This year I am using Class DOJO. This is a program that rewards students for positive behaviors. The students earn points for such things as passing a test, doing something kind for others, using their work times well, etc. They may lose points for being too loud, being unkind to others, not having homework done or their planner signed, etc. They have a set amount of points to earn a month. Those who earn enough points will be rewarded with a movie at the end of the month. The kids must earn 22 points each if they wish to see the movie for September. Any one who does not earn these points will sit in the hallway and do work. How can you help? Ask your child how many DOJO points they have earned so far. Encourage them to use their work times well, help them study for tests.
The first quarter is always the hardest for the 4th graders. This is a time when they are learning to use their work time well, growing more independent and realizing that they have responsibilities. I work on these skills throughout the year. After all I am preparing them for middle school where their teachers will expect this of them and more. Please let your child carry their own backpack! It is theirs and therefore their responsibility. Please help your student study for tests when they come up. Quiz them using their study guides or make your own flash cards. This is the time when they learn how to study for tests and how long they must study. Some kids can do it in one night while others need to study a bit every night. I will do my best to let you know when a test is coming up. To that end, spelling tests are every Friday unless we don't have school on a Friday. When that happens the test will be on Thursday.
Please practice multiplication & division facts with your child. It is imperative that they know them well this year. We spend more than half the year multiplying and dividing. Use flash cards, find an app, use playing cards to play War with them. First one who says the correct multiplication answer wins those cards.(You may have to throw the game a bit to give them the opportunity to answer first).
Tomorrow I will introduce a book report form the kids need to complete and color. It's not hard at all! It will be due at the end of September. They may do it on a book they read over the summer, one they are currently reading or choose a new book to read.
Finally, on a normal day, the kiddos should have about an hour work time in school. When I am working with a reading or math group the kids have time to work on their homework. If they are coming home with hours of work then they most likely are not using their time well. This time management skill is another skill they need to learn.
My door is always open and you can email me as well. I love this group already and look forward to a great year with them.
