Further Clarification for this week!
I should not have attempted to double side a Spalding document that looks extremely similar on both sides. Going forward... They will receive 10 new words everyday, Monday-Wednesday, and take those 10 words home to study. The parent will dictate the word to the child, and the child will write the word on a separate piece of paper, markings and rules included. They will then fold the paper in half, and write on the second half of the paper for a second time. Finally, they will flip the paper over, and the parent will dictate the words for a third time. This should not take more than 10-15 minutes. On Thursday, they will receive a sheet of paper with all 30 words on it, and these will be their words for the weekly spelling test. The test will not be graded on markings, but they will help the student write the word come test time. On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday morning, I do not need the piece of paper back with the directs and spelling words on them. All I need back is a piece of line paper that shows they practiced each word, 3 times, with markings. This will determine their homework grade for spalding going forward. If you do not have wide rule paper at home, or lack the means of acquiring wide rule paper, we can send paper home with the student.
Also I would like to thank our parents who have volunteered thus far, I promise there is always work to be done to help our classroom. Parent involvement is always greatly appreciated.
For anyone concerned about the Pollyanna assessment tomorrow, if you think you're missing Vocabulary chapters 7 and 9, I promise you're not. We only have chapters 1-6, 8, 10-15.
Happy Studying!
Mr. Leonard
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Hello Again!
This week is very busy. We have Galileo testing Thursday and Friday afternoon, which is nothing your students have to study for, but just something that provides us with baseline information about where they need to improve and where they are already excelling.
In other news...
In Science we will be having a test on Wednesday on our Meteorology unit. This is our longest science unit of the year, and has taken us nearly the entire quarter. I promise we will have science tests more frequently going forward, so there is less information to study for each test. That being said, the study guide has a lot of information that we have reviewed the previous 3 days in class, and the test will reflect the materials that we have covered.
We will have a Pollyanna assessment this Thursday. Make sure they study their vocabulary words from chapters 1-15.
We have a Spalding quiz on Friday with only 30 words and 15 phonograms. We will be sending new sheets this week that have clear directions of how we want spelling words to work going forward.
In History we are continuing to learn about the Middle Ages and the split of the Roman Empire. Expect a quiz next week.
In Math we will have a test on Friday over order of operation, word problems, addition, subtraction, and multiplication. We will send review questions home that will be similarly formatted as the test itself.
I had a teacher come in to observe and she was amazed at how well behaved and orderly our class was. They really are an exceptional group of students and I consider myself blessed to have such a wonderful class.
Sincerely,
Mr. Leonard
This week is very busy. We have Galileo testing Thursday and Friday afternoon, which is nothing your students have to study for, but just something that provides us with baseline information about where they need to improve and where they are already excelling.
In other news...
In Science we will be having a test on Wednesday on our Meteorology unit. This is our longest science unit of the year, and has taken us nearly the entire quarter. I promise we will have science tests more frequently going forward, so there is less information to study for each test. That being said, the study guide has a lot of information that we have reviewed the previous 3 days in class, and the test will reflect the materials that we have covered.
We will have a Pollyanna assessment this Thursday. Make sure they study their vocabulary words from chapters 1-15.
We have a Spalding quiz on Friday with only 30 words and 15 phonograms. We will be sending new sheets this week that have clear directions of how we want spelling words to work going forward.
In History we are continuing to learn about the Middle Ages and the split of the Roman Empire. Expect a quiz next week.
In Math we will have a test on Friday over order of operation, word problems, addition, subtraction, and multiplication. We will send review questions home that will be similarly formatted as the test itself.
I had a teacher come in to observe and she was amazed at how well behaved and orderly our class was. They really are an exceptional group of students and I consider myself blessed to have such a wonderful class.
Sincerely,
Mr. Leonard
Monday, September 21, 2015
Hello Again!
It seems as though our first quarter is already flying by. The students wrapped up their Wizard of Oz assessment last week Thursday, and now that they have finished the book, we will begin our unit on Pollyanna. Please make sure they have the book on Monday. I know that Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, and Common Core are low on copies, so if you can find one with different pagination that will be acceptable.
In math they have been working on Order of Operation, and now we will begin addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of 4 digit numbers this week. They will be learning multiple methods to solve these problems, so even if you are familiar with the vertical algorithm that everyone learns in school, feel free to let your child break up and dissect their math problems in new ways this week. We will have a test on this next week Wednesday.
We are continuing to make progress with Spalding, and the students will be sent a new set of spelling words this week. We will be doing much of our writing in cursive this year, so make sure your students are working on their letter formation. The manuscript was very good at the start of the year, lets make sure they are diligent about practicing cursive as well. Moving forward, spelling tests will only be graded on proper spelling, not markings. I hope this is a relief to you, because it certainly is for me.
History we are beginning our unit on Medieval Europe. This is a fascinating time in World History and I can already tell your students are enjoying it very much. If we have time, we will get to read from the Old English version of Beowulf (Either Friday, or next week Monday).
In science we have continued with our Meteorology Unit, and have engaged in numerous fruitful conversations about weather, climate change, our responsibilities as thoughtful citizens, and reflecting on Mother Nature's most destructive storms. We will have our first assessment next Tuesday, with time to review over the weekend.
Until Next Time,
Mr. Leonard
It seems as though our first quarter is already flying by. The students wrapped up their Wizard of Oz assessment last week Thursday, and now that they have finished the book, we will begin our unit on Pollyanna. Please make sure they have the book on Monday. I know that Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, and Common Core are low on copies, so if you can find one with different pagination that will be acceptable.
In math they have been working on Order of Operation, and now we will begin addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of 4 digit numbers this week. They will be learning multiple methods to solve these problems, so even if you are familiar with the vertical algorithm that everyone learns in school, feel free to let your child break up and dissect their math problems in new ways this week. We will have a test on this next week Wednesday.
We are continuing to make progress with Spalding, and the students will be sent a new set of spelling words this week. We will be doing much of our writing in cursive this year, so make sure your students are working on their letter formation. The manuscript was very good at the start of the year, lets make sure they are diligent about practicing cursive as well. Moving forward, spelling tests will only be graded on proper spelling, not markings. I hope this is a relief to you, because it certainly is for me.
History we are beginning our unit on Medieval Europe. This is a fascinating time in World History and I can already tell your students are enjoying it very much. If we have time, we will get to read from the Old English version of Beowulf (Either Friday, or next week Monday).
In science we have continued with our Meteorology Unit, and have engaged in numerous fruitful conversations about weather, climate change, our responsibilities as thoughtful citizens, and reflecting on Mother Nature's most destructive storms. We will have our first assessment next Tuesday, with time to review over the weekend.
Until Next Time,
Mr. Leonard
Thursday, August 6, 2015
Some Helpful Links!
Birthday Policy
Spalding Resources
Phonogram Videos
E-Books for Young Kids
Free Audio Books
Tips for Reading With Your Primary Age Child
Singapore Math Bar Model Strategy
Singapore Math Supplementals Resource
Math Games Online
Developing Study Habits
Classic Book Recommendations for
Children
Suggested Reading for 5th
grade-middle school
Leveled Readers Book Lists
Homework Policies
Fourth Grade at Arete
States and Capitals Review Game
Children’s Online Dictionary
About Me
I am originally from Michigan, growing up on the shores of Lake Michigan in a small town called Holland. I was educated at the University of Notre Dame where I majored in Liberal Studies and received a minor in Energy Studies. This is my first year within the Great Hearts network. Prior to joining Great Hearts I worked as the Citizen Outreach Director for a national nonprofit organization and managed the Chicago offices. I enjoy hiking, golfing, and yoga. The picture above was taken at the Lily Ponds of Lincoln Park, one of my favorite places to read on a summery Sunday evening.
First Blog Posting!
Dear Fourth Grade Families,
Welcome to Room 210! As we launch into a great year here at Archway Lincoln, we also launch or blogs to keep you informed and up to date on everything going on in your student's classroom.
Here on this blog you will find our weekly newsletter, pictures of class activities from all 4th grade classes, and remain informed on your student's experience. We'll also provide links to helpful tools that you and your child can use at home. Although this blog will have weekly reminders for study guides, tests, vocabulary words, and other essentials, I will not be posting the weekly homework assignments. Those will be recorded daily in your child's agenda so that they can be accountable and begin to develop those habits which will serve them later in life. I will occasionally post about classroom wish list items, and volunteer opportunities as well. Because this is the first year of our school we know that mistakes will be made and best practices developed. We ask for your patience in this process, as everything we do is in the best interest of your child. We have a phenomenal leadership team and a staff dedicated to giving your child the best education possible. I promise your child will have an amazing year!
If you want to follow this blog via email, please click the subscribe button below. If you do not receive this post in your email, please make sure to check your email/spam for the subscription verification email. You will need to click on the link in the email to start getting blog posts sent regularly to your inbox.
Thank you!
Dear Fourth Grade Families,
Welcome to Room 210! As we launch into a great year here at Archway Lincoln, we also launch or blogs to keep you informed and up to date on everything going on in your student's classroom.
Here on this blog you will find our weekly newsletter, pictures of class activities from all 4th grade classes, and remain informed on your student's experience. We'll also provide links to helpful tools that you and your child can use at home. Although this blog will have weekly reminders for study guides, tests, vocabulary words, and other essentials, I will not be posting the weekly homework assignments. Those will be recorded daily in your child's agenda so that they can be accountable and begin to develop those habits which will serve them later in life. I will occasionally post about classroom wish list items, and volunteer opportunities as well. Because this is the first year of our school we know that mistakes will be made and best practices developed. We ask for your patience in this process, as everything we do is in the best interest of your child. We have a phenomenal leadership team and a staff dedicated to giving your child the best education possible. I promise your child will have an amazing year!
If you want to follow this blog via email, please click the subscribe button below. If you do not receive this post in your email, please make sure to check your email/spam for the subscription verification email. You will need to click on the link in the email to start getting blog posts sent regularly to your inbox.
Thank you!
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