A few routines

We started our day stretching and running. What a sight it was to see ALL the 4th and some of the 5th graders outside stretching, running, and cooling down. Our brains were definitely ready to work after that.

Some routines were established today. Running in the morning was one, how to turn in homework was another one, how the weeks spelling words are introduced, the symbols used on math papers, and writing in our learning logs. Students who completed their SSCWC (See Say Cover Write and Check) or math were not allowed to turn them in today. I had them bring them home so you, as parents, could see what they were doing. Normally I allow finished work to be turned in when it's finished.

In the afternoon we had a scavenger hunt. They enjoyed this so much that we bumped a geography activity to continue the hunt. They were in groups and each person had a copy of the page of questions. They had to decide which one of 4 different texts they needed to use to find the answer...then find the answer by first using the Table of Contents or Index. I believe they all enjoyed seeing what was in all those books plus working in groups. I was impressed with how they all worked. I took LOTS of photographs...here are a few.










Nervous about 4th grade? Not anymore!

First day of school!

We had a GREAT first day of school in Room 8! Fourth grade is such a big change, many students come in a bit nervous...not too sure what to expect. Most years that nervousness is gone by the end of the day.

School started at 8:45 a.m. We started with a WELCOME to ROOM 8! Nine minutes later I asked them if they were a little nervous...many raised their hand. I told them that by 9:15 I could just about guarantee they would feel much more relaxed. By 10:30, they were surprised the morning had gone by so fast and I don't think there was a nervous bone left in the room!

After 10:30 recess is a time I read aloud to the class. During this time, they are welcome to eat a healthy snack (no candy, sweets, sodas, etc.) I also encourage them to all bring a water bottle to keep at their desk. Many students brought a snack today, but I wanted to remind any who forgot about snacktime.

Two forms came home today for you to sign. One is the school forms and the other has to do with this blog. Of course, you won't know about this blog unless you've seen the form!

The first day of school is such an exciting day for everyone. The students are excited for a new year, seeing their friends, and hopefully for all they're going to learn. For me, I meet a whole new sea of faces...get to know and love so many distinct personalities...and have the thrill of watching them grow and learn. For parents...? For some it may be exciting and for some it may be a bit scary to leave your child in a new environment. Hopefully we will get to know each other and be able to work together to enable your child to have a great 4th grade year!

Welcome to Room 8!

Back-to_School sales are starting...school supplies are on display everywhere...soccer sign ups are being advertised...the calendar says "AUGUST"...well, it must mean school is about to start!

Last time I saw a list, there were 31 4th graders who will live in Room 8 for this school year. Some of you I already know and I am so excited to have you this year. Those of you I don't know, I am very excited about getting to know. I hope you've all had a wonderful and relaxing summer as you've sat around a pool or the ocean and practiced your math facts and read some great books! (Just kidding on practicing math around the pool or ocean...but seriously, I hope you have practiced them!)

This blog is something new for me as a teacher. I hope to publish some of your writing, photographs taken at school, and to keep your parents updated on what is going on in Room 8 - including homework. At the bottom of each post (this is a post) you will see a place that says 'comments'. You can leave comments for me here. When you go there, you do NOT have to sign up to Blogger, you can just go in as Anonymous, but please write your name at the end so I know you wrote it. I hope this to be another way to keep the lines of communication open.

Enjoy the rest of your summer...I look forward to seeing you on August 28th at 8:45 a.m.
Mrs. Johnston