Sunday, December 13, 2015

Hello Room 9 Families,

This week we will be working hard on wrapping up several units before the winter break. The math test for Module 3 (multiplication and division) will be on Thursday. The Native American reports (written in class) are due Wednesday. We will also have an open book Social Studies test on Thursday. There will be no spelling homework or spelling tests this week, but there will be math review homework. Kids may work on typing their reports at home, but we will have computer time on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Anyone who wishes to take their report drafts home must check in with me so I can make a back-up copy. Whew -- lots happening!

On Friday, we will enjoy a school Sing-along, as well as our classroom party.

Have a happy and joyful break!
Carroll Mayer

Sunday, December 6, 2015

Hi All,
Two more weeks until break!  The kids are working hard right now, wrapping up projects and units so there's nothing hanging over our heads until January. There will be a Social Studies test during the final week before break, and a math test on Module 3 of math (multiplication and division). We are also finishing up the California Indians reports. Remember to get plenty of rest, and off to school on time. Please reserve Santa hats for the last week as well. The kids just get too excited seeing the hats every day.
Regards,
Carroll

Sunday, November 29, 2015

Hello All,

 Welcome back!  I hope you had a joyful Thanksgiving.

This week we are back to a regular schedule. In math we'll be continuing with both division and multiplication. Our RTI classes will be focusing on poetry for one more week, in particular "Casey at the Bat". We continue with reports on California Indians (in class) and will begin a Social Studies chapter on "Early California". As you can see, we have lots going on and will be pushing hard academically during these next 3 weeks. I know these times can get busy as various holiday activities are added to your schedules, but please work with your kids to include enough time for homework -- and plenty of rest as well.

Take care,
Carroll Mayer

Sunday, November 22, 2015

Hello Friends,

I enjoyed meeting and speaking with you about your beautiful children.
Have a joyous and peaceful Thanksgiving break. There will be no homework this week.

Yours,
Carroll Mayer

Sunday, November 15, 2015

Hi All,
I'm looking forward to meeting with Parents/Guardians this week for conferences. Your child should have brought home a reminder note with your date and time, but if it's been misplaced feel free to email me. School is scheduled from 7:55-12:20 each day, and there is no Afterschool program. The library will be selling books at the book fair each day until 3:30.  I will be handing out report cards at your child's conference.

This week the kids will continue working hard on their research reports on California Indians. In RTI, we are studying poetry. We are working on division in math, and will be practicing the standard algorithm for much of this week. The kids will have a packet and 2 math homework pages as usual, but will not have either during the Thanksgiving week since it's so short.

Have a great Conference Week. I know my kids and I always enjoyed the extra free time!

Carroll Mayer

Monday, November 2, 2015

Hi All,
First of all, thank you to the many parents who contributed to our class Halloween party; the kids had a terrific time!  A special thanks to our Room Parents, Mary, Michelle, and Lori: your plans kept 34 kids busy, happy, and safe!

This week we will be continuing with the content we began over the last couple of weeks. In social studies and ELA, we'll be focusing on California Indians. In math, we will be working on story problems that are most easily solved by multiplying. On last week's Math Exit Ticket I noticed that many kids are understanding how to multiply large numbers using several strategies, but are having trouble with their basic facts. We will be using "100 Second Multiplication" to practice at school,  but if your child is struggling with basic multiplication, I encourage you to support them at home with other resources. Some kids like Multiplication Rap, digital flashcards, digital games, etc. It also works well to make practicing multiplication facts a "driving to..." activity.

Finally, I'm looking for some Parent Volunteers for a few special projects. First, I'd like some shelves built into the entry of the classroom where hooks are currently. Many other rooms have replaced these with shelves, so I'd be able to show pictures for ideas. I can make the classroom available into the evening, or on the weekend if someone is willing to take on this project. Secondly, I'm working on leveling my classroom library so that students can easily find books at their ZPD (just right level). I can send books and directions home for this project. All you need to help is time and a computer or tablet to access the site with the levels. Feel free to contact me at school with any questions about either of these projects.

Have a great week,
Carroll Mayer

Sunday, October 25, 2015

Hi All,
This week will be a busy and fun one!  As Halloween is next Saturday, a portion of Friday will be dedicated to festivities. We will have our usual Spelling Test, Vocabulary and Math Quizzes in the morning before recess at 10:00. At 10:30 the Rio del Mar Halloween Parade will begin. Traditionally, we walk with our Reading Buddies. (Ours are Mrs. Werner's PM Kindergartners.) After that, our Room Parents have planned an awesome party!

In addition, this week our class will be wrapping up the science unit on" Energy For Life and Growth" with a short quiz. We are eagerly moving back to our social studies text, reading about California Indians during RTI, and researching using other sources to write an "All About..." report focusing on one Indian group. Students selected California Indian tribes from a list organized by regions, and then began searching for articles in the computer lab last Friday. The research and report will be written in class, although some students may need to finish up typing as homework. I will let you know when the report becomes homework!

Students also responded to a technology survey in the lab last Friday. Parents, please find the link to the survey on the Rio del Mar home page, and respond as well. I filled mine out last week. If we want any improvements/changes to our implementation of technology, we have to voice our ideas!

Finally, a reminder that there are links to YouTube videos that support the math lessons. I realize that the kids are being taught multiplication in ways that may seem strange or cumbersome. The purpose is to give kids a repertoire of strategies from which to pick. A lot of the drawing is to improve understanding of the underlying concepts that are the foundation of the algorithms we generally use. Rest assured, we will teach the standard algorithm for multiplication as well as the partial product, area model, etc.

Regards,
Carroll Mayer

Some students' "delicious" fruit portraits in the style of Giuseppe Arcimboldo. 

Monday, October 19, 2015

Good morning All,
I hope you had a great autumn weekend. I saw many of you at the Harvest Festival, which is certainly a fun way to kick it off!

This week Fourth Grade will begin a unit on Informational Text in RTI. The big focus is identifying various text structures, such as cause and effect, problem/ solution, chronology, and comparison. We will be using Social Studies text about the Native American groups in California. It's challenging work!

In math, we'll continue with Module 3, increasing our focus on multiplication. We will learn some ways to model multiplication visually, so encourage your child to watch the videos on this week's lessons for added support.

In addition, we'll be wrapping up our science unit on Energy for Life and Growth, and next week will begin an in-class research report on a Native  American group from one of the 4 California regions.

Last week I sent home Scholastic flyers. If you wish to order, please make one on-line by this Friday, October 23. You may also send in paper orders with checks to Scholastic, by Friday.

Our Halloween party and school parade are scheduled for Friday, October 30. The school parade is at 10:30 and our party will follow. Our awesome Room Parents are working hard on planning some fun!

As always, please be in touch with any questions,
Carroll Mayer

Sunday, October 11, 2015

Hi All,

I hope you are enjoying our very fine weather!

This week our class will be reading a story called Marven of the Great North Woods during RTI.
As we read the story we will use various strategies to identify the theme of the story.

In homeroom, our class will begin Module 3 in math. While it starts with area and perimeter, the real focus of this module is multiplication! This module is very long, and will take us well into December.
Throughout Module 3, I will be posting YouTube links that can be accessed through the blog. I highly recommend that you and your child utilize them, as some of the strategies will be new to all. Many of them are pretty cool!

In Science, we will continue our unit on "Energy for Life and Growth", studying decomposers and the food chain.

Finally, conferences are still about a month away, but if you haven't scheduled yours, or need to reschedule, please get in touch ASAP.  I'll be filling in the schedule during the next 1-2 weeks, and with such a large group the days will be very full!

Take care,
Carroll Mayer

Sunday, October 4, 2015

Hi All,

I hope you enjoyed the "bonus" 3-day weekend. Fourth Grade Teachers met with Mrs. Dorney and Mrs. Marsh at Rio del Mar on Friday morning, and then attended a district training in the afternoon. We are all excited to continue growing our teaching practices and our understanding of the Common Core Standards. This week's meetings were focused especially on reading and writing.

On Thursday, your child brought home a small slip with their current RTI assignment. We will begin meeting in our RTI groups on Monday at 9:00, and will be reading a lovely story called A Very Important Day. We are very excited to get started!

The postponed science test on the scientific method has been rescheduled to Tuesday. Our next science unit, entitled "Energy For Life and Growth" will begin this week as well. In math we will wrap up Module 2, and will have the assessment on Friday.  In addition, ask your child about "Grand Conversations." We will be having one on Tuesday afternoon using the folktale, Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears.

Finally, thanks to all who have been helping in so many different ways. There are many who have been selling Drive For Schools tickets!  The money goes directly to our school and helps fund terrific Parent Alliance initiatives.  Thanks, as well, to those of you who have sent in prize box prizes, and donations to our class. Finally, thanks to the parents who have been coming into the class and giving extra academic support through one-on-one tutoring, or copying, correcting, and filing.  All these things put together really enrich our school and classroom programs.

Have a great week,
Carroll Mayer



Sunday, September 27, 2015

Hi All,

I hope you've had a fun and productive weekend! As a Cotsen fellow,  I was able to attend several inspirational presentations in Long Beach, as well as visit a school in the area. I'll be testing their ideas in the classroom over the next few months.

In math, our class has finished the first Module and will be moving on to a teeny tiny Module 2. I've posted links to YouTube videos of all 5 lessons, and encourage you to have your kids review them if they have any confusions about the math. There are also links on the Rio del Mar home page that take you to a different video lesson, as well as copies of the homework.

Our grade level is beginning RTI next week, so we will send home notifications regarding placement by the week's end. RTI will take place from 9-10 Monday through Thursday.

A big thank you to those of you who have been able to donate to the classroom fund. Throughout the year, I purchase odds and ends, particularly for art and science. Your donations make it possible! In addition, thanks to those of you who have sent Prize Box items, which the kids "purchase" with their Mayer Moola.  They can also purchase lunch time parties, and free homework coupons (extremely expensive.) The kids are having a great time with the moola.

Finally, just a reminder that Friday is an SBC Day, which means I am working but there is no school. Enjoy the three day weekend!


Have a great week,
Carroll Mayer




Sunday, September 20, 2015

Hi All,
This week we'll be wrapping up Module 1 in math with a test on Thursday. The math homework for Wednesday night will be a "practice" test, and will give the kids a chance to get more comfortable with the format, and clarify any questions that remain. (On every day that homework is due, we spend 15-20 minutes discussing any unclear questions. Students are expected to come prepared so they can compare results and benefit from the discussion that follows.)

We began a science unit last week that will give the kids an opportunity to review the scientific method, and also to engineer a small structure. This unit should continue for another 2 weeks, so we will be pausing in social studies.

Finally, a big thank you to the three parents who have banded together to room parent our class. Michelle Lesar, Lori Mersman, and Mary McGowan, we all very much appreciate your willingness to take on this job!

Have a great week,
Carroll Mayer


Sunday, September 13, 2015

Hi All,

It was terrific seeing so many of you this Thursday. I hope I was able to answer any questions you have had, but please feel free to email me with additional questions as they arise throughout the year.
For those of you able to volunteer, I'll look forward to seeing you this week, unless you are still waiting for TB tests or fingerprint clearance. ( If you have done this during a previous year, it's still valid.) We are still looking for a Room Parent, and this is a job that can easily be shared by 2-3 people. There is a "techie" part ( making a roster and relaying school communications) and there is the party part ( organizing 3 class parties and 1 grade-level year-end party.) I'm a fan of low key parties, so this job does not need to be overwhelming!

One thing I forgot to mention on Thursday is my "code" regarding completed papers your child brings home.  If the paper is stamped, that means I've received it and your child has been given credit for submitting the work. Those papers are ones we look at together, and I expect the kids to ask questions if they're unsure of the answers, and then note the appropriate corrections. Papers that fall into this category are homework, and workbook pages that we complete in class. When I look at individual pages and correct them, you will find hand-written comments and scores. These are usually tests, quizzes, and projects, and are used to calculate your child's report card "grades" (along with my observations of informal in-class work.)

This week we will be completing Island of the Blue Dolphins. The kids have really enjoyed it, and it serves as a terrific warm up for our Social Studies chapter on California 's Native Americans.  They may take AR tests on the book. We are beginning a science unit on the Scientific Method, and continuing to work on personal narratives in writing,  The first math module will last about 2 more weeks, and for those who were asking, Miss Grable has posted a link to the homework answers. (It's located about 2-3 posts down on her blog.)

Have a great week,
Carroll Mayer

Monday, September 7, 2015

Hi All,
I hope you're enjoying this spectacular weekend. There are so many fun things to do that I'm expecting a bunch of worn-out kids tomorrow!

On Thursday night, we have Back-to-school Night. This will be your first opportunity to sign up for volunteer time, schedule your parent-teacher conference, and hear a general outline of the 4th grade year and expectations. Mrs. Dorney and the Parent Alliance will also be doing presentations so you can learn about other ways to support your child as part of the Rio del Mar community. The event is scheduled for 6:30-8:00, with the primary teachers meeting first.  No kids at this function.

I've started to hear from a few parents regarding math struggles. I'm seeing the kids work with greater confidence than they did last year when we began using Engage New York's math curriculum, but I understand the material is very challenging. I've been posting links to various teachers presenting the lessons, and the school has also put a link to homework and other teacher videos on the home page. Please encourage your child to review these resources when they begin to feel overwhelmed! (The videos will also be helpful to you.)  Finally, please be assured that we always include the "standard algorithm" when teaching math strategies. The lessons are intended to teach a variety of techniques, but many kids find the tried and true to be their preference. However, I've definitely seen kids develop a deeper understanding of the "why" of various algorithms when we begin with dots and place value charts and the like. On Wednesdays and Thursdays I plan class time to discuss homework questions, and I don't penalize kids for errors. I do expect all to put in some time and best effort and come with questions when the assignments are unclear.

I'm sending home a Scholastic order brochure this week, and would like to place an order this Friday afternoon. You may make orders via the website or the order form, and if you're ordering online you can select from any brochure. Our class code is on the blog. They give a lot more points at the beginning of the year, which I use to order new books, so if you're able, this is a great time to order!

Picture Day is this Tuesday, September 8th!

Have a great week, and I look forward to seeing you all on Thursday!

Carroll Mayer


Sunday, August 23, 2015

Hi All,

Here we are, already beginning the second full week of school!

Thank you, thank you for all the donations of supplies. We are well outfitted with skinny Expo pens, pencils, and cleaning supplies. For now, I can barely close the cupboards, but I'll let you know if/when I run low!!  We use a lot of materials ( two boxes of Kleenex this week on beginning of the year sniffles.) Thanks, also, for those special nurturing gifts...the yummy bread and lattes. I feel very fortunate to be part of such a kind and generous community.

Most students have returned the paperwork that was due last Friday. If your child hasn't, please send it in right away. This includes the special Cotsen permission slip.

A reminder that TB tests and fingerprints are mandatory for adults helping in the class or driving on field trips. If you took care of this in our district last year, your info. is still valid. If you didn't do this last year, please consider taking care of these requirements, even if you are only able to drive on a single field trip per year.

This week the kids will be bringing home more typical homework. I will be giving them a handout on Monday that includes spelling words, a reading log, and Social Studies reading and questions. Those assignments are due on Fridays. In addition, the kids will bring home math homework on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and those assignments will be due the following day. We will be spending time in class reviewing the homework, so kids will best benefit from it if they come to class prepared with the work when it's due. I appreciate your support with this. For math this week, I've posted some links to YouTube videos of teachers presenting portions of the material. If you or your child need some support, please take a look. I realize that math is taught quite differently now than it was when we were kids, but I think the content is very interesting and much more thorough than it was in the past.

Finally, please feel free to email me with questions and concerns as they arise. I don't often respond to emails during class time, but will usually get back to you after school.

Have a great week,
Carroll Mayer

Tuesday, August 11, 2015

Dear Parents and Students,

Welcome to 4th grade, in Room 9!  I'm excited to begin a great new year.  My name is Ms. Mayer, and I will have met and seen many of you around the school.  This is my 12th year teaching at Rio del Mar, and my second year of 4th Grade. The shift from primary to intermediate grades has been a stimulating one for me, and I'm sure it will be for you as well.


To the right of this post you will see a supply list.  I really would like all students to have a homework folder and a clean sock.  Please don't get a binder.  They take up a lot of space in the desk and backpack, and are hard to organize.  The rest of the supplies are materials that we consume a lot of in the class, and will be shared with others in the room.  My priorities are good pencils and whiteboard pens. As we use them throughout the year, feel free to bring additional supplies whenever you're able. Anyone who is unable to purchase supplies will be provided with them, as I purchase materials with Parent Alliance funds as well!

Parents, please email me with your preferred contact information.  It's also helpful if you subscribe to the blog, as I post regularly.  I encourage you to have your child make checking the blog a part of their weekly routine as well.

I look forward to meeting you all.

Take care,
Carroll Mayer

Sunday, May 31, 2015

Dear Families,

Thank you for a terrific year!  Fourth Grade has been a great academic adventure for me; I've had an exciting time learning about tape diagrams and California history right along with the kids.  This week, there is no homework.

Our grade level party is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, as it's not a Restructured Day.  The  Room Parents, Brandi and Julie,  are requesting a $5.00 donation by Tuesday to pay for the activities and treats.

Once  again, thanks to all of you for the tremendous support you've given your children and me. The transition from primary to intermediate grades is not an easy one, and recent changes in education created even more challenge. It's been wonderful to see the way the kids have risen to the increased rigor of the new standards.

Have a spectacular summer, and drop by and say "hi" when we're back in school,
Carroll Mayer

Sunday, May 10, 2015

Hi All,
Happy Mother's Day!  

This week we're returning to our homework routine. There will be a "packet" on Monday, and math homework most nights. 

We are also getting back to our RTI schedule, reading Esperanza Rising and Riding Freedom. Kids will present their Science Projects to the class Monday - Wednesday. We are also beginning a new writing project, and finishing up a Social Studies unit on railroads and communication in California during the period following the gold rush. 

A giant thank you to Jennifer  and Christa, for volunteering to trek around Cabrillo College with some very excited kids; and to Michael Pebworth for being our guide. The kids got a positive picture of the school, and some of the opportunities available on the campus. 

Finally, the Open House is this Thursday, May 14 at 6:30. I look forward to seeing you then!

Have a great week,
Carroll Mayer

Sunday, May 3, 2015

Hi All,

I hope you've had a great weekend!

While many members of the class have finished testing, we will still spend 1 or 2 more blocks of time dedicated to this activity. Students have been reading as they complete testing, and on Friday worked on an assignment in our Google Classroom (a network exclusively for students and teachers). Kids will also have more time on the Chrome Books for this assignment during the day.  The assignment is due for all on Wednesday, so if your child says that he/she is still actively testing, please allow some screen time at home to complete this assignment. During these remaining weeks of school I will be assigning various work to complete and submit digitally, through our Google Classroom.

The other big focus for homework is completion of the Science Fair project. This homework is due on Friday, May 8th. Students should have their full written project, as outlined in the handout sent home 2 weeks ago. I'm looking forward to seeing their experiments, and hearing their presentations during the week of May 11th.

On Friday, we'll be visiting Cabrillo College for our field trip. I need  a second form ( from Cabrillo) as well as the signed permission slips ASAP. I'll send home Cabrillo's form Monday. I'd also like one more chaperon. Try to get these forms in Tuesday.

This week our class is also beginning a 4 week Geology class, presented by Learn to Discover.  We'll begin on Monday, but the class is normally scheduled for Friday.

Thanks, and have a great week,
Carroll Mayer

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Hello,
I forgot to mention the final Scholastic book order. If you wish to purchase books, please send in an order by May 1, or order online using the class code posted on the blog.
Thanks,
Carroll Mayer

Sunday, April 26, 2015

Hello All,
As you know 4th Graders will be taking the state test, referred to as the SBAC or CAASPP, this week. I will not be assigning any regular homework. Please enjoy this time, get plenty of rest, and work on science projects.

All the 4th grade classes will be going on a field trip to Cabrillo College on Friday, May 8th. We are riding on school buses, but are looking for a couple of parents to chaperon. Please let me know if you'd enjoy joining us. Permission slips will come home this week.

Take care, and have a great week,
Carroll Mayer

Sunday, April 19, 2015

Hi All,
This week the kids will be bringing home detailed directions for their 4th Grade Science Project. Kids should formulate a topic, choose a question and hypothesis, and write up their procedure this week. It's due on Thursday so I can look them over and return them before the weekend. There are many great websites to help with this process!  If kids need extra support, I'm also available after school most days.

In addition, we are assigning students rereading chapters from their RTI books. This will replace the free choice reading on the homework.

Finally, we are asking students to spend some time on the SBAC website to practice the tech skills needed for the test. Encourage them to work on the Language Arts tests, as they seem to have more highlighting, dragging and dropping, etc.

Math homework will be lighter for the next two weeks due to these activities.

Testing will begin on Monday, April 27. Please avoid appointments and tardies!

Take care, and have a great week,
Carroll Mayer

Sunday, April 12, 2015

Hi All,

Sadly, Spring Break is drawing to a close. I trust you all found ways to enjoy the time!

This week we'll be beginning several new things. First, we will be reading about, and practicing the "scientific method" in preparation for a 4th grade Science Fair Project. This will be a simplified version of the 6th grade project, and will be homework beginning next week. For those wishing to get a head start, thinking about potential (very manageable) topics/questions is a great way to begin. I will send home directions with due dates next week.

In addition, RTI groups will be starting new historical novels focused on California history. Students will be reading Riding Freedom or Esperanza Rising. 

We will also begin some practice for the SBAC, California's new standardized test. I'll be asking kids to do some additional practice tests at home as well, primarily to become comfortable with the various tools available on the program. I've provided a link to the site on the blog. Kids can practice with the tools by logging in as a Guest and taking 3rd or 4th grade tests. There are also tests that are for Grades 3-5, so be aware that some content will be unfamiliar.

Finally, we are going into the most exciting, but also stressful part of the year. Encourage your children to work hard, play hard, but pace themselves.

Have a great week,
Carroll Mayer




Sunday, March 29, 2015

Hi All,
This week should be a fast one, with Spring Break beginning on Friday.

In RTI, we will continue with our science study on rocks and weathering. We are reading the last lesson on the gold rush in  social studies, and will do a simulation on the topic when we return from break. We are enjoying fractions in math.

On Thursday, the kids will attend the Student Talent Show and the Big Spin awards assembly!

When we return from break, we'll have a week of school, and then the 4th Graders will be taking the state tests (SBAC).

Spring is always a busy time, so enjoy the break, but rest up too!
Take care,
Carroll Mayer

Monday, March 16, 2015

Hi All,
Sorry for the delay!

This week is full of beginnings and endings.

First of all, we have finished reading The Great Horn Spoon in RTI.  On Tuesday, the entire 4th grade will be watching the movie of this fun book. Kids may also take the AR test. Our next couple of weeks in RTI will be devoted to reading information, for a science investigation unit.

We have also finished the geometry unit in math.  Today we completed the geometry test, and did a partial lesson on our new unit, fractions, but didn't do enough of Lesson 1 to be prepared for homework. Expect fraction homework to begin on Tuesday. 

Finally, we will be having a Social Studies test on Friday, focused on Chapter 5, "California, Here We Come!" -- p.185 -217 in Reflections. This is the chapter we read last week and the week before, focused on California settlers before the Gold Rush, and California's separation from Mexico.

The report cards should be coming home this Friday.  Thanks for your patience as the district worked out its technical issues.

Take care,
Carroll Mayer

Sunday, March 8, 2015

Hi All,
Just a heads up--report cards are being delayed by the district for an extra week, due to technical issues. They will come home a week from Friday, on March 20th.

Otherwise, we continue onto the last few chapters of By the Great Horn Spoon, and wrap up our geometry unit. In social studies, we will be reading about the events leading up to California's statehood. Expect a social studies test during the week of March 16-20th on that topic.

Finally, the kids are researching and writing a procedural text (how to) on preparing for and surviving a natural disaster. Kids may come home with many ideas about family disaster plans!

Take care, and have a great week,
Carroll Mayer

Sunday, March 1, 2015

Hi All,
What a beautiful afternoon, after a drizzly Saturday!

This week, we'll be continuing with our reading of By the Great Horn Spoon. There's a link to the audio version of this book on Mr. McMillan's blog, which I encourage kids to listen to as a preview or review of this week's chapters (13-15). In Social Studies, we will be reading about California's progress toward statehood. In math, we'll be working on Geometry for another week and a half, wrapping up with an assessment on approximately 3/12.  The trimester officially ends this Wednesday, with report cards coming home on Friday, March 13th.

Have a great week,
Carroll Mayer



Monday, February 23, 2015

Hi  All,

Sorry, this was delayed due to technical problems.

The Mission Projects were terrific.  The kids took great pride in sharing them by presenting to their table groups, and then touring the entire class's projects.  A fun day!

Next week, (as in tomorrow) we're having a series of special math events on Tuesday. Each class will have the opportunity to participate in terrific math investigations during the Math Festival, and then people will have a chance to come in the evening and participate as a family. Please make it a goal to come to this special event!

Otherwise, have a great week!
Carroll Mayer

Monday, February 16, 2015

Hi Friends,

I hope you're all enjoying this lovely 4 day weekend! This week the homework will be a bit lighter, in order to give all a chance to put finishing touches on Mission Reports and Projects, which are due on Friday. Children will also need to bring projects home on Friday (after sharing them with their classmates.)

The kids are enjoying the shift in math to geometry. We'll move through it pretty swiftly,  and then settle in with a long unit on fractions. By the Great Horn Spoon has been a fun read in RTI. For those kids wishing to listen to the audio of the book, Mr. McMillan has provided a link on his blog. This is a terrific way for students to revisit favorite parts, or to catch up when sick.

Finally, thanks so much to Brandi, Julie, and Sandi, for the great Valentine's Day party. The kids really enjoyed the day! Thanks, as well, for all my yummy Valentines.

Have a great week,
Carroll Mayer

Sunday, February 8, 2015

Hi All,

We have a busy 4 day week ahead!  On Wednesday, students will bring home their drafts of the mission report.  Most of the class has made terrific progress at school,  and will be ready ( or nearly ready) for their final drafts. This week's homework back (like last week) gives details about the Mission Project, along with due dates for both the Mission Report and Project.

We'll be changing gears in math this week, moving on to geometry. In RTI, we'll be reading chapters 6 and 7 of By the Great Horn Spoon. 

In addition, on Thursday the class will be celebrating Valentine's Day. Thank you Brandi and Julie for organizing our party.  As always, students are not required to bring Valentines, but if they do, they need one for every member of the class.

Finally, any Scholastic book orders should be made by Thursday. I'll be putting the final order in on that afternoon. If you wish to order online, our class code is on the blog.

Take care, and have a great week,
Carroll Mayer

Sunday, February 1, 2015

Hello All,
This week the kids will be continuing their work on the mission report in class.  I've put the directions to the mission project on the back of this week's homework. Kids will have until Friday, February 20th to do their projects and to make final drafts of their reports. Both the project and the report will be due on February 20th. The first drafts of the reports (done at school) will come home on February 11, unless your child finishes their draft earlier. Please encourage your child to pace his/herself, so this project can be interesting and fun.

In math, we'll be continuing with long division, with larger divisors. We'll also revisit multiplication, discussing various ways to solve double digit by double digit equations. We'll also continue reading By the Great Horn Spoon in RTI, which is a great historical novel about the Gold Rush.

Finally, I'll be sending home a book order this week, with a due date of Thursday, February 12th.

Have a great week,
Carroll Mayer

Sunday, January 25, 2015

Hi All,

I hope you enjoyed this beautiful weekend weather!

Last week we wrapped up our Biography Unit with A-Z Reader about Gandhi. I hope your child shared something they learned about this great world leader. In RTI we will now be enjoying the Historical Fiction novel, By the Great Horn Spoon. Students will be keeping a reading journal as we enjoy this fun book about a boy and his butler's Gold Rush adventure.

In addition, your child should now know which mission their Mission Report and Project will be on; however, all research is still happening in class. The project and final draft of the report will be homework in a couple of weeks. I will send home a list of potential projects after more research has been accomplished.

Finally, I'm making a shift with the weekly homework. We will no longer have spelling words and tests, but will be focusing instead on weekly Grammar, or short Writing tasks. The rest of the weekly packet will remain the same, with Math homework continuing to be assigned and due daily. Please remind your child that we are still reading and taking AR tests.  I've reset the goals for the second half of this trimester, but found that several children missed their point goal by a long shot. These goals are individualized, based on your child's reading level, and should be achievable if they're using their homework and in-class reading time appropriately.

Take care, and have a great week,
Carroll Mayer

Sunday, January 11, 2015

Hello All,
Welcome back!  I imagine you all had a terrific vacation. It seemed long (in a good way!)

Over the next several weeks we will continue exploring various division and multiplication strategies, including the standard algorithm we've all grown accustomed to. Here's a video on the topic:
Common Core Math
In Social Studies, we'll read the text about missions, and then begin research projects about missions. The at-home portion of the project is scheduled for about 3 weeks from today, with more info. to follow.

We continue to use pencils and dry erase pens at an amazing rate. After we use up the thick pens, I'm shifting to the thin ones as they seem to work better for math. Any donations of these 2 items, as well as Kleenex and prize box supplies, are welcomed!

Finally, while it was way back in 2014, a big thank you to the parents who organized and attended our class party. The kids had a terrific time! In addition, thank you all for my class gift. It was fun to spend!

Take care,
Carroll Mayer