Eldridge’s Extraordinary Stars
Shining Star Newsletter
Our classroom newsletter, SHINING STARprovides valuable information about "what's up" in our classroom. It is intended to be a springboard for conversation with parents and students about our week. It features upcoming events, reminders, projects, books and other information to keep you informed about your child's learning experience.
September 18, 2017
We are now at the midpoint of the first quarter. We are excited to share that we continue to transition to fourth grade and its expectations. Being a fourth grader can be uncomfortable at times. It is a year of growth – personally, socially, and academically. What worked well in previous grade levels, is not working as well this year. Students take more responsibility for themselves and their learning this year. This transition can be difficult for parents as well. Please be patience as we move forward in this endeavor. I know it is hard to watch your child work through learning new expectations and routines. Just know my students are successful, caring, and confident in what they accomplish this year. I am very proud of my studentsand their successes.
Mid quarter reports are being sent home on Monday, September 18. This report reflects your child’s grades for the first five weeks of first quarter. Please review the report with your child, complete the signature sheet and return signature sheet to school. Students do not have science grades to date. We have focused on Social Studies with the regions of the United States.
In Communication Arts,we are beginning a new book this week,Sammy Keyes and the Hotel Thief. In our classroom, we create literature folders filled with student created assignments. Assignments are given as we progress with the book. At the end of ourbooks, the literature folder is due. Students are enjoying our books – ask your child about reading in our classroom. Students have read two full books, completed two literature folders, and taken AR quizzes for our books. All students should be at 50% of their AR goals.
In lieu of book reports this year, students are creating book projects. Our first project was a Missing Person – Biography book. Students received their project sheet for a nonfiction science book. Students will be creating a flip fact book. These projects are due Friday, September 22. Everyone will present their project prior to it being displayed in our classroom.
Our communication arts concepts and skills we are learning:
WritingPersonal NarrativePoetryPersonal LetterJournal
Comprehension
Problem/Solution
Main Idea/Details
Analyze Character
Character, Setting, Plot
Grammar
Sentences – Types, components of,
purposeful use
For Spelling, we integrate words, skills, and concepts from our Treasures reading series and the literature we read in class. Students receive a packet each Thursday and its due on the following Thursday. Our spelling tests are on Thursday as well. Students are getting into their routines with the packets. I prompt students to complete five definitions a day to spread the work over four days of time. Also, students need to be following the instructions for each activity in the packet.
In Math, we beginlearning about the following math concepts, skills, and strategies:
Language of Mathematics
Place Value – Chart, Words, Values of
Digits
Forms – Number, Word, Expanded, Short
Word, Ordinal Numbers
Review Addition/Subtraction – Multiple
digits and use decimals
Fact Families – Multiplication/Division, Basic
Facts, Timed Tests
Properties – Associative, Distributive,
Commutative
Measurement Review – Time, Length,
Weight, Day-Week-Month-Year
Compare Expressions - < , > , =
Graphing – Data
Students need to practice basic multiplication and division fact families. FastMath, Study Island, GoMath activities, and online resources will support the concepts we learn in class. Practice makes perfect and we practice a lot!
The first units in our math series are difficult. Students learn how to think and process concepts utilizing skills and strategies that are being taught in class. This program is not like the one you grew up learning. Students did well on the first unit assessment. We are working with the multiplication process – including estimation of products for our second unit.
Social Studies
Our first unit was Geography –Students worked cooperatively in a small group to complete the U.S. Regions project this past week. They presented their projects to the class. We have the projects displayed in our classroom.
Science
In Science, our first unit is our Earth’s layers. This unit integrates very well with geography. We will begin the unit once we complete our geography unit in Social Studies. Students will learn about the Earth’s layers, tectonic plates, and landforms. Students will create a brochure to demonstrate their knowledge. The brochures will be presented to our class.
Study Island
Students work on Study Island at centers and at home. Your child can access Study Island from any internet source – ipads, too. Students may use game mode at home. We use test mode at school. Students will have assignments and assessments to complete throughout our school year. This program aligns with our state requirements for learning. Students will need to click on the lesson and read the information before starting the activity. Study Island is part of each student’s grade in our classroom.
Throughout the school year, you will receive ongoingcommunication from me. If you have comments, concerns or other information that will assist me in working with your child and family, please contact me. You may send a written note or an email. Email is probably the most efficient way to contact me. Your support, patience, and cooperation make a difference in your child’s success.
Ms. Eldridge
Please bookmark this website on your home computer. It includes the online learning links we use in our classroom.
Upcoming Events
September 2017
9/15Mid Quarter 1st Quarter
9/18Mid Quarter Reports sent Home
9/29 Father/Daughter Dance
October 2017
10/11Picture Retake
10/13End of 1st Quarter
10/25Trunk and Treat
10/26Conferences – NO School
10/27NO School
10/31Halloween Party
In our classroom, we choose to make our day positive, productive and fun!