Week of August 19th

Grade 4 News

Week of 19^th – 23^rd August

The new school year has gotten off to a great start. As always, the beginning of the school year is an important time for establishing good routines and an effective learning environment.  It’s been lovely getting to know your children – their personalities, hopes and dreams as well as their characteristics as a learner.  I will be sending you a weekly note via email to keep you updated about school.  Please feel free to respond to the email if you have questions.  The note will contain information about what we will be focusing on in class that week and any important announcements.

In our first math unit we will be exploring students’ prior knowledge of numbers and place value and using that knowledge to read and write whole numbers in standard and word form.

As readers, 4^th graders are developing the essential habits of independent reading.  This week we will be discussing how the icommons area is organized and used effectively, how readers choose books and how to make good book choices.  An important goal for students is to read 'Just Right' books.  Just Right books are those that they understand well and can enjoy.  These are the books that will help them become better readers. 

Students will begin writing every day in their writer’s notebook and work on building their writing stamina.  We will be exploring ways to generate ideas for writing.  Once students have a few strategies to use, they will never have that feeling of sitting in front of a blank page again. 

This week we will begin our first unit of inquiry.  Students will explore the central idea:  people can create systems and protocols to support the decision making process.  We plan to have guest speakers from our school community come and talk to the students about decision making, organization of groups, and roles.  Students will gain insights into the importance of formulating and documenting their ideas within a group, making decisions by discussing ideas, and features of effective group work.

You may notice in the next two weeks that your child will not be bringing homework home regularly. We are spending time at school talking about homework and what my expectations are for it. Once students understand the importance and purpose of the homework, then I will start to send it home. 

Remember that our Open House is scheduled for this Friday August 23rd. It will start at 8:15 on the 4th floor.

I look forward to seeing you all on Friday!

Sincerely, 

Martin Reinsmoen

Dates and Reminders

• 21^th August (Wednesday)             E3 Activity Fair, 3:00 – 3:30, 4^th Floor
• 23rd August 8:15 Open House for 4th grade parents.
• Please remember to send a note or email if your child’s regular dismissal plans change.
• Please ensure your child brings a water bottle to school each day.