is dangerous roads tomorrow. Here is the link again if you are interested: http://www.keepaustinbeautiful.org/volunteer_opportunities_registration
A NOTE ABOUT BENCHMARKS:
4th grade does not include the benchmark scores in student's averages. The scores are used for data only. The benchmarks are created and required by the district. The district provides us with what is considered "proficient" based on the district averages (see below). If your child scores the district average or above, it would be considered proficient and requires no attention at this time. If your child's scores warrant attention, you have already been contacted and intervention will be provided.
District averages for each benchmark for your reference:
Math- 62%
Reading- 69%
Writing- 57%
Science- 66%
First of all, a cold weather reminder. We will go out for recess as long as there is no precipitation and it is above freezing. Please make sure your child is dressed appropriately for the cold weather and send them to school with winter coats, hats, etc. We always have a handful of boys that can be quite stubborn about dressing appropriately, so we have a solution. Starting Monday when it is 45 degrees or lower, if a student is not wearing long pants and a winter coat for recess, they will not get to play outside and will have indoor recess instead. This of course is in the best interest of the child and their comfort. (If you do not have access to a winter coat for your child, please contact me.)
Now let's see what we have been up to:
MATH:
Long division has been our best friend this week. After reviewing previously taught methods, we moved on to good ol' standard algorithm. Every kid found their "long division groove" and homework grades have been some of the best we have had all year! The test was today and will be returned in next week's Wednesday folders.
Next week:
We begin teaching a very visual method of algebraic reasoning called the "strip diagram". It is part review and part new. It is a terrific way to solve multi-step problems and benefits visual learners. We also will begin an online Personal Financial Literacy unit called, EverFi.
SCIENCE:
This week we reviewed and investigated heat transfer as it relates to weather. We did some really neat investigations with water of different temperatures to illustrate how heat transfers from high to low through conduction and convection.
Next week:
We will begin to bring the water cycle into the equation as we learn why weather exists.
Have a terrific and safe weekend! The extra credit opportunity is still on for tomorrow, as of right now, but will likely be rescheduled if it is dangerous roads tomorrow. Here is the link again if you are interested: http://www.keepaustinbeautiful.org/volunteer_opportunities_registration
A NOTE ABOUT BENCHMARKS:
4th grade does not include the benchmark scores in student's averages. The scores are used for data only. The benchmarks are created and required by the district. The district provides us with what is considered "proficient" based on the district averages (see below). If your child scores the district average or above, it would be considered proficient and requires no attention at this time. If your child's scores warrant attention, you have already been contacted and intervention will be provided.
District averages for each benchmark for your reference:
Math- 62%
Reading- 69%
Writing- 57%
Science- 66%