December 22, 2006

Dear Parents,

            Welcome to the new grading period.  I’m taking this opportunity to let you know what to expect while your child is in my class.

            Your child will be with me for reading, language arts, and science.  In reading, we will use the Scott Foresman anthology.  We’ll read stories from this textbook on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.   While using the anthology, your child will bring home a “Family Times” sheet for the beginning of each new story. This sheet summarizes the story, previews the target reading skills, and gives definitions for the week’s tested vocabulary words. Along with the “Family Times” you will see homework that practices vocabulary.  The “Family Times” will help with this assignment.  Each story is followed by a selection test that evaluates comprehension and vocabulary.  We’ll take these tests on Wednesday.  These graded tests will be found in the Friday Folder for you to look over. 

We’ll read together and discuss the novel RUBY HOLLER on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.  You will receive a copy of the novel reading assignments to post on your refrigerator.  Novel reading homework may include rereading the same novel pages that were read during the reading class.  Rereading the pages aloud really increases reading comprehension, especially for readers who read slowly.  If you find that you are short of time, you may speed the reading along by reading aloud to your child.  Your child will also be keeping a reading log to record reactions to the reading assignments.  The reading log grades count in both reading and writing.  Please be sure your child does not read more than the assigned pages.

All students will prepare a book report project about a novel.  The book report is due on February 28.  Please help your child choose a book of fiction that is appropriate for his/her reading and interest level.  Book report books must receive teacher approval.  The purpose of the book report project is to show that the student has read and understood the entire novel.  Directions for the book report project will be sent home later in the grading period.  Projects will be shared in class.

            In language arts, we will work on spelling, grammar, and writing skills.  On the other side of the reading assignments, you’ll find the spelling lists for this grading period.  Spelling worksheets will be done in class.  Please remind your child to practice spelling the assigned words each night.    Fourth graders will be responsible for the first 10 words, fifth graders will have words 1 to 15, and sixth graders will do all 20 words. All grade levels attempt all of the words because this will help them earn better test scores.  Practice tests are on Wednesdays, and final spelling tests are on Fridays.  The grammar skills will include the study of nouns, pronouns, and elements of grammar.  Your child will write frequently while in my class.  This writing will be done at school. 

            In science, we will study models and designs.  Students will do classroom building projects.  We will also read Science Stories about models and designs.

            The assignment book continues to be an excellent form of communication between school and home.  We are having a “Get Your Assignment Book Signed” contest.  On the days that all students get parent signatures, the class will get prizes.  Your child should bring home the Take Home Folder each day.  Friday Folders come home almost every Friday.

I look forward to working with you and your child.  Please contact me at school (330-7750 ext. 225) or e-mail me at lrollins@mccsc.edu if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

                                                                        Mrs. Rollins