1.2 Weekly Happenings

What a wonderful 1st week we had in 4th grade!  This week heightens our learning and expectations as we dive into our lessons.  As the school year progresses, you are more than welcomed to visit our class blog to stay up-to-date with our class happenings.  Our class blog will be updated weekly and as events arise.  Please feel free to post comments which may also be shared with our students and teachers. 

Loot for Lanca$ter

Write All About It!

     During the past few weeks, our students have consistently worked very hard to prepare for this week's Writing tests.  I am so proud of them!  Last week, we published our last expository essay for our Writing Buddies, and we are ready to put our knowledge and strategies into action. 
     On Tuesday and Wednesday of this week, our class will take the Writing STAAR tests.  I encourage each student to get a good night's rest, eat a fulfulling breakfast at home or school, and clothe themselves with comfortable attire on test day.  In addition, I want the students to remain focus with the least amount of distractions.  Therefore, please leave all electronic devices such as cell phones and digital watches at home on testing days.  Also, students will not have to bring their backpacks to school on Tuesday and Wednesday. 

     Lastly, continue to motivate and praise your child.  There is no need to possess test anxiety.  We are ready!  We know what to expect and how to approach it! 
     On Wednesday morning, as your eyelids rise say hello to the sun's rays, lift the corners of your lips, and say to yourself, "Today is the day I get to share my knowledge with the state of Texas!"

Way To Go, Kiddos!

Spring into Learning!

This week will end the winter season for the district, but it will bring us one step closer to our big day!  It's so hard to believe we have only 3 weeks until our STAAR writing tests.  Our 4th graders have been very busy attending Writing University, exploring, and "getting it done".  I would like to thank you for working with the Elliott Family as we prepare our students to share their learning. 

We know our learning is infinite!  Below you will peek into what's taking place inside our classrooms: 

• Mathematics: The Metric System
• Science: The Water Cycle
• Writing: The Publishing of a Personal Narrative
• Word Study: Homophones
• Reading:  Using Metacognitive Strategies to Demonstrate Comprehension and Fluency

In addition, all students are expected to continue learning at home by completing their homework assignments.  Daily expectations include, but are not limited to, practicing multiplication facts, reading for at least 30 minutes, and completing writing assignments.  This week writing expectations are as follows:

• Monday - Fill in the circle map with details that matter
• Tuesday - Complete a 4 rough draft that includes an introduction, 2 body paragraphs, and a conclusion
• Wednesday - Revise and edit the rough draft

Students will publish their narratives in class, so they must complete any unfinished writing at home. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please make any posts, email, or call the school at your earliest convenience.  I am here to help!

Nacho Average Fundraiser!

Hello Elliott Family!  On Thursday, March 1, 2012, we will hold our annual Open House.  Please visit us to get a first hand glimpse of all the learning taking place throughout the halls of Elliott Elementary.  In addition, the 4th grade team will hold a fundraiser.  The fundraiser will include food items for sale from nachos to beverages.  

With the facilitation of the fundraiser, your help is gladly welcomed.  If you would like to volunteer in any way with our fundraiser, please contact me.  Your help is highly appreciative! 

This week our class will learn so much inside the classroom, but the learning continues at home via homework.  Please make sure your student completes their homework in preparation for the next school day.  Every night your child should be studying their multiplication facts and reading at least 30 minutes. 

Sweets for Our Sweeties!

Thank you for the gifts! 

How sweet it is to learn!  This week we will celebrate our learning by taking the STAAR Release Writing test.  The test will take place over a 2 day period, and students will write an expository essay and a narrative. In addition, students will have to revise and edit a passage to demonstrate their comprehension of grammar.  Have no fear!  We have attended Writing University over the past few weeks, and we expect to do our best! 

This week also incorporates the following concepts:

• Writing - Publishing of an Expository Essay - A Leader in My Life
• Reading - Poetry Elements
• Science - Representing Weather Patterns
• Math - Customary Units of Weight

Kindness Party

On Friday, our annual Kindness Party took place.  It was success!  Our 4th grade class would like to thank all of the parents that took part in making sure our party was memorable.  From organizing the party to cleaning up, our parent volunteers took great care of the kiddos.  I love how we are a great demonstration of how "it takes a village to raise a child". 

What's the Buzz?

  This week in room 402 we are exploring the following concepts:

• Social Studies - The Texas Revolution
• Writing - Publishing of a Narrative Story
• Grammar - Sentence Structure
• Spelling - Emotional Words
• Math - Measurement
• Reading - Researching to Increase our Knowledge
• Science - Natural Resources 

Our days are filled with unlimited activities.  Your child will continue to learn outside the classroom with homework completion.  Each student must read for a minimum of 30 minutes each day, study their math facts, and complete any parts of their narratives.  To enhance your child's spelling, please log on to "Spelling City" to participate in specific learning activities catered to our spelling list.  You are more than welcome to explore any of our past spelling lists. 

My door is always open, so please reach out when needed.  I am here to help!

Write All About It!

This week our 4th graders will be attending their first session of Writing University.  Writing University is a class designed to meet the writing needs of your 4th grader.  They will have a chance to publish stories and discover ways to make them juicer and interesting.  In addition, your child was assigned a writing buddy to gain more insight of becoming a better author. 

Your child will follow the writing process while composing narratives and expository essays.  Each week your student will have to publish a story or essay to present to their writing buddy.  Thereafter, their buddy will read and provide suggestions of how to successfully improve their grade.  Your student will need a high level of praise and support throughout the upcoming weeks.  Most of their homework will be to complete several elements of their stories or essays.  Please join us as we prepare them for college and beyond.  If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me.  I am here to help!

We're Going to College!

The 4th grade teachers are so honored to announce our annual field trip.  We are headed to Austin, Texas on Thursday, May 24, 2012 to visit the State Capitol, the University of Texas, and the Bob Bullock Museum.  Parents are welcomed to attend! 

An informational handout was sent home on Friday with your child. Please read over it very carefully because space is limited.  More information will be sent at a later date complemented with an informational meeting.  You can go ahead and get the ball rolling by completing a Background Check form and letting me know if you would love to attend. 

What's the Buzz

     This week in room 402 we are exploring the following concepts:

• Social Studies - Trouble Brewing in Texas Colonies
• Writing - Publishing an Expository Paragraph
• Grammar - Commas
• Spelling - Plurals
• Math - Equivalent Fractions
• Reading - Exploring types of Expository Texts
• Science - Changes in the Face of the Earth (Erosion)

Our days are filled with unlimited activities.  Your child will continue to learn outside the classroom with homework completion.  Each student must read for a minimum of 30 minutes each day, study their math facts, complete a science probe, and practice their spelling activities.  To enhance your child's spelling, please log on to "Spelling City" to participate in specific learning activities catered to our spelling list. 

My door is always open, so please reach out when needed.  I am here to help!

A Knowledgeable New Year

     Every year, we establish goals and create new year resolutions.  This year, I encourage you to include your child in the resolution adapting process.  Help them to create short term goals and outcomes they can experience overtime. 
     One of these resolutions may include upholding the "No Excuses" philosophy and doing their very best to make their dreams a reality.  A goal can be as simple as making a schedule to help them organize their daily activities and contributions.  This can include afterschool tutoring, homework completion, and gathering materials and supplies for the next day.  Overtime, your child will see a change in their habits in regards to being responsible combined with relaxation and rewards. 
     Nothing is more pleasing than knowing you are prepared for the unexpected.  If you wake up late the next morning, time will not be spent on finding a backpack or looking for a favorite jacket. 
     In due time, your student will see how important it is to be prepared a proactive spirit.  As you both reflect back on the goals, contentment and a sense of pride will fill your spirit because you were successful.  Therefore, goals must be attainable with the ability for the student to do them independently.  In closing, resolve the wanted with a plan of action, committment, and a tangible and affective outcome. 

     Cada año, establecer metas y crear las resoluciones de año nuevo. Este año, le animo a incluir a su hijo en el proceso de adaptación de la resolución. Ayuda a crear metas a corto plazo y los resultados que puedan experimentar las horas extraordinarias.

      Una de estas resoluciones pueden incluir la defensa de los "sin excusas" la filosofía y haciendo su mejor esfuerzo para hacer realidad sus sueños. Una meta puede ser tan simple como hacer un programa para ayudarles a organizar sus actividades diarias y las contribuciones. Esto puede incluir la tutoría después de clases, completar las tareas, y los materiales de recogida y suministros para el día siguiente. Horas extras, su hijo verá un cambio en sus hábitos en cuanto a la responsabilidad que se combinan con la relajación y las recompensas.

      No hay nada más agradable que saber que está preparado para lo inesperado. Si te despiertas a la mañana siguiente, el tiempo no se gasta en la búsqueda de una mochila o en busca de una chaqueta favorita.

      A su debido tiempo, el estudiante verá lo importante que es estar preparado con un espíritu proactivo. A medida que tanto reflexionar sobre los objetivos, satisfacción y un sentido de orgullo que llenarán tu espíritu, ya que fueron un éxito. Por lo tanto, los objetivos deben ser alcanzables con la capacidad del estudiante para hacer de manera independiente. Para terminar, resolver la quería con un plan de acción, el compromiso, y un resultado tangible y afectivo.