Mrs. Rosa's Class
Welcome to Grade 4! |
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As you are
aware, this year will be the transition from the primary grades to
the intermediate level. In grade 4 your child will be taking on much
more responsibility and ownership for his/her learning. Listening,
paying attention in class and following directions comprise a large
part of this as well as organizing materials and remembering to pack
them the night before school to alleviate a last minute rush in the
morning. Setting aside a time daily to read and do written homework
is also an important organizational skill. Many children have busy
after school schedules that include sports and various lessons.
These activities are a wonderful enrichment, but should not be an
excuse for homework that hasn’t been completed. Together you and
your child should discuss which time works best for homework and
then try to stick to this daily. Your child’s homework will be an
extension of what was learned in school and should help him/her
develop the ability to work independently. I expect parents to be
involved with homework by helping provide a quiet work spot free
from distractions, listening to their child explain what the
assignment is, and helping answer questions their child might have.
It is not appropriate for parents to do the assigned work for their
child or to explain what must be done. If your child is unsure, have
him/her do what can be done and return the attempted work to school
for clarification and or reteaching. Please do not bring “forgotten”
homework or materials to school for your child. If this becomes the
“norm” for your child, then I’ll hear the excuse, “My mom/dad forgot
to pack it!” and the responsibility and ownership is lost.
My expectations
are that children will come to school well rested and prepared for
the day ahead with their homework folders, homework, and assignment
books. If breakfast isn’t eaten at home, I encourage children to
take part in the school’s breakfast program. This provides fuel for
the morning and helps the brain cells dance! Children should also
bring a healthy snack (no candy, soda or “junk food” please!) daily
for our mid morning breaks. If your child should forget a snack; I
have a small variety of food and drink to select from. This break
helps the children progress refreshed through the morning until our
lunchtime at 11:50.
My hope is that
all children will learn to become part of a community of caring and
respectful learners. We begin each day with a 30 minute Morning
Meeting that is a key element of the Responsive Classroom
approach to teaching. It’s a daily routine that builds community,
creates a positive climate for learning and gives your child
practice in a wide range of academic and social skills. During
Morning Meeting we gather in a circle and greet each other, share
news, do a group activity and look forward to the day ahead. The
children practice academic skills on which we are currently working
and learn social skills such as listening, speaking and responding
appropriately to others, problem solving and group participation.
The children get to know each other and build group cohesiveness.
Please take the
time, perhaps while your child is unpacking his/her backpack, to ask
to see his/her homework folder and assignment book. Check on what
has been assigned as well as if there are any notes or notices that
might require a response from you. As you look through these, ask
your child to tell you about one thing that was learned at school,
about a high or low point of the day and why, as well as questions
you might have about various subject areas.
I look forward
to a wonderful year ahead and invite you to stop in to join us for
Morning Meeting, to check on your child’s progress or to just say
hello.
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