Our Week in Review

This week's post is written by Mrs. Merten, as time ran out today for our bloggers!

This Halloween week was filled with excitement.  Early in the week, we had 11 students sign up to run for the student council.  As of now, I think we have 9 still running.  The children brought their campaign posters in today, and they were hung in the gym. On Monday morning, our class will head to the conference room for our speeches, and  we will vote on Wednesday.  Here is a photo of our 7 posters that we have already (two will be delivered on Monday!)

Today we were very busy.  As part of our study of the culture of Mexico, we learned about el dio de los muertos (The Day of the Dead).  The children decorated Day of the Dead Masks.  We also learned about los ojos de dios (God's Eyes).  We used colored yarn and popsicle sticks to make this craft item.  As a special "treat" we completed this activity with Mrs. Williams' fourth graders.

From the Teacher's Desk

Today I received the gift cards which were purchased with the Wishing Well donations.  I wanted to take a moment to say thank you so much for your generous donations.  From the books purchased at the book fair, to this, I was so touched by your generosity.  The gift cards will go to great use purchasing items for our classroom.  I will be using the Barnes and Noble gift card to enhance and enrich our class library.  The first purchase will be Book 6 of the 39 Clues series, which is due to be released on Monday. 

This was a much better week for the children as far as returning homework.  Most of the students studied for our first Science Test, and the tests were sent home today.  I am encouraging students to study and "show evidence" of their studying.  Periodically, I will offer some extra credit on tests when students can show me evidence of studying (flash cards, problems written out, etc.)  Your child will be aware if this is an option.

A Note About Independence

As I said at the beginning of the year, the focus of fourth grade is largely on developing independence.  As a parent, I know how difficult it can be to help your child become independent.  There may be some bumps along the way, but I know your child will have the school skills needed if his/her independence is developed this year.

I would encourage you to have a discussion with your child about this.  If your child is independently packing his/her backpack nightly, and is remembering to ask you to sign his/her assignment notebook every Thursday night, then he/she is doing great!  If you are signing the assignment book without being asked, and/ or packing backpacks, I would encourage you to develop a system at home to help your child become more independent with these skills.  Perhaps asking on Thursday nights, "Do you have anything for me to sign?" would be all of the reminder your child needs.  Sometimes a checklist hung in the kitchen would help.

The consequences for not doing homework, not remembering to bring it in, and/or not having the assignment book signed are clear and consistent.  There are no surprises for the children. As hard as it is to know your child is missing recess for forgetting something, it will be a consequence that your child will have to experience just once to realize how important doing these things is.  This is a safe place for your child to experience one of those "bumps" on the road to independence.

Have a safe and happy HALLOWEEN!