I hope everyone enjoyed the 3 day weekend. It's always nice to catch up on a few extra hours of rest and relaxation with the family.
Last week in Language Arts we continued practicing Reading is Thinking skills through my read aloud, Search for the Shadowman, by Joan Lowery Nixon. The students are really hooked on this mystery and enjoying predicting what will happen next. In addition, I've completed some fourth grade baseline testing to get an idea of each student's reading level, spelling skills, and understanding of 4th grade TEKS in revising and editing. None of these assessments included in your child's average in language arts. The scores are just for me as I continue to plan for your child's lessons this year. I think it's important to take data on the kids so that I can see their progress and better determine the areas that need more attention. This week, I will begin to take grades on LA assignments and Social Studies assignments. One LA assignment is understanding the reasons people write. (Persuade, Inform, Entertain, and Express). Students are making a mini poster in class Tuesday that will need to be completed for homework. Here is a picture of the notes we took today in case anyone needs them at home.
In Social Studies this week we are finishing up our understanding of where in the world Texas is located (hemispheres, continents, bordering states and bodies of water.) This week we begin to see what draws people to Texas and how different regions offer a variety of animals, vegetation, and climate. We've tied in our read aloud as well.
The students have completed the covers of their writing journals that we will use in class. One of my classroom moms helped me cover them all. I will keep the journals in my classroom, but you are always welcome to make an appointment and come see them.
Thank you for all of your support as we are getting deeper into our studies this year. We are truly a learning community.