Today in reading we started our new book clubs. Of course they will not be the same as last time. That would just be boring. So, this time, the kids will have specific assignments and skills to work on. I took a picture of the book club board today to give you a better idea. Tomorrow, kids will meet with me in their book clubs to discuss all of these things. When looking at their journals today, I was not impressed. I kept asking myself what happened to my 4th graders. Their work was simple, not specific, and sloppy. Their grades reflected it. I don't think I had higher than a C. Now, it was the first day of this kind of book club, but it was NOT the first day of doing these skills and knowing my expectations of a 4th grader's work. I will talk to them tomorrow in each club meeting. Some kids also discovered that if they mess around and don't stay focussed they go home with a lot of homework. Not only did they have these assignments but also their spelling and language sentence as well. Most finished right on time. Some, well their backs will probably hurt tonight from carrying books home. They will hopefully get their time management down to a science soon.
Speaking of science, we will be venturing into rocks next. I love this unit because of all the fun experiments. Those that mentioned they wanted chemistry we will do an explosion experiment at the end. That same experiment can also include dinosaurs as well. :0) Thanks for the fun ideas. Be watching for upcoming home projects.
Kids received their vocabulary words today for our SS story, The Trail of Tears. We defined them together using the context clues around the words. We did NOT use a dictionary. Wow! So, the definitions are simple and 4th grade words. The pre-test will be tomorrow. If they get an A then they can opt out of the final vocabulary test on Friday or Monday. Kids need to keep these lists at home, and study them all week. We will hear them again in the story and it will make more sense to them if they know the words now. This is for ALL students. No one is exempt.
Tomorrow in math we will move onto adding fractions with like and unlike denominators. We are cruising right through this unit. We will do a review test sometime this week to keep all skills sharp.
Ask your child to show you how to compare the fractions two-thirds and five-sevenths. Have them write the process in the planner while they explain it to you. Doing so, will earn them $50.
Kids will need $300 this Friday. We will be having our Valentine's Day party on February 14th in the afternoon. Kids may make valentines day cards for their classmates. My only rule is they have to make one for everyone. They may also make some for other teachers and friends in other classes. Watch for the class list coming home with this weeks weekly report on Friday. We will also divide into our committees next week. Talk with your child about what committee they should sign up for. (One that fits into your budget). They can choose from food, decoration, or entertainment. The tasks and costs will be split up by the members of that committee. Please also have a back up choice in case their first one fills up before they are chosen to pick. Thanks.
Have a wonderful evening!!!
