How to Survive Fourth Grade (& Other Stuff)
August 23, 2018
Warmest Greetings & Welcome to Fourth Grade!
Are you ready for the new school year? I am, and you better get yourselves ready too because, conservatively speaking, there are hundreds of things that I want to do with the children during the year, and we launch into the program almost immediately. The Curriculum is interesting and very challenging in fourth grade, and you will thrill in watching your child develop new maturity and independence as the year progresses. I will also do everything in my power to provide experiences that encourage students to perform at their highest potential by serving up the lessons with enough spice to make them interesting and self-motivational. I hope that you and your child look forward to-- and enjoy -- the coming year. Ready or not... here we go!
Room 34 is a busy place. If you walk in, you might see a traditional lesson in a formal setting. Five minutes later, you may see students sprawled on the floor-- reading from books, working on compositions, or teaming together to figure out a problem they've been given. I like a well-managed room and have high expectations for the children. Students are expected to stay on task, even in loosely organized settings. Alternate settings will be provided for those who have trouble with a particular learning environment ... we all learn differently and those needs will be respected. The room environment fosters compassion, respect, and dignity for all.
Room 34 is open to those interested in the learning process. If you would like to visit, you are welcome... however, I ask that you notify me at least one day in advance to arrange for a timely entrance. Disruption to the regular routine must be kept at a minimum. If you enjoy being a scheduled volunteer, I'll talk about volunteering in the classroom on Back to School Night. There are many opportunities, and the whole class will benefit from each and every volunteer minute you can provide.
Back to School Night (3, 4, & 5) is Thursday, September 6th @ 6:00-7:00.
Please make every effort to be at Back to School Night… It's the best time for me to explain my philosophies, teaching strategies, homework policies, and numerous other bits and pieces that help us all make it through the year with the greatest of ease.
Snacks??? Yes!!
Children think and respond to harder tasks better after a nutritious snack or meal, so I hope they have something to eat during the morning recess. A little snack eaten during afternoon recess does an amazing job at rejuvenating the spirits too.
Ways you can help your child at home
1. Please don't let your child have more than two hours of screen-time a day ... less is better. Some computer games are just as bad as TV and should be kept to a minimum. To relieve boredom, make interesting books available and/or provide paper to draw on or to fold. Remember... boredom brings on creativity. Children should be learning (yes, this is a skill) how to entertain themselves. Give them the tools, but don't feel you need to figure out what your child wants to do. Please realize and understand... it is not so terrible to let children simply sit and think. Now-days, we sometimes feel that we are not doing our duty as parents if the child is just sitting. But notice! They are rarely just sitting. Pretty soon an interest will be sparked by dust dancing in a sunbeam or in a spider making a web.
We all need time to think, time to notice, time to relax.
2. Read to your children… they are never too old. Storybooks are great, but so are newspapers and magazines! It can be as casual as reading the comics together, or you can read a headline that sparks a discussion. Your children will be proud to be a part of your conversation and to have their opinion valued. Please relax and read together - the payoff is incredible!
3. Regarding homework assignments ... generally, you do not need to sit down with your child. You do need to provide your child with the space and quiet time to successfully complete the homework-- and assist them when necessary. Generally, “homework” is work that your child couldn’t complete in class. Children will sometimes generate their own homework. I will talk to you about homework on Back To School Night (9/6/18). I try, very hard, to limit the amount of work that goes home.
Note: Homework is important, but it must not get in the way of socialization, sleep, prior commitments, or your family's sanity. A simple note that the homework is unfinished will do, although the work still needs to be finished in a timely manner. Keep the line of communication open if you find that the assigned work is often overwhelming and needs to be modified.
4. I encourage parents to check over their child's work. This provides special one-on-one instruction when needed. Don't do the work for them.... a bit of a struggle is good for everyone (although this is sometimes more stressful for the parent than the child). I will modify assignments to match needs if necessary. Please keep the line of communication open.
5. NEVER make your child feel "bad" for not knowing or understanding something. Take a deep breath and try to help them over that bump. Feeling "stupid" slows a child down ... it never speeds them up.
Home Stuff ...
In the next few weeks I’ll be handing out two copies of “Brewbaker’s Words That You May Not Misspell”. Please keep a copy easily accessible when your child is working on something at home. A Thesaurus is good to have also, although less important during the first half of the year. Other necessary supplies for home are: Pencils, Paper (white, wide ruled binder paper & plain white ‘typing’ paper), Glue, Scissors, & Crayons. If you need help in obtaining these, contact me and I will gladly supply you. Please make sure that all homework is done on regular sized, white, lined paper, or on special paper that I might send home. If you have pulled paper from a spiral notebook, neatly cut the fluff off before turning in.
Subjects
Language Arts-- Reading and Writing
I use multiple methods to teach Reading and Writing. I try to get in at least two of the following every day. Here is a brief run-through of my program.
1) Through Core Literature & Poetry, your child experiences rich language and substantive content. Readability and Comprehension levels are usually high and difficult, so learning is guided through special questions, vocabulary discussions, choral readings, etc. Children are encouraged to transfer newly gained "insights" into their compositional writing. I hope that you enjoy, as much as I do, your child's essays and stories resulting from being exposed to quality poems, plays, essays, and stories.
2) Science and Social Studies materials are used for Basic Reading skill development (reading for facts and detail, skim reading, note taking, sequencing, etc.). "Barnell Loft" Specific Skill Booklets, built on short, informational passages are also used in class. These booklets have controlled vocabulary and distinct reading levels. Students are given books at their personal "instruction level" --the level they read and comprehend at approximately 90% accuracy.
3) For Reading Fluency, children "partner read" with a similarly leveled student. Self-selected books are chosen for "ease of reading and interest." Partner Reading provides practice in proper phrasing, expression, and fluid oral reading. Students also have a chance to read for specific “devices” that authors use (techniques and styles of writing). Children read at their "independent level"... where they don't need much help --except perhaps with vocabulary. We have a fairly large selection of books with multiple copies of most. It is my hope that children read many, many books by year's end. When reading-- "More is Better."
Math
The district has adopted Houghton Mifflin's new Math Expressions. I’ve taught this series for several years, and I can honestly say that it is the best math curriculum I have ever used. The new Common Core Standards encourage deep understanding of math and will keep the children on their toes. As the year progresses, I will insert supplemental units of math to fill in a few corners. Children will also be utilizing a computer program called Dream Box. I will explain this further on Back to School Night.
Science
Hands on Science will be taught to the max! …Science is so fun, and they’ll be learning lots and lots, especially, how to question. If there is a subject that is candy to me, it's Science.
Spelling, Grammar, & Vocabulary
I have high expectations for spelling in regular written work. Each student will receive (in the next week) a list of ~1000 words that they should try not to misspell. Children are encouraged to keep this list handy both at school and home. Misspelling of these words in daily writing will affect their spelling grade.
Social Studies
We dive into Social Studies and Geography quickly. The Fourth Grade focus is California, and you will see this reflected in some of the projects we do along with field trips that we take throughout the year.
Enrichment Activities --I will be teaching your child:
Chess, Computer coding, "touch-keyboarding" with a goal of 35 wpm. If time permits, we’ll include art through Mark Kistler’s Mini Marshmallow lessons. We are lucky to have Music, Art, and P.E. each week. Your child is fortunate to be in such a district.
Communicating with me is KEY!
If you are worried or concerned about something, please talk to me. I will also try to communicate with you, especially if I see something of a concern. In fourth grade, it's a different ball game from third grade, and your child's skills in academics or small motor skills may not match the level that one could wish. Being told that your child could use some extra skills work should not frighten or upset you... when caught early, successful remediation can occur in as little as a few weeks for some, although others will take longer.
Feel free to catch me after school if you have any questions (mornings and days -including recesses- are usually very busy). Try very hard not to come in with questions during regular class time. We can also schedule conferences any time you wish. I will be informally testing the children in reading, writing, and math, so if you want to know 'whereabouts' your child's level is, I'll be ready and happy to share that information with you within a couple weeks.
I prefer e-mail to voicemail since responses can be pondered and replied to in an efficient manner.
My e-mail is ... [email protected]
Room 34's web page will be up and running soon. This year's page will develop rapidly, and you will find homework, pictures, calendar, and other information here. I will let you and the children know when it can be accessed. Our classroom web site is a primary source of information, and you should bookmark and use it as the resource of information.
I look forward to meeting and working with all of you. I will do everything in my power to make this a wonderful year for your child. Remember... Keep the line of communication open.
... Best Wishes!
Caryl Brewbaker
How to Survive Fourth Grade (& Other Stuff)
August 23, 2018
Warmest Greetings & Welcome to Fourth Grade!
Are you ready for the new school year? I am, and you better get yourselves ready too because, conservatively speaking, there are hundreds of things that I want to do with the children during the year, and we launch into the program almost immediately. The Curriculum is interesting and very challenging in fourth grade, and you will thrill in watching your child develop new maturity and independence as the year progresses. I will also do everything in my power to provide experiences that encourage students to perform at their highest potential by serving up the lessons with enough spice to make them interesting and self-motivational. I hope that you and your child look forward to-- and enjoy -- the coming year. Ready or not... here we go!
Room 34 is a busy place. If you walk in, you might see a traditional lesson in a formal setting. Five minutes later, you may see students sprawled on the floor-- reading from books, working on compositions, or teaming together to figure out a problem they've been given. I like a well-managed room and have high expectations for the children. Students are expected to stay on task, even in loosely organized settings. Alternate settings will be provided for those who have trouble with a particular learning environment ... we all learn differently and those needs will be respected. The room environment fosters compassion, respect, and dignity for all.
Room 34 is open to those interested in the learning process. If you would like to visit, you are welcome... however, I ask that you notify me at least one day in advance to arrange for a timely entrance. Disruption to the regular routine must be kept at a minimum. If you enjoy being a scheduled volunteer, I'll talk about volunteering in the classroom on Back to School Night. There are many opportunities, and the whole class will benefit from each and every volunteer minute you can provide.
Back to School Night (3, 4, & 5) is Thursday, September 6th @ 6:00-7:00.
Please make every effort to be at Back to School Night… It's the best time for me to explain my philosophies, teaching strategies, homework policies, and numerous other bits and pieces that help us all make it through the year with the greatest of ease.
Snacks??? Yes!!
Children think and respond to harder tasks better after a nutritious snack or meal, so I hope they have something to eat during the morning recess. A little snack eaten during afternoon recess does an amazing job at rejuvenating the spirits too.
Ways you can help your child at home
1. Please don't let your child have more than two hours of screen-time a day ... less is better. Some computer games are just as bad as TV and should be kept to a minimum. To relieve boredom, make interesting books available and/or provide paper to draw on or to fold. Remember... boredom brings on creativity. Children should be learning (yes, this is a skill) how to entertain themselves. Give them the tools, but don't feel you need to figure out what your child wants to do. Please realize and understand... it is not so terrible to let children simply sit and think. Now-days, we sometimes feel that we are not doing our duty as parents if the child is just sitting. But notice! They are rarely just sitting. Pretty soon an interest will be sparked by dust dancing in a sunbeam or in a spider making a web.
We all need time to think, time to notice, time to relax.
2. Read to your children… they are never too old. Storybooks are great, but so are newspapers and magazines! It can be as casual as reading the comics together, or you can read a headline that sparks a discussion. Your children will be proud to be a part of your conversation and to have their opinion valued. Please relax and read together - the payoff is incredible!
3. Regarding homework assignments ... generally, you do not need to sit down with your child. You do need to provide your child with the space and quiet time to successfully complete the homework-- and assist them when necessary. Generally, “homework” is work that your child couldn’t complete in class. Children will sometimes generate their own homework. I will talk to you about homework on Back To School Night (9/6/18). I try, very hard, to limit the amount of work that goes home.
Note: Homework is important, but it must not get in the way of socialization, sleep, prior commitments, or your family's sanity. A simple note that the homework is unfinished will do, although the work still needs to be finished in a timely manner. Keep the line of communication open if you find that the assigned work is often overwhelming and needs to be modified.
4. I encourage parents to check over their child's work. This provides special one-on-one instruction when needed. Don't do the work for them.... a bit of a struggle is good for everyone (although this is sometimes more stressful for the parent than the child). I will modify assignments to match needs if necessary. Please keep the line of communication open.
5. NEVER make your child feel "bad" for not knowing or understanding something. Take a deep breath and try to help them over that bump. Feeling "stupid" slows a child down ... it never speeds them up.
Home Stuff ...
In the next few weeks I’ll be handing out two copies of “Brewbaker’s Words That You May Not Misspell”. Please keep a copy easily accessible when your child is working on something at home. A Thesaurus is good to have also, although less important during the first half of the year. Other necessary supplies for home are: Pencils, Paper (white, wide ruled binder paper & plain white ‘typing’ paper), Glue, Scissors, & Crayons. If you need help in obtaining these, contact me and I will gladly supply you. Please make sure that all homework is done on regular sized, white, lined paper, or on special paper that I might send home. If you have pulled paper from a spiral notebook, neatly cut the fluff off before turning in.
Subjects
Language Arts-- Reading and Writing
I use multiple methods to teach Reading and Writing. I try to get in at least two of the following every day. Here is a brief run-through of my program.
1) Through Core Literature & Poetry, your child experiences rich language and substantive content. Readability and Comprehension levels are usually high and difficult, so learning is guided through special questions, vocabulary discussions, choral readings, etc. Children are encouraged to transfer newly gained "insights" into their compositional writing. I hope that you enjoy, as much as I do, your child's essays and stories resulting from being exposed to quality poems, plays, essays, and stories.
2) Science and Social Studies materials are used for Basic Reading skill development (reading for facts and detail, skim reading, note taking, sequencing, etc.). "Barnell Loft" Specific Skill Booklets, built on short, informational passages are also used in class. These booklets have controlled vocabulary and distinct reading levels. Students are given books at their personal "instruction level" --the level they read and comprehend at approximately 90% accuracy.
3) For Reading Fluency, children "partner read" with a similarly leveled student. Self-selected books are chosen for "ease of reading and interest." Partner Reading provides practice in proper phrasing, expression, and fluid oral reading. Students also have a chance to read for specific “devices” that authors use (techniques and styles of writing). Children read at their "independent level"... where they don't need much help --except perhaps with vocabulary. We have a fairly large selection of books with multiple copies of most. It is my hope that children read many, many books by year's end. When reading-- "More is Better."
Math
The district has adopted Houghton Mifflin's new Math Expressions. I’ve taught this series for several years, and I can honestly say that it is the best math curriculum I have ever used. The new Common Core Standards encourage deep understanding of math and will keep the children on their toes. As the year progresses, I will insert supplemental units of math to fill in a few corners. Children will also be utilizing a computer program called Dream Box. I will explain this further on Back to School Night.
Science
Hands on Science will be taught to the max! …Science is so fun, and they’ll be learning lots and lots, especially, how to question. If there is a subject that is candy to me, it's Science.
Spelling, Grammar, & Vocabulary
I have high expectations for spelling in regular written work. Each student will receive (in the next week) a list of ~1000 words that they should try not to misspell. Children are encouraged to keep this list handy both at school and home. Misspelling of these words in daily writing will affect their spelling grade.
Social Studies
We dive into Social Studies and Geography quickly. The Fourth Grade focus is California, and you will see this reflected in some of the projects we do along with field trips that we take throughout the year.
Enrichment Activities --I will be teaching your child:
Chess, Computer coding, "touch-keyboarding" with a goal of 35 wpm. If time permits, we’ll include art through Mark Kistler’s Mini Marshmallow lessons. We are lucky to have Music, Art, and P.E. each week. Your child is fortunate to be in such a district.
Communicating with me is KEY!
If you are worried or concerned about something, please talk to me. I will also try to communicate with you, especially if I see something of a concern. In fourth grade, it's a different ball game from third grade, and your child's skills in academics or small motor skills may not match the level that one could wish. Being told that your child could use some extra skills work should not frighten or upset you... when caught early, successful remediation can occur in as little as a few weeks for some, although others will take longer.
Feel free to catch me after school if you have any questions (mornings and days -including recesses- are usually very busy). Try very hard not to come in with questions during regular class time. We can also schedule conferences any time you wish. I will be informally testing the children in reading, writing, and math, so if you want to know 'whereabouts' your child's level is, I'll be ready and happy to share that information with you within a couple weeks.
I prefer e-mail to voicemail since responses can be pondered and replied to in an efficient manner.
My e-mail is ... [email protected]
Room 34's web page will be up and running soon. This year's page will develop rapidly, and you will find homework, pictures, calendar, and other information here. I will let you and the children know when it can be accessed. Our classroom web site is a primary source of information, and you should bookmark and use it as the resource of information.
I look forward to meeting and working with all of you. I will do everything in my power to make this a wonderful year for your child. Remember... Keep the line of communication open.
... Best Wishes!
Caryl Brewbaker