First Week

We are almost finished with our first week of 4th grade!
We have been busy!
We have sorted and organized a lot of supplies.
We have talked a lot
and listened a lot
and sat a lot more than we're used to!

We have spent the first few days getting to know our classmates, the set up of our room, and what we can do to reach our 4th grade goals.

These are some of the students' goals.  However, some may be missing, as we discussed that some goals that you have for yourself are private.

The only goal that I added for everyone in the class is the one in the colored paper.  This goal is also the only class rule, as it covers absolutely every problem that could come up.  I want all students, and myself, to help ourselves and others learn more, do more, and feel better more. If something that we say or do does not do those things, we need to rethink what we are doing or saying.

If you have questions about some of these goals, make sure to ask your child!

On Thursday, we started discussing the first of many reading topics, the first being "How Readers Choose Books."  I want students to become familiar with strategies that good readers use when they are selecting books from libraries, bookstores, and school shelves.

After a discussion, this is the list we came up with:

After making the list, students got a chance to browse "Barnes and Noble" and look at tubs of books throughout the classroom so that they could implement the strategies that we listed above.  As they browsed, they made a list in their Reading Journals of the books they would be interested in reading throughout the year.  This is a list that they will continue to add to as they find more books that peek their interest.  They can also use it when they searching for a good book to read. We also discussed that many adults make lists of books that they want to read (I showed them the one I keep on my phone).

Pictures of many of these events are forthcoming.  However, I am waiting to get parent permission slips signed so that I know if it is okay if I post pictures of students on the blog.  Parents will receive this permission slip on Tuesday night at Open House.