I'm baaaaaaack!

Hey kids, I'll be back in class Monday morning!  There will be an adjustment period for all of us so please be patient :)

In the meantime, I've been reading The Last Egret and LOVE it!  I hope you like it just as much :)  Monday there will be a quiz on the chapters you read over the weekend.

We will also continue with Mountain Math in preparation for 5th grade.

In addition, we will continue in the Social Studies book and begin a research project in science.

I'm looking forward to a great last month of school!

xoxoxo

Mrs. Siegel

Benchmark Testing this week

This week all students will participate in Broward County's Benchmark Testing (also know as BAT).  These assessments in Reading and Math will provide all stakeholders with information about each student.  Once the results are shared (usually in January), we can identify strengths and weaknesses to drive instruction before the FCAT in April.

There is no "preparing" for this test as it is solely to identify each student's current level BUT, please consider the following:

1. Students should have ample sleep
2. Students should NOT come to school sick (Friday is a makeup day) - scores are better when students are working at their optimum potential
3. Students should eat a healthy breakfast - protein is great brain food ;)
4. Students should NOT engage in any serious family conversations (i.e. illness of family member, divorce, etc. unless necessary)
5. Students should refrain from engaging in "arguments" with siblings or family members  
6. Parents should give pep-talks NOT threats

Again, this just a snap shot of each student's current levels.  When we receive the data, we can move forward.  In the meantime, make sure your child is reading for enjoyment (including nonfiction like magazines) and practicing math in daily life situations when possible.

Summyr Siegel

Reading Test

The Reading test has been graded.  The class average is an 80%.  This is with a curve of 6%.  The highest without the curve was 94%.  I will curve a test when no student gets a 100%.  The test your child is bringing home today in the Wednesday Folder reflects their raw grade (before the curve).  I have applied the curve on Engrade.  The reading test includes the 9 questions about the story as well as the 8 vocabulary words (on the last page).  You will also see in the stabpled packet the grammar quiz and the Writer's Log quiz.  These are separate grades.  You will also see this in Engrade.

Today you will get several pieces of work in your child's Wednesday Folder.  I ONLY need the test back.  Anything with a "Sign and Return" stamp needs to be returned.

Happy Wednesday!

Mrs. Siegel

First Test of the School-Year

During the first week of school, students will perform several diagnostic tests.  This helps me gather more information about their strengths and weaknesses.  These tests are not figured into their first quarter grades.

In addition to these UNGRADED assessments, students will have their first GRADED test on Friday, August 27th.  Students will have a timed (one-by-one digit) addition, subtraction, and multiplication test.  So get studying :)

Here are a few ideas for making studying fun:

Card Games

• War - (2 players) Separate a deck of cards evenly.  Each player flips TWO cards, (add, subtract, or multiply) them together.  The player with the higher answer will get all four cards.  When both players have the same answer, another two cards are flipped and solve.  Winner gets the cards.
• Salute - (3 players) Two players flip a card without looking at it and hold it on their forehead facing the third player.  The third player tells the two players the (sum, difference, or product).  Then, by looking at their opponenets card, the player tells their OWN card.  First to say their own card wins the pair.  Give values to face cards.

Online Practice

• Multiplication.com
• Play Kids Games

Apps for iPhone

• Math Fact Master
• Kids Math Game
• 2nd, 3rd and 4th Grade Math: Splash
• Fast Facts Multiplication