Let's Move Program

First of all, thank you to everyone who was able to make it to conferences last week! I always enjoy meeting with you and talking about school and your child's progress. Thank you for supporting your child!

Despite the morning's snow, it is officially spring. Each year I try to encourage my class to take advantage of the nicer weather by getting outside to play and exercise. I also encourage them to get up a little earlier and walk to school each day.

Michelle Obama has become a spokesperson for the fight against childhood obesity and to encourage exercise in our children. Her new program is called Let's Move and has lots of information and ideas for encouraging your children to be active.

This week's question: How do you encourage your child to get out and play? What sort of activities do you do as a family?

Why are they learning that?

I often have parents asking why something is or isn't taught in fourth grade. All teachers in Utah are to be following the state core curriculum. If you would like to see exactly what this includes click here and select the grade and subject.

I have leeway about when and how to teach topics. If I find the children are really interested in a topic, I spend more time on it. Current events are also included, such as elections, the Olympics, earthquakes, etc. One of our favorite sites to use is Brain Pop! I have a subscription but there are many free videos on it as well.

Despite having a well-written core, I find there are some holes for some students. When I was young, I never learned measurement very well. What topics do you think your child should have been learned by now but hasn't?

Distinguished Cub Award

Thank you for your input! We have a chart in our class tracking progress on the Cub Award. I'll have it at conferences for you to see. I have posted a list of the requirements for the fourth grade version of the award on the top right side of this page. At this link, I talk about which goals should be passed off already, which we will do in class, and which can be worked on at home. If you don't have a copy from the beginning of the year, feel free to print one and keep track at home.

Parent Suggestions

Hello Parents!

I would like our class blog to be interactive. I want to know your thoughts and needs as the parent of a fourth grader. I hope to post a new question and some resources each week. Feel free to respond to each others posts as well. You are all wonderful parents and I think it would be great to spread your wisdom around.

This week's question: What information would you like from your child's teacher that you have yet to receive?

I have information about helping students with reading comprehension and math skills that I will be sharing at conferences. What else would you like?

Tween Tribune

Today in computers, we explored a new website called Tween Tribune. It is a site with news articles tailored for children! The articles lead to some very interesting conversations. It can be accessed at tweentribune.com

It is accessible from any internet connection.

In the future, each of the students will create a login and be able to comment on the articles. In this way, the class will be learning about current events and practicing writing opinions. In fifth grade, all students will be writing a persuasive essay for the state test. This website is a great way for your child to get a head start on persuasive writing