The end of the month is upon us already. The students are all actively learning more and more every day. We have had a new round of writing and reading benchmarks. The math benchmark is next Wednesday, March 2nd. That is the last benchmark for the year, and Mrs. Burke will use the data to guide the final weeks of instructional practices centered around the math TEKS. There are so many new concepts taught in fourth grade math, it can seem a little overwhelming. The kids are working very hard.
Our fourth grade team of teachers will be meeting Wednesday after school to finalize the upcoming Westcave Preserves field trip. You'll probably remember you already paid for this trip in the fall when the funds were collected for the Goliad trip. AS SOON as I have the up-to-date information regarding the date, I will get that information to you, I promise.
Dr. Robinett asked me to analyze the writing data from the most recent benchmark. I looked at not only what types of revising and editing questions with which the kids are struggling, but also the way they format their own compositions. It was decided that from today through March 28, the five of our classes will put Texas History on hold so that we can double our efforts in writing instruction and review. A certified teacher, Kim Watts, is helping me with planning and instruction for the upcoming weeks so that the writing classes can be 90 minutes right now rather than 45. It gives us a lot more time to delve in and really hit the necessary areas that are giving students the most trouble. Mrs. Watts is focusing more on helping the students find errors in writing requiring revision and editing. I am focusing more on the actual written composition. We each meet with a class for 90 minutes for a week. The following week we will switch groups so that each of my 100+ students will reap the benefits of both types of instruction and review. This week I see Fanelli's class and Miller's class, and next week I'll see Burke's class and Ebert's class. I automatically see my own class every day, I just cut out the Texas History portion.
Please check the Upcoming Dates tab at the top of this page often. I will update it with any new information I receive.
Thanks for your time!