Even More Helpful Hints

Each week a new grammar skill is introduced.  A grammar worksheet is sent home, labeled by the students "Study Guide".  This worksheet defines the concept and provides examples and practice.  Students should review this in preparation for the Weekly Test.

We encourage the students to save this sheet for the entire Unit, as it will be helpful in preparing for the Unit Test, as well as the End of the Year test.

Helpful Hints

During parent conferences I realized that many families are not aware of what a valuable tool the Reading Street Family Times is.  I want to take a some time to review the various sections of this letter to show you how you and your student can  maximize the use of this resource.

The Family Times is sent home on the first day that a new story is introduced.  It gives an overview of what we will be working on in class for the next week or so.  At the top of the front page is a short summary of the story that we will be reading in class.

                               

At the bottom is an explanation of the Reading Comprehension Skill that we will be working on for the week.  Several of the questions on the Weekly Test will be on how students apply this skill to comprehend a short story that the students read.  You can review this skill with your child over the course of the week to be sure they understand it in preparation for the test.

On the back of the page is the Lesson Vocabulary.  These are the words which will be on the Weekly test.  It includes the definitions that students should know and understand.

In addition the article gives a synopsis of the Grammar Skill of the week.

At the bottom of the page you will find another copy of the Spelling Words for the week.

Continents and Oceans

I"m hoping you found your child's continent and ocean study guide in their Friday Folder.  We will have our first test this Friday November 20th.  The students will be asked to list/write the names of all the continents and oceans. Spelling and correct usage of upper case letters will count on this test.  The following week we will have a second test where the students will be expected to correctly label a map. Again correct spelling and usage of uppercase letters will count on each test.

Student Shout Out

Look who earned the " STUDENT SHOUT OUT" REWARD !   This student was recognized by another classmate for performing kind deeds in the classroom.  She chose sitting at the teachers desk as a reward.  Thanks for creating a positive classroom environment.

Upcoming Topics of Study

Next week we will be labeling maps of the world. Specifically we will focus on the continents and oceans.  As soon as we have completed an appropriate study guide the students will bring them home.  Now you and your child can get a head start naming and locating the continents and oceans. Have fun!

PTA

Tuesday our class will have the opportunity to go to the school book fair and support the PTA.   They offer many great books at a reasonable price.  Reading is the best way to practice the comprehension strategies that we learn about each and every day.

Reminders

• As part of your child's nightly homework they should be packing at least 3 sharpened pencils in order to be prepared for class.
• Progress reports will come home in Friday Folders.
• Reminder forms for parent/ teacher conferences will come home in Friday Folders.

                                                 

Writing Workshp

Let's Write!

Boy have we been writing! We are writing personal narratives. Check out the KEY FEATURES OF A PERSONAL NARRATIVE below.  Students have been writing about their personal experiences where they can show vividly their feelings.  Ex. Getting a shot/vaccination,  picking out a pet, carving a pumpkin, having a tooth pulled.   Next week we will select one of our drafts and take our writing piece through an abbreviated writing process.  

Using Clever Portal

The IT department made a shortcut for students to sign into I-Ready without using their passwords.  Students simply sign into their school google account, from any computer, and then go to clever.com/in/ewg.  The video below demonstrates that process.

Welcome to fourth grade!

Welcome to fourth grade with Mrs. Lavoie!  We have had a great start to this school year learning routines and getting to know each other.  This is my first attempt at creating a blog so please be bear with me as I learn this process.

     I'd like to mention that I'm working to promote positive behavior along with a kind and respectful classroom environment.  One way that I'm working to foster this atmosphere is the "Student Shout Out Box".  The students are able to complete a brief form in which they recognize a fellow student's kind behavior.  Each Friday I will pick a name from the box.  Sometimes the student who recognized the behavior will earn the prize other times the person who did the kind deed will earn the prize.

Check out some of the fun rewards the students have been earning for their kind and positive behavior!

Passwords

Be sure to look in your child's Friday Folder for his/her Reading Street Username and Password.

I-Ready Usernames and Passwords are taped into the front page of your child's agenda.