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