The Mighty Binder
Projects
Curriculum Matters
Trips and Visits
This'nThat
100
The number of times per week that I should take papers out of my child's binder.
What is 0? Things stay in our binders until we clean them out at school at the end of a unit. Then we leave some things in our portfolios and take others home.
100
The number of book reports in 4th grade.
What is 3? We won't do one the 4th quarter. Book reports are good ways to share and recommend books. The details of each quarters book reports will come out soon!
100
The curriculum area that has new materials this year.
None. I am very familiar with all the curriculum and have goals this year to improve the inventions unit and find better ways to integrate technology and experiential learning into all the curriculum areas.
100
The number of field trips this year.
What is around 6? Many of them come in April/May with Minnesota history and I'll be asking for chaperones then.
100
Number of minutes of homework each day.
What is varying? It really depends on the child and their rate of work in school. I'd really love to see kids reading each night and they will sometimes have math too. Add in word study and memory verse and that's about enough. Occasionally there will be times where there's more with test studying and projects. Let me know if your child is burdened with too much and we'll try to figure out why.
200
The number of times I should/could look through my child's binder each week.
What is as often as you'd like? You are encouraged to look at your child's Facts as well as other assignments--especially math--and see how they are progressing. Also check their organization of their binder.
200
The number of "major projects" in 4th grade.
What is 1? The "state binder and float project" in the spring is the biggest one.
200
The semester in which we study science.
What is 1st semester? We have science the first semester and social studies the 2nd semester. This format lets us have larger blocks of time to study and one less class to focus on seems less confusing for students.
200
Service projects
What is a possible trip to Feed My Starving Children and visiting a retirement community for music and games?
200
The way to find out your child's AR goals and progress.
What is AR Home Connect? I sent you the link--let me know if you need it again. Log in with your child's information (they know it) and see how they are doing. You can also have each test results emailed to you if you'd like.
300
The number of times you should take their Fourth Grade Facts out to put on the refrigerator.
What is 0? This should always stay in the front of their binder. You may print another copy from the website if needed for memory verse, etc.
300
The number of projects 4th grade parents have this year.
What is 0? Remember, your child is the student and while you will help and support and encourage them, it is "their" project and not yours:)!
300
The theme of reading this year.
What is "reading is thinking"? In reading workshop this year, we will use many methods and strategies to help the 4th graders not only decode and read fluently, but most of all to learn to be good thinkers and comprehend well while they read.
300
A really good time to visit 4th grade.
What is lunch time on Mondays? I don't read aloud on Mondays, so you can eat with your child at 11:55. You are welcome at other day's lunches too, but I'll probably be reading.
300
The number of book orders that I have to do this year.
What is 0? Scholastic book order are only for those interested in ordering books. You can order by paper or online now too.
400
This is how their day will go at school if they forget their binder.
What is poorly or difficult?
400
The month when we'll start thinking about state projects.
What is January? We'll each pick a state then even though I know many are already thinking about them now.
400
Number of days per week that students should work on word study.
What is 5 or more? Word study words will be introduced on Thursday with the test the next Wednesday. A variety of sorts and other activities with the word study cards each day will be the best way to solidify the pattern and specific words. The Spellingcity.com website is also motivating for some students.
400
The number of times I may ask for help in the classroom.
What is "unknown"? If I need help with a science lab, computer help, copying project, etc., I'll usually email out asking if anyone can help.
400
The websites that 4th graders will use most.
What is IXL for math practice and spellingcity.com for word study practice? Typingweb will be a new one that I'll introduce later for keyboarding practice.
500
The number of times you should bring their binder if they forget it.
What is 0? They do need to learn responsibility and will survive without their binder for 1 day and hopefully learn a good lesson in the process.
500
The number of "big" memorizing projects.
What is 3? We have many memory verses along the way and some of them are long too, but there are the Bible books this fall, the states and capitals in the spring, and CE Night in March.
500
A subject area where I see lots of growth in 4th grade
What is all of them? But I was thinking of computers and technology. We work hard on keyboarding skills but also learning many other computer applications and online uses as well. They've been doing great with the SMARTboard and RESPONSE systems already.
500
The best way to support your child.
What is pray for them, me, and our class each day. Be their biggest fan and encourager!
500
The best way to communicate with me.
What is multiple ways...hallway conversations, email is fastest, conferences, a phone call? But remember, I do have another life too and am not available 24/7 either:). I'm at school each day from 8:15-4:15 for sure and from 8:15-8:45 is a good time to stop by if you'd like to set up a time to talk to me about something specific.
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