Monday, April 3, 2017

IXL Math

IXL Math is an online standards-aligned math practice program.  This is a great resource for practicing grade-level math concepts at home.  It will also support students in performing better on the NWEA MAP Assessment that we take 3 times per year.  Make it a goal to practice 2-3 times per week.

Here is how you can use the program at home:

1.  Start here:
https://www.ixl.com/signin/fourcorners

2.  Sign-in using your child's user name and password provided in your child's red homework folder.


3.  Select your child's grade-level.

4.  Choose a category and lesson to work with.  I suggest doing the activities in order through the category.  But you may jump around and try different categories.  Think about what skills your child may need to practice the most.

Happy learning!

Wednesday, March 15, 2017

Rad-Kids

We have a GREAT program that can support your child in reading at home: Raz-Kids.  Your child will have some opportunities to use this in the classroom, however not as often as I would like.  Therefore, I HIGHLY encourage you to use this online program at home.  Start with a goal of using it twice a week and go from there!  Consider it a part of your child's weekly homework routine.

So here's what you do:

1.  Go to https://www.raz-kids.com.
You can also find the line on our "Learning Links" page, under ONLINE READING.

2.  Click KIDS LOGIN.


3. Use the teacher username (caylsworth) provided in your child's homework folder. 

4. Your child will then click on his/her name icon.
Then he/she will type in the password. (The password will be provided to you at conferences and is in the homework folder.)

5.  Click "Your assignment."


There is a set of leveled books for your child to practice with at home.  Underneath each book, you will see these symbols:
1. Your child should FIRST click the ear to listen to a reading of the entire text.

2. THEN, your child should click the eye to read the book him/herself.  Your child can use the mouse to follow the words, if necessary.

3. LAST, your child can click the question mark to take a short comprehension quiz on the book.  When all questions are answered, he/she can click done to complete the book process.

Please support your child in completing ALL steps for each book at one time.  To be most effective, we want to use each part of the process carefully and in order.  Thanks for your support in reinforcing this practice.

I assigned beginning levels based on the data I have for your child.  We want the level to be "just-right," meaning just the right amount of challenge reading and comprehension-wise.  I can re-adjust levels as needed, so please let me know if the books are too easy or too hard for your child.

Please have your child practice accessing the site and logging in his/herself (do not do it for them).  Please let me know if you have any questions regarding Raz Kids!

Thursday, January 26, 2017

Upcoming Events & Projects

We have a few upcoming events.  Take a look:

Valentine's Box

On Tuesday, February 14th we will be having a small Valentine's Day exchange.  We are requesting that you help your child decorate his/her Valentine's box at home.  Be sure to send the boxes back by Friday, February 10th.
Here are some supplies that may help:
*re-purposed box (shoebox, tissue box, cereal box, etc.)
*wrapping paper, construction paper, or colored foil
*heart-shaped cut-outs
*Valentine's stickers
*sparkles, glitter, etc.
*glue/tape
Cut a hole in the top of the box where the Valentine's cards may be inserted.  Also, be sure that your child's name is clearly on the box somewhere.

For Tuesday, February 14th, your child should also bring in 25 Valentine's cards to exchange with his/her friends.  Please have your child write his/her name on the "from" slot and leave the "to" slot blank.  No candy please.

Feel free to get creative!  Click the links below to see some ideas for boxes:
http://www.housingaforest.com/valentines-card-holders/
http://tipjunkie.com/14-creative-valentine-box-ideas-preschool-amp-home/


Bring Your Parent to School

We invite you to join your child in the afternoon for a “mini” work session.  There are two sessions available during the afternoon of Wednesday, February the 15th: 1:00 – 1:45PM  OR  2:00 – 2:45PM.  You will shadow your child as he or she presents three complete work cycles of his or her choice.  Due to space, only 1 parent or special family member needs to sign up and attend.

Please sign up using the sign-up genius here:
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0c45aba62da0f94-bring1



As a reminder, Peacemaker projects are due this upcoming Monday, January 30th!


Friday, January 6, 2017

Back to School!

We hope you had a restful and happy break with your families!  We had a great couple days back to school this week.

This week, we spent time reviewing classroom expectations.  Although we have been working on these all year, we wrote down some classroom commitments that we will review each day to help us learn and support each other in the classroom.
Take some time to talk about these at home:
1. Listen carefully the first time.
2. Make safe choices.
3. Take care of materials.
4. Do your best.
5. Respect others' work.
6. Solve problems peacefully.
7. Be kind and helpful.
Ask your child to give you some examples of each commitment!

We also began discussing this month's character trait: Using Good Judgement.  We read the Ant and the Grasshopper.  Click to see the Aseop Fable.  We discussed that using good judgement includes thinking before acting and thinking about the consequences for yourself or others in order to make a good choice.  Take some time to talk about using good judgment at home.

Take a look at our busy workers this week:








Upcoming January Events:
*Monday, January16th: MLK Day - No School for Students

*Friday, January 20th: NWEA MAP Math Test

*Monday, January 23rd: NWEA MAP Reading Test
New Enrichment Courses will begin

*Friday, January 27th: Toyoda Gosei Outreach Field Trip (in-house)

*Monday, January 30th: Peacemakers Monthly Project Due
(information coming home this Monday!)


NWEA MAP Testing
Our next round of testing is upcoming.  For more information about this adaptive, standards-based test, click here.  Your child can also practice some sample questions with your child here.
Please avoid scheduling appointments or absences for the morning of testing dates above.