Week of August 31 - September 4

This week is already off to a GREAT start! Today (Monday) we became familiar with our new spelling list to get ready for their Spelling Test (List 2) this Thursday (practice) and Friday. We played Bingo with our Vocab. Words and Definitions and we reviewed Prepositional Phrases. We finished The Matchlock Gun in Literature and completed Lesson 10 in Math. We learned about Hernando Cortes in History and reviewed what we learned last week about Columbus. They are doing so well! You should be proud!

A few things you should know:

1)Have them begin listening to the 1st History Song on their CD. So far they should know the 1st four stanzas decently well. This will REALLY help them on their test.
2)If you checked out the calendar in their binder or on this blog, then you can see that they have 3 tests this week, 4 if you include the Practice Spelling Test. This is not abnormal in 4th grade and it is getting them ready for middle school and having more responsibility. See calendar for dates.
3)Outside Reading Forms are due TOMORROW! (Need your signature, as well as, their books).

Ways you can prepare them for their Tests this week:

Literature: The Matchlock Gun They are mostly graded on how well they can write on notebook paper and accurate responses. They need to know their heading by now (name, subject, date, and Mrs. Traylor). We have been practicing A LOT and you should check it on their Homework to make sure they have it right. I will be happy to help if they are unsure, but most are getting this quickly. Get them to tell you about the Setting (includes time period and location-the Foreward really helps!) They need to describe the Plot (what happens in book) in three sentences (beginning, middle, end). A very general summary! Ask them to describe Edward or Gertrude (their characteristics, actions, etc.) AND describe their favorite part of the book. This is mainly a writing test to show me what they have comprehended!

Vocabulary: Unit 1 p. 12 - 13 has the words and definitions. It is a multiple choice test that includes fill in the blank sentences, synonyms of the words and antonyms.

Spelling Test: Each child learns differently, so figuring out what will help your child is BEST! Some may just need towrite out the words several times, others may need help with the context, and other may be more independent. Please help them put the time and effort into learning these! They are a step-up from 3rd grade and need more time! The practice Spelling test should show which words they are very unfamiliar with.


Outside Reading: They will turn in their books to me tomorrow and choose a new book for September. They will be reading TWO books this month. They should be reading 20 minutes a night/however long it takes to get two books read in a month. If your children are struggling with their reading and not getting enough read, then I would consider dividing your child's book up into sections that they should accomplish. If the book has 12 chapters, then they should read at least 1 chapter a night or X amount of pages each night until the 15th of the month/30th of the month. They really have not had much practice with self-pacing, so you may need to guide them in this area. Help them divide it up and set a reasonable goal. They are choosing books that they want, so they should be motivated to read them! Starting in October if they finish their goal, they can earn Pizza Hut coupons!

Thank you for all your support! Have a blessed week and know that I am lifting up your children in prayer and love teaching them!