Ms. Reeves

Getting Into the Groove

With our third week of school almost completed, the title reflects precisely what we are doing in class.  With our class routine down pat, the students know what to expect and when.  I find little things still require tweaking, but we are working on it!  I have truly enjoyed the past three weeks and the children that I spend everyday with.

Our first student of the week was awarded last week.  Each week, a student who displays exceptional behavior and an overall good attitude will be awarded this honor.  I have no doubt that each student in my class will win this title.

We have begun our centers routine and guided reading groups in language arts.  Please ask your child about what they are learning and reading about.  We completed our first writing assignment in which the students had to write about themselves.  In science, we have been exploring stars and their characteristics.  We even researched some common constellations and recreated them-marshmellow style.  Math class has been focusing on place value and the students have been getting a taste of what middle school is like because many of them change classes for math and have the fortunate experience of interacting with another fabulous fourth grade teacher. 

A goal I have for my students is to become more efficient at being and staying organized.  I ask that they have their agenda signed each night so that you can be aware of what homework they have been assigned and whether they have completed it.  Even if your child has no homework, please encourage them to spend at least twenty minutes reading.  Also, there are six folders and two notebooks that I have asked the students to have at school for various subjects.  These folders and notebooks will hopefully aid in keeping the students organized and avoid having desks with papers stuffed and  kids with lost assignments.  I am asking for your assistance in this if your child does not yet have folders or notebooks.

Please feel free to post comments or concerns.  You can also email me directly with any questions that you have.  Have a safe and great holiday weekend.

Welcome to 4th grade

Hello and welcome to fourth grade!  This has been a fast and at times, hectic week.  I, along with all of the students have had to get back into the groove of school life and I think we are finally getting into the swing of things.  Our school theme is "Dive Into Learning," and we have definitely began our journey! I just want to take a minute of your time to welcome you into my classroom and share some information that I hope you will find helpful as the year progresses.

Behavior plan

I have two separate behavior plans in my classroom.  The first plan I call "The Double A Cards."  Each child has five cards above their name.  On the first day of school, we discussed what we considered appropriate and inappropriate behavior and established our class rules.  When someone breaks a class rule or exhibits behavior that is known to be inappropriate, then a card is removed.  Each Friday, the fourth grade team participates in "Activity Afternoon."  In order to participate in "AA," then a student must have at least one card left by his name by Friday afternoon.  If not, then we hold study hall where they will do independent work.

The second plan incoporates "B.R.A.G Tickets."  This stands for "Been Really Acting Good."  Whenever I see a student "BRAGging," then I give them a ticket and they put in the B.R.A.G. box.  At the end of each day, a name is drawn from the box and that student picks out a treat.  This is designed to really appreciate and draw attention to great behavior rather than always focusing on inappropriate behavior.

Academics

Our fourth graders have a wealth of knowledge to uncover this year.  The first nine weeks will include the following topics in each subject:

Reading and Writing: Narrative reading and writing

Science: Earth, Stars, and  Solar System

Social Studies: Map Skills                              

Math: Place value and multiplication and division

For science and social studies, my class will be switching with Ms. Drom's class on a weekly basis.  I will teach both classes science and she will be the Social Studies teacher.  For math, we will be math compacting.  This will provide our students with more differentiated instruction to ensure that they are successful throughout the year.  Our language arts class will be broken into two segments.  The Reading segment will include learning centers that students will rotate between and the Writing segment will focus on developing proficient, creative young writers.

Miscellaneous

It is imperative that each student has a folder for each of her classes along with a media center folder.  I have also asked that they have dry erase markers.  We do much of our practice and learning work writing with the markers on our desk.  The kids really enjoy it!  Each day, we write any homework in our agendas and it needs to be signed each night.  This helps the students become organized learners and it helps you to know what homework they may or may not have.

I do allow 10 minutes for snack time.  This gives the students a small break and curbs any hunger pangs that may occur. The students are allowed and strongly encouraged to bring a water bottle with them to school.  This eliminates the students constantly asking to go out and get water.  I give the students three bathroom breaks spaced throughout the day to again reduce the amount of time and students who leave the room and lose out on instruction.

I am sure that you may have questions about what is occurring during your child's school day.  Please feel free to respond with any questions.  A weekly blog will be posted to keep you in the know about what is going on.  I look forward to working with you to ensure your child has a wonderfully awesome year!

Welcome

My name is Mrs. Morrissey.