Greetings Families,
History: This week in history, students will read about Charlemagne, and discuss his impact on Europe in the Middle Ages. They will also study the rise of Feudalism in the Middle Ages and explore what life was actually like for a serf. There will be an annual activity in which students take on the roles of serfs and lords. Students will be quizzed on chapters 5, 6, and 7 on Friday. Here is a Quizlet that your child can use to study.
Science: In science, students will continue the next unit: life science. Today, students reviewed the six characteristics of all living things. Next week they will consider what all living things need in order to survive, the importance of animal classification, and taxonomy. There are no quizzes during week seven, but students should study the life science notes each night.
Language Arts: This week in language arts, students will continue the adventure with Curdie and Princess Irene. What plans do the nasty little Cobs have? Will Curdie survive? Who is Great Grandma Irene. All of these questions are answered as the students come to the conclusion of the book. In grammar and writing, students will start working on their first lengthy essay. In Spalding, there are more words and more markings.
Math: Students will be tested on the order of operations test Monday. Students were given a practice test to complete over the weekend. I recommend checking your child's work to make sure he or she is prepared for the quiz. Following the quiz, students will begin a unit on negative numbers. Students will be quizzed on negative numbers on Friday.
I hope you are enjoying the start of your weekend. We had a good week in 4B. It is hard to believe we only have a few more weeks to the quarter.
This week, I took some time to discuss some important classroom expectations that I have for my students. I wanted to refresh the student's memories of what I believe they are capable of and why I believe it is important for them to behave in a certain fashion. The purpose of these expectations are to create a classroom that promotes learning, harmony, and joy. Sometime, when a student or students have to learn discipline, it isn't immediately pleasurable. However, in the long run, one who learns self-control finds himself much more capable of doing great things, finds more purpose and fulfillment in what he does, and leads a life of greater joy. Here are my class expectations.
I have four rules: (1) follow directions right away, all the way; (2) raise your hand for permission to speak; (3) raise your hand for permission to leave your seat; and (4) don't cause problems. Then, there are four academic expectations: (1) scholarly position - actively engage the lesson with your posture and hands, (2) track the information - actively engage the lesson with your eyes and mind, (3) ask and answer questions - actively engage the lessons by participating, and (4) respect others - actively engage the lesson well without chatting. Finally, there are two work ethic expectations: (1) attention to detail - aim for perfection in everything you do and (2) effort - give your best effort, no matter how hard or mundane. These are the expectations by which your student's participation grade is calculated and by which their conduct is evaluated.
I have four rules: (1) follow directions right away, all the way; (2) raise your hand for permission to speak; (3) raise your hand for permission to leave your seat; and (4) don't cause problems. Then, there are four academic expectations: (1) scholarly position - actively engage the lesson with your posture and hands, (2) track the information - actively engage the lesson with your eyes and mind, (3) ask and answer questions - actively engage the lessons by participating, and (4) respect others - actively engage the lesson well without chatting. Finally, there are two work ethic expectations: (1) attention to detail - aim for perfection in everything you do and (2) effort - give your best effort, no matter how hard or mundane. These are the expectations by which your student's participation grade is calculated and by which their conduct is evaluated.
Here are the lessons for the week.
Lessons
History: This week in history, students will read about Charlemagne, and discuss his impact on Europe in the Middle Ages. They will also study the rise of Feudalism in the Middle Ages and explore what life was actually like for a serf. There will be an annual activity in which students take on the roles of serfs and lords. Students will be quizzed on chapters 5, 6, and 7 on Friday. Here is a Quizlet that your child can use to study.
Science: In science, students will continue the next unit: life science. Today, students reviewed the six characteristics of all living things. Next week they will consider what all living things need in order to survive, the importance of animal classification, and taxonomy. There are no quizzes during week seven, but students should study the life science notes each night.
Language Arts: This week in language arts, students will continue the adventure with Curdie and Princess Irene. What plans do the nasty little Cobs have? Will Curdie survive? Who is Great Grandma Irene. All of these questions are answered as the students come to the conclusion of the book. In grammar and writing, students will start working on their first lengthy essay. In Spalding, there are more words and more markings.
Math: Students will be tested on the order of operations test Monday. Students were given a practice test to complete over the weekend. I recommend checking your child's work to make sure he or she is prepared for the quiz. Following the quiz, students will begin a unit on negative numbers. Students will be quizzed on negative numbers on Friday.
Best,
Michael Naaktgeboren