A few things...

A few things--

First, we took our first math test today on geometric shapes (polygons, angles, lines, rays, etc).  I was VERY IMPRESSED about how well they did.  Your child should feel very proud of him or herself. 

Our next unit will start on Monday.  Please make sure that your child is practicing math facts (either addition, subtraction, or multiplication) at home.  This will make math A LOT easier in fourth grade.

Secondly, this year the 4th and 5th grade teachers were lucky enough to receive a "Tech-Rich Grant" for the year.  Because of this grant, the 7 teachers (4 4th grade and 3 5th grade) have received new equipment that we will integrate in with our current curriculum.  Part of the goal of the grant is for teachers students to use these new materials regularly within our classroom. 

The equipment that we have received is in addition to what the district purchased as part of the Apple Initiative.  Each teacher, as part of this grant, has received (or will receive):

• A digital camera
• A Flip video camera
• A document camera
• A Smart board
• Class sets of ipods and laptops for student use.

Some of the things I am hoping for students to be able to do by the end of the year:

• Create videos, photo slideshows, or montages as a way to do reports in Social Studies or as alternatives for final projects.
• Record and monitor reading fluency.
• Become more fluent in their use of word processing programs.
• Practice math facts and skills using various media.
• And more ideas that I'm not even aware of yet (the ideas from other teachers who have received this grant prior are endless and overwhelming!)

This grant will require teachers to miss a few days of school for training and for presenting student work to the state.  However, I am so excited for this opportunity!  It seems as if our rooms have gone from zero to sixty in just one summer (when it comes to technology).

If you have any questions or concerns about the technology use, please let me know.