Mrs. Rosa's Newsletter

Welcome to Grade 4!

 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.