This past week we started so much!  In Language Arts we started our first unit: Growing Up.  Students started their Spelling, Vocabulary, Grammar, and Comprehension.  In Math we finished up our first Chapter on Place Value.  We got to go to the Science Lab for the first time and measure the properties of a mock rock.  We also had our first lessons in Social Studies, Health, and Music.  

This week will be a little odd since we have Friday off as an administration day, making it a 4 day weekend (Monday is Labor Day).  We will be taking our first test in Math on Wednesday.  I will send home a review sheet that was completed together in class to study at home.  This will include Vocabulary, which will be tested.  We will also be do a Math Performance Task on Monday.  We will be doing these at the end of each chapter before taking the test.  These performance tasks will allow students to work with one another to solve real word problems with the skills they have learned.  These tasks are not supposed to be easy, the whole point is to work together, persevere, and find multiple strategies to get the answer.  It also gives students practice in supporting their thinking and finding the mistakes in other's work.

This week we are also going to the Library and Computer Lab for the first time, so if you have not signed those permission slips, they need to be in by this Thursday for your child to participate.  The computer permission slip will also be for our use of Chromebooks in the classroom at least once per week.

This Tuesday is back-to-school night.  There are 2 different presentation times to allow those with more than one student at this school to attend, or if you get off of work later.  This will be when I will go over the expectations and curriculum for the year, as well as addressing you questions and concerns about me going on maternity leave.  I hope to see you there!

I hope everyone got plenty of rest this weekend.  We all were so exhausted by the end of last week with learning the ins and outs of fourth grade and getting the summer cobwebs out of our heads.  This week we jump right into the swing of things.

We are starting all subjects this week.  In Language Arts, we will have spelling, vocabulary, and grammar.  We will even have our first comprehension test on Friday.  In Math, we begin Unit 1: Place Value, this unit should be more of a review of previously taught concepts.  If you need help or have questions, don't hesitate to email me.  We will have our first Science Lesson in our Rock Cycle unit, as well as a first lesson in Social Studies on map reading skills. Friday will be our first Arts lesson in Music with Mr. Gillstrap.

You will also notice that homework will be more than last week.  Students will be practicing skills learned in class. I will go over how to do the Language Arts portion each day in class.  Students will also be getting their first homework project.  They will be getting instructions, but will have 2 weeks to work on researching our state symbols.  Work must be written in their own words.

Finally, I want to apologize for confusion on the 3 inch binder.  It was a typo that should have said 1 inch.  If you already bought a 3 inch, we can still work with it, the biggest issue was that it needed to be bigger than 1/2 inch.  If you want to get a new one, that is fine, but know that it is okay if you choose not to. 

Welcome back to school, and welcome to fourth grade in room 14!  To those who are new to Vintage, we are excited to have you and look forward to including you in our School community.  

You have probably already read my welcome letter by now and are aware of my education and a little about what we will be learning in class this year.  If not, you can check the Information section of this page for more about me, and a more in depth look at our curriculum.

If I saw you this morning, or if you have read my letter, you are aware that I am expecting.  I will be with the class for the next 5 weeks, before I go on maternity leave.  I plan to get the class started in their lessons, get procedures and routines down, and get to know each student a bit.  Mrs. Bayley will be taking over while I am out.  This should not have any negative impact on your child's education, as Mrs. Bayley is an excellent substitute and is well accustomed to Vintage standards.

I look forward to teaching your child this year and working together to make this year successful!  I will cover more at our Back-to-School Night on August 30.  If you have any questions I am available by email at mrs.doidge@gmail.com, letter in your child's planner, or a phone call to the school office.