Welcome to the 2018-2019 School Year!

Welcome to my 4th grade blog!  I am looking forward to this school year!  This is a unique school year because your child will be starting out with a long-term sub in my room, Miss Owens.  I am currently on maternity leave after having my son on August 15th.  I will be back in the classroom on November 30th.  Miss Owens has worked in our school before and will continue to work in our school after I return.  She will be working as a Title I Assistant.  Please feel free to contact Miss Owens with any comments or concerns throughout the next couple of months.  Her e-mail address is mowens@eskymos.com.

Please check this blog for daily updates on the "Daily Classwork" page as Miss Owens will update it daily with what was completed in class or needs to be completed.  She will also be sending this as a daily message through Class Dojo.

Big Ideas - Series 3, Ep. 1 - Mojo, the Director

Growth Mindset for students - Episode 1/5

Michigan eLibrary for Kids

Here is a great resource for you and your child to check out in your spare time!  Lots of information and lots of fun!

http://kids.mel.org

Moby Max

We are using Moby Max in our classroom.  Your son or daughter can log on and work on it at home if they would like as well.  The link to the page is: https://www.mobymax.com/mi1250.  Have them show you what it's all about!

Class Dojo

In my class I use Class Dojo.  It's a website where parents can see throughout each day how their child is doing at school.  What I do at school is have the website up on my computer then can give students points for positive behaviors or give negative points if a student's behavior warrants it.  At the end of the week I call each student up to pay them in our class "Beach Bucks" for each positive point they have earned and then students who have negative points owe me Beach Bucks for each one.  These Beach Bucks are used for our class auction at the end of each semester.  Another great feature of Class Dojo is that I can send each parent messages using the app on my phone or online, and parents can get the message instantly, similar to text messages.  I can also send whole class broadcasts for any class reminders that I may have.  If you haven't signed up for Class Dojo please do so.  If you haven't used it much, I really do encourage you to use it to know how your child's school days are going.  The students love to earn points and try their hardest to earn them.  If you have any questions about this great class tool please e-mail me or send a note with your child.

Game to Master Multiplication

A few years ago I was discussing mastering multiplication facts with a Jr. High Math Teacher and learned that she felt that the website http://www.bigbrainz.com/ was an excellent way for students to practice their multiplication facts and memorize them.  She used it with her own children and felt that it truly did help!  The great thing about this website is that it actually looks like a video game (which most children love), but they are practicing their facts as they work through the different levels.  I highly recommend that each of my students have a computer to use (either at home, or possibly a relatives house) where they can use this game.  It does take some downloading, but you don't have to buy anything.  The free version is just a good as the one that is available to be purchased.  Of course, if you wish to purchase the deluxe version that would be fine as well.  Anything that we can do to promote learning for our children is a step in the right direction!