Larson’s Latest News November 2006

Note from the Teacher

The school year is well under way now and we are in full swing! You child should know all the rules and procedures for our fourth grade classroom. You student has probably also realized that although fourth grade may be tough in some areas, and easy in others, I expect them to try their hardest. A common phrase in our room to help celebrate and acknowledge diversity in each other and learning is that, “What is easy for you is not easy for someone else.” I hope students have come to see that even though we make mistakes, a better student is one who learns from those mistakes!

What Are We Learning?

Social Studies – We have wrapped up our first North America region study, the Northeast and will continue our studies of America with the Southeast in late December. We are going to take a pause of our trip around the country to study immigration (as it mainly affected the Northeast) to coincide with our field to Providence, RI to see the musical Ellis Island on December 14.

Science – We have finished our study of Photosynthesis – the process in which plants make food, and concluded with a book about human photosynthesis. Ask your child if this is possible! We will be studying weather in the near future. There is no better place to study weather than here in New England where it changes so frequently! Weather will be jump-started by a special visitor on Monday, November 27, Barry Burbank from WBZ TV Channel 4! Watch for us on channel 4 that evening, we might be stars!

Writing – Our class was introduced to the MCAS writing rubric this month. This rubric will be used throughout the year to grade students’ writing work. It is the same rubric used when the MCAS Long Composition is scored. By introducing the scoring method now, students can begin to see what is expected of them and what they need to do to improve their writing. I have attached a rubric so that parents can see how your child is being graded. As a teacher, I am quite aware of the scoring process and procedures, as I have spent several summers scoring several MCAS and related tests.

Math – We are mid-way through our study of decimals and place value. Many students still do not know their multiplication facts and a few don’t know their addition and subtraction facts. Students should be able to answer simple, single digit multiplication and addition/subtraction facts at the snap of a finger. If your child cannot do this, PLEASE work on these at home! These should have been mastered by now and will only hinder your child’s ability in math as the year progresses.

Needs and Wants

The art teacher is looking for any donations of yarn for several projects that she will be completing with the students. If you have any yarn at home please send it in with your child or drop it off at the office.

4H is still looking for more tennis balls to put on the bottom of chairs.
Anyone for organizing?! I need a volunteer or two to help organize grade four’s trade book collection that is housed in the computer lab. This is something that has to be done at school at any time (during, before or after school). We need the books sorted alphabetical and new labels for binders that have teaching manuals for the books. This is something that can be completed in a few hours or over several days. If you would like to help, send me a note or give me a call and I can give you more details. Thank you!

Important Dates to Remember

Wednesday, November 29 – All day field trip to the Boston Science Museum. Remember your child ordered lunch that will be served at the museum.

Thursday, November 30 – Photo Retakes – forms are in the office if you need one

Friday, December 8 – Report cards sent home

Thursday, December 14 – Field trip to Providence, RI to see the play Ellis Island. Students need to bring a lunch this day, as we will be eating on the bus prior to the performance.

December 25 – January 1 – Holiday Recess, no school

Look for the next Newsletter in January!