Some details on this week’s homework and homework in general:
* Math — The students really need to quickly master their multiplication facts. I'm holding off on regular homework for another week, so that they can really focus on this. (They were to have mastered the tables through 10 prior to fourth grade.) They should focus on one table at a time and will have the opportunity to test out of their assigned table each Tuesday and Friday.
* Spelling — Each student has a personal list this week that includes a phone number for a parent and computer login information. Please check this carefully to be sure they are accurate and reflect the information your child should learn. Feel free to change the information; just send me an email ([email protected]) with the change so that I can correctly grade Friday’s quiz. Next week, students will have a vocabulary packet, and we’ll rotate between spelling and vocabulary weekly.
* Writing — Students will have a weekly writing prompt most weeks. Please allow them to complete this independently. If you review it with them, don’t correct errors. Instead, just point them in the general direction, such as: “I noticed you misspelled a word on the third line” or “Do you remember how we begin sentences”. This helps them learn to revise and edit their own work.
* Reading — Fourth-graders should be reading 20 minutes a night at least five days a week. At least half this reading should be with an adult. On Tuesday, we’ll visit the library and students will get details about their quarterly book report. Their book choice must be approved by you (a night in the assignment spiral suffice) and is due Friday. The project itself is due Oct. 7.
* SEL — SEL stands for Social Emotional Learning, an exciting curriculum being used throughout the district. It’s being taught in all Mills classes on Mondays, and fourth grade includes a weekly, student-lead home activity. Your child should bring this home on Mondays to complete with you. It’s due back Friday with your signature.
* Social studies — As we begin to explore Texas history, we’ll look at the land and its people. Students will be asked to explain how and why they came to live in Austin. We’ll do the actual writing in class, but they may need to ask you for a few details.
* Math — The students really need to quickly master their multiplication facts. I'm holding off on regular homework for another week, so that they can really focus on this. (They were to have mastered the tables through 10 prior to fourth grade.) They should focus on one table at a time and will have the opportunity to test out of their assigned table each Tuesday and Friday.
* Spelling — Each student has a personal list this week that includes a phone number for a parent and computer login information. Please check this carefully to be sure they are accurate and reflect the information your child should learn. Feel free to change the information; just send me an email ([email protected]) with the change so that I can correctly grade Friday’s quiz. Next week, students will have a vocabulary packet, and we’ll rotate between spelling and vocabulary weekly.
* Writing — Students will have a weekly writing prompt most weeks. Please allow them to complete this independently. If you review it with them, don’t correct errors. Instead, just point them in the general direction, such as: “I noticed you misspelled a word on the third line” or “Do you remember how we begin sentences”. This helps them learn to revise and edit their own work.
* Reading — Fourth-graders should be reading 20 minutes a night at least five days a week. At least half this reading should be with an adult. On Tuesday, we’ll visit the library and students will get details about their quarterly book report. Their book choice must be approved by you (a night in the assignment spiral suffice) and is due Friday. The project itself is due Oct. 7.
* SEL — SEL stands for Social Emotional Learning, an exciting curriculum being used throughout the district. It’s being taught in all Mills classes on Mondays, and fourth grade includes a weekly, student-lead home activity. Your child should bring this home on Mondays to complete with you. It’s due back Friday with your signature.
* Social studies — As we begin to explore Texas history, we’ll look at the land and its people. Students will be asked to explain how and why they came to live in Austin. We’ll do the actual writing in class, but they may need to ask you for a few details.