Next week we break into February. That means we are coming up on the mid 9 weeks mark. This is good news. There's still plenty of time for students to get in missing work, bring up grades on failing assignments, and maybe even do the extension project on this webpage that I updated last week. If done well, it will replace the lowest S.S. and Writing grade, since it is writing intensive.
Is your child having a hard time bouncing back from the winter break? It usually takes 2-3 weeks for some kiddos to get back into full swing. By this week they should be showing signs of returning to the children you remember from December. Do keep in mind, the expectation level rises with each new nine weeks period, as does the rigor in overall academics. Fourth grade has always been the biggest transition year for kids. They have to learn to become independent and responsible for their own learning to an extent, but this doesn't happen without trials and tribulations. Just be a safe landing place and a cheerleader for what your child is doing well and encourage him/her to work on areas that are weaker. With time, effort, and lots of support, those grades can perk back up.
Next week we have two days of benchmark writing. (yay). This will take place on Wednesday and Thursday (Feb. 4 and 5). Monday and Tuesday will be review days to help the students feel comfortable and confident on those days. These are just a tool to help us see what areas are still needing work. While I do not count the benchmark score as a grade, I WILL give students a grade on whether or not they show the steps of the writing process in their booklets. I'll be expecting to see brainstorming, graphic organizer showing their writing plan, a rough draft, evidence of revising and editing on the rough draft, and then the final copy. This means, even if the benchmark score for writing is low, your child can make a 100 just for following the steps EVERY fourth grader should know by now. :)
Poetry collections were due today. We have started to share with the classes our favorite poem. There are some very creative and clever poets in fourth grade! Thank you for overseeing any finishing touches at home this week.
In Social Studies, Texas is under Mexican rule, and Santa Anna has just taken control of the government. While the Texans appreciated him at first, they are quickly seeing that he is not a trustworthy leader. Tensions are high in Texas as immigration laws keep going into effect and then taken away. Stephen F. Austin is leading the way with his colony, and other colonies in Texas are emerging. The kids are ready to find out what happens next!
Conference forms and sign up sheets went home with my homeroom today. If you haven't seen your child's conference forms yet, his/her homeroom teacher is likely sending them very soon, so no worries!
Have a wonderful weekend and a smooth jump into February!