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