Thursday, October 28, 2010
Seymour Simon Was Here!
The author Seymour Simon was here today - talking to our students about science! Mr. Simon has written over 250 children's non-fiction books - all about science! He has a web site which I have enclosed - check it out!
Monday, October 25, 2010
Update for Oct. 26
Halloween is almost here! We will have a sign-up sheet outside of Room 17 (across from GLC) posted on our window - please sign up to donate healthy treats to our class party on Friday, Oct. 29! We also need several parent volunteers to join us at the party (parade will conclude at about 1:30 PM), to help set-up goodies and serve students. If you could come at lunch time (12:00 - 12:40) to help set up, that would also be great! Remember - if your child is bringing a costume for the parade, please have them bring it in a bag and then change into the costume after lunch.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Update for Oct. 22
It's been a busy week in Room 17! Here are some of the highlights:
* We are continuing to read "Island of the Blue Dolphins" as a class novel - students are writing summaries of the chapters and we are talking about the customs and rituals of the Native Americans who lived on the island!
* We have started practicing in three groups for "Readers' Theatre" - students will practice their lines for two weeks, and then give their "presentations" (with scripts) to third grade classrooms.
* We are concluding our science unit on "The Solid Earth" - this week we focused on erosion and weathering, and next week we will finish up with some great experiments!
* Halloween is coming! As usual, Dilworth will have a Halloween parade at 1 PM next Friday, Oct. 29 (weather permitting) - parents are invited in attend and take pictures. After the parade, we will have a party in Room 17 - I will place a "sign-up" list outside my classroom doors so that you can donate something for the party. We are placing a greater emphasis this year on "healthy treats" rather than candy - just a reminder that we ask that only "nut-free" items be donated.
* Students have been working hard in math, but we have been discussing some important ideas/concepts about "pre-tests". Most students see it as a "status sign" that they pass a pre-test and are able to work on an individual contract. Please remember that a pre-test is NOT graded, and it's only purpose is for me to see what students have not yet learned or mastered in the upcoming unit. I have seen a number of students become extremely "stressed out" about getting 90% correct on a pre-test. If I see this trend continuing, I will discontinue giving pre-tests and have every student participate in every lesson.
* And speaking of math.....I am embarrassed to tell you that the Unit 2 test (from our math curriculum) had a number of questions that were very vague (even for me!)and very inappropriate for 4th grade level students. Although the students were very disappointed, I did not give them back these tests because I felt that the test was not a good "indicator" of what they learned in this unit. I will instead give them some quizzes from each of the chapters covered which will be sent home in the next 2 weeks. Also, please make sure your child has mastered all multiplication/division facts through the "10's" - we are moving along rather quickly, and more complex multiplication problems are covered in Unit 3.
Have a good weekend - and remember that there is no school on Monday, Oct. 25!
* We are continuing to read "Island of the Blue Dolphins" as a class novel - students are writing summaries of the chapters and we are talking about the customs and rituals of the Native Americans who lived on the island!
* We have started practicing in three groups for "Readers' Theatre" - students will practice their lines for two weeks, and then give their "presentations" (with scripts) to third grade classrooms.
* We are concluding our science unit on "The Solid Earth" - this week we focused on erosion and weathering, and next week we will finish up with some great experiments!
* Halloween is coming! As usual, Dilworth will have a Halloween parade at 1 PM next Friday, Oct. 29 (weather permitting) - parents are invited in attend and take pictures. After the parade, we will have a party in Room 17 - I will place a "sign-up" list outside my classroom doors so that you can donate something for the party. We are placing a greater emphasis this year on "healthy treats" rather than candy - just a reminder that we ask that only "nut-free" items be donated.
* Students have been working hard in math, but we have been discussing some important ideas/concepts about "pre-tests". Most students see it as a "status sign" that they pass a pre-test and are able to work on an individual contract. Please remember that a pre-test is NOT graded, and it's only purpose is for me to see what students have not yet learned or mastered in the upcoming unit. I have seen a number of students become extremely "stressed out" about getting 90% correct on a pre-test. If I see this trend continuing, I will discontinue giving pre-tests and have every student participate in every lesson.
* And speaking of math.....I am embarrassed to tell you that the Unit 2 test (from our math curriculum) had a number of questions that were very vague (even for me!)and very inappropriate for 4th grade level students. Although the students were very disappointed, I did not give them back these tests because I felt that the test was not a good "indicator" of what they learned in this unit. I will instead give them some quizzes from each of the chapters covered which will be sent home in the next 2 weeks. Also, please make sure your child has mastered all multiplication/division facts through the "10's" - we are moving along rather quickly, and more complex multiplication problems are covered in Unit 3.
Have a good weekend - and remember that there is no school on Monday, Oct. 25!
Thursday, October 21, 2010
"A Race to Nowhere"
Last night, I joined a number of other educators and parents from the Cupertino community at Lynbrook High School to watch "A Race to Nowhere", an award winning documentary currently playing in theatres (locally, it is playing at Blue Light Theatres in Cupertino). I was stunned and humbled by the information that I learned in this documentary about the level of stress that many children experience during their academic school years, and the effect of that stress. As a teacher, I strongly encourage you to see this film if possible (appropriate for adults and middle/high school students).
Like me, I hope you will take away some information in this movie that might help you "re-think" the route to academic (and personal) success. The link to the movie trailer and web site is to the right. (By the way, this movie was filmed in the Bay Area).
Like me, I hope you will take away some information in this movie that might help you "re-think" the route to academic (and personal) success. The link to the movie trailer and web site is to the right. (By the way, this movie was filmed in the Bay Area).
Friday, October 15, 2010
Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences!
It was great to meet with parents and students over the past ten days for our annual conferences. I enjoyed getting to know all of you better, and learn more about the goals that you and your child have for this school year. There seemed to be some underlying themes that many parents were concerned about:
* How can I get my child to read more (or more challenging) books, and also read a greater variety of literature genres?
* My child does not enjoy (or has difficulty) with writing - how can we help?
It is quite common for children at the beginning of fourth grade to have difficulty making the "jump" to reading more (and more complex) chapter books. They are more likely to read what their friends are reading, and want to be involved in choosing their own books. Of course, the prevalence of the Internet, WII games, and other competing activities seem to have reduced the amount that children read. PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU ENCOURAGE YOUR CHILD'S READING HABITS and motivate them to become more interested in different genres of literature by taking them regularly to a nearby library. Starting next Monday, 10/18, they will bring home a nightly reading response log (Mon. - Thurs) and then turn it in on Friday. We have talked alot of reading response in this class, and I will continue to give them instructions for connecting to what they are reading and then writing down those ideas. I expect students to write at least ONE paragraph per night! This will be in addition to their regular homework.
If your child does not enjoy writing or has difficulty in coming up with ideas, it might be helpful for him/her to carry a "writing notebook" around to jot down ideas as they think of them. Depending on teacher-generated ideas does not always spark "inspiration" for them. When I teach writing, I just encourage them to "write it all down" before they try to revise and edit what they've written. Too many children are worried that a word is spelled wrong or the punctuation is incorrect. They should just WRITE and let their ideas flow! Many authors must revise their work up to fifty times before it is published!!
Just a reminder - first trimester report cards will be sent home Friday, Dec. 3, so they have lots of time to work on their goals over the next month and a half!
* How can I get my child to read more (or more challenging) books, and also read a greater variety of literature genres?
* My child does not enjoy (or has difficulty) with writing - how can we help?
It is quite common for children at the beginning of fourth grade to have difficulty making the "jump" to reading more (and more complex) chapter books. They are more likely to read what their friends are reading, and want to be involved in choosing their own books. Of course, the prevalence of the Internet, WII games, and other competing activities seem to have reduced the amount that children read. PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU ENCOURAGE YOUR CHILD'S READING HABITS and motivate them to become more interested in different genres of literature by taking them regularly to a nearby library. Starting next Monday, 10/18, they will bring home a nightly reading response log (Mon. - Thurs) and then turn it in on Friday. We have talked alot of reading response in this class, and I will continue to give them instructions for connecting to what they are reading and then writing down those ideas. I expect students to write at least ONE paragraph per night! This will be in addition to their regular homework.
If your child does not enjoy writing or has difficulty in coming up with ideas, it might be helpful for him/her to carry a "writing notebook" around to jot down ideas as they think of them. Depending on teacher-generated ideas does not always spark "inspiration" for them. When I teach writing, I just encourage them to "write it all down" before they try to revise and edit what they've written. Too many children are worried that a word is spelled wrong or the punctuation is incorrect. They should just WRITE and let their ideas flow! Many authors must revise their work up to fifty times before it is published!!
Just a reminder - first trimester report cards will be sent home Friday, Dec. 3, so they have lots of time to work on their goals over the next month and a half!
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Update for Oct. 11
It has been great to meet and talk to parents and students during our conferences about their goals for fourth grade! As conferences continue through the end of this week (Oct. 15), remember that all students are dismissed each day at 1:00. There are no math club, band, or chess club activities until the Week of Oct. 18! Our regular schedule will resume on Oct. 18.
Some further updates:
Homework Club will begin on Monday, Oct. 18 and will be held from 3:05 to 4:00 on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays after school. I sent home referrals in last week's Friday folder to students I thought might benefit from this program. If your child was referred, please complete the form and return it to school this week.
Sponsor Cards and collected money (including company matches) for WalkAround are due by Monday, 10/18. Our WalkAround awards assembly will be held later in November/early December.
Reminder: Please check the Dilworth Dispatch online (there is a link on my website)each week. There should be an orange card in your child's Friday folder to remind you. There is much important information contained in the Dispatch each week, so be sure to check it online each week if you don't receive a paper copy!
Please check the links on the right side of this web site, including upcoming assessments/events to help your child plan accordingly. There are also some good web links for math, science, and geography.
Some further updates:
Homework Club will begin on Monday, Oct. 18 and will be held from 3:05 to 4:00 on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays after school. I sent home referrals in last week's Friday folder to students I thought might benefit from this program. If your child was referred, please complete the form and return it to school this week.
Sponsor Cards and collected money (including company matches) for WalkAround are due by Monday, 10/18. Our WalkAround awards assembly will be held later in November/early December.
Reminder: Please check the Dilworth Dispatch online (there is a link on my website)each week. There should be an orange card in your child's Friday folder to remind you. There is much important information contained in the Dispatch each week, so be sure to check it online each week if you don't receive a paper copy!
Please check the links on the right side of this web site, including upcoming assessments/events to help your child plan accordingly. There are also some good web links for math, science, and geography.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
October 5 Update
Many thanks to all the Dilworth students and parents who came to WalkAround on Saturday and walked (or ran)all those laps! I personally walked 44 laps, and it was tough! Since a lap was equivalent to 1/6 a mile, that was over 7 miles! Of course, my laps and the laps "walked" by our class tree (57) also will count toward our class total!
Just a reminder: if you have NOT returned your parent feedback form for conferences, please do so by tomorrow! Conferences start this Thursday, Oct. 7!
Just a reminder: if you have NOT returned your parent feedback form for conferences, please do so by tomorrow! Conferences start this Thursday, Oct. 7!
Friday, October 1, 2010
Oct. 1 Update
The week has sped by quickly as our students anxiously await "WalkAround" tomorrow from 1 PM to 6 PM! Be sure to bring the following items with you:
* The bottom portion of the sponsor card signed by a parent!
* Lots of sunscreen and a hat!
* A water bottle (although we will also have free water available)
* Money for food, drinks, and other items!
See you there!
Remember that next Thursday is the beginning of parent/teacher conferences - I would like to remind you to return your parent feedback form by Oct. 4 if you have NOT already done so! Also, this year, PLEASE BRING YOUR CHILD WITH YOU TO THE CONFERENCE! They are now old enough to participate in their own goal-setting. School is dismissed at
1 PM EVERY DAY from Thurs., Oct. 7 through Friday, Oct. 15. Lunch time is shortened to 30 minutes. Questions?? Feel free to e-mail me!
We have finished our 6 week keyboarding practice in the Tech Lab - I will let you know at your child's conference how they did in keyboarding and if they need extra practice.
We just started reading our class novel "Island of the Blue Dolphins" - each student received their own book with their class number on the bottom. They may bring this book home occasionally - help them remember to return it each evening to their backpacks - lost books will result in a request to pay for cost of the book.
* The bottom portion of the sponsor card signed by a parent!
* Lots of sunscreen and a hat!
* A water bottle (although we will also have free water available)
* Money for food, drinks, and other items!
See you there!
Remember that next Thursday is the beginning of parent/teacher conferences - I would like to remind you to return your parent feedback form by Oct. 4 if you have NOT already done so! Also, this year, PLEASE BRING YOUR CHILD WITH YOU TO THE CONFERENCE! They are now old enough to participate in their own goal-setting. School is dismissed at
1 PM EVERY DAY from Thurs., Oct. 7 through Friday, Oct. 15. Lunch time is shortened to 30 minutes. Questions?? Feel free to e-mail me!
We have finished our 6 week keyboarding practice in the Tech Lab - I will let you know at your child's conference how they did in keyboarding and if they need extra practice.
We just started reading our class novel "Island of the Blue Dolphins" - each student received their own book with their class number on the bottom. They may bring this book home occasionally - help them remember to return it each evening to their backpacks - lost books will result in a request to pay for cost of the book.
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