Ending Theme Unit

The reading comprehension test grades have been posted. Here's what I have done. Usually these tests are counted as a primary grade (60% weight), however I have taken into consideration that this is their first exposure to fourth grade testing. I have therefor counted it as a secondary grade (40% weight). Students are adjusting to identifying key words in questions which is extremely important to understanding what is being asked to answer. Please check your child's agenda as I have stapled tests to be signed that were not passing grades or low grades. I have made small notes on the tests.

Monday there will be a theme quiz. The quiz will consist of short passages and a theme vocabulary word bank. Only one answer is accepted so the students must read carefully and pay attention to the details to identify the correct theme. Please remind your child to identify key details as they read.
We will continue practicing through out the week and take the final assessment on Friday. To help them prepare, students should have their journals to be reviewing theme vocabulary and reviewing previous reading passages.

Change in plans! We are going to have vocabulary for the next two weeks. After looking at the calendar, we have decided this inorder to get the unit covered before the September break. Can't believe it's almost here!  Each day, Monday -Wednesday, the students will make 4 flashcards in class. They will bring these home to study. I also give them the opportunity to practice with a partner after morning work and during Daily 5. They quiz each other on spelling, definition, and synonyms & antonyms. This unit also includes application of context clues and character traits.

Writing is beginning to pick up. Students have completed their planning sheets and have begun expanding their ideas into paragraphs. As they do so, I have revisited hooks and transition words that are applicable to narrative writing. I also provide feedback on how they are developing and what may need improvement.
Here's a suggestion to help your child develop creativity in their ideas. Start creating a story (verbally) with them. You begin it one night for about 10 minutes. The next night, have them add on to the story. The following night is your turn again and so on. Have it be about an alien, monster, princess, knight, or something of this sort. This will give you the opportunity to interact with your child, give them guidance, and get a picture of their development. Have fun with this and don't make it seem like work for them 😃.

Our room moms, Mrs. Zoladz and Mrs. Duke , request that you sign up for PTA if you haven't yet done so. We're missing about 13 parents. On Monday, they will be sending home some information so please look for it in your child's Gator notebook.

                             Hope to see you at the Fall Carnival!!