Welcome to Fourth Grade! Mrs. Krass  Room 205

HELPFUL HOMEWORK TIPS FOR PARENTS Set up a homework schedule Rank the assignments (if your child has four tasks to do, have them finish the three easy ones first). Don't hover next to your child during the homework session. Check correct problems first. Be aware of negative non-verbal messages. Avoid finishing assignments for your child. Conduct a weekly clean-up. Prepare for the day ahead.        UNLOCKING WORD PROBLEMS    1. Read the problem twice from beginning to       end. 2. Decide what questions the problem asks. 3. Choose the correct math operation to solve     the problem. 4. Pick out the information you need for the      number problem. 5. Solve the number problem and check your     answer. 6. Read the problem again to see if your     answer makes sense. LOOK FOR KEYS IN WORD PROBLEMS   ADD - If you read: sum total all together plus, in all   SUBTRACT - If you read: remainder difference less than fewer, minus how many more   MULTIPLY - If you read: product times twice total mulitplied by   DIVIDE - If you read: quotient goes into split equally each                                                         MRS. KRASS' RECOMMENDED READING LIST

MRS. KRASS' TEACHING PHILOSOPHY I believe all children deserve the opportunity to express their ideas, feel comfortable asking questions, and learn how to become competent and confident.  They need to be treated with love, respect, guidance, and trust.  Being a teacher gives me the ability to touch their lives with knowledge and give them the direction to inspire, respect, and lead others to the future.  My goal is to make responsible and productive, educated Children who make good choices in everyday life situations.   STUDENT EXPECTATIONS Students are responsible for treating others with respect and compassion.  I treat your children this way and expect it in return.  They are expected to come to school on time, prepared, and ready to learn.  They are responsible for their own learning.  I anticipate students asking questions and doing their homework.  They are to follow all school rules, classroom rules, and schedules.   PARENT EXPECTATIONS I would expect that all parents would give me any important information about their child and not assume that their child has informed me.  For example: a family funeral, doctor's appointment, visit with me, allergy, etc.  Sometimes what doesn't seem that important to you may be something "big" for your child.  For example: death or lost pet.  I want to keep my relationship with your child honest, therefore, what might seem small may turn out to be an unwanted behavior in class that could have been avoided.  Make sure that your child is in school on time, they have a healthy breakfast, in full uniform, and guide them with their homework.   FOR YOUR INFORMATION   PLANNERS: Each Student is provided a planner.  Every day, expect to see homework assignments written in it.  I look forward to havinig your signature on that page after your child has completed his/her homework.  If there are missing assignments or a problem occurs, I would like you to know before the quarter progress reports or report cards go home.  This, too, is where I may write a message or concern I have.  There is also a place for you to write a message to me if needed.   COMMUNICATION: If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact me.  I am available during school hours and can be reached by phone, email, or note.  You should expect a reply within 24 hours.   DISMISSAL: Your child's safety is very important therefore, a note is required granting your permission for another adult to pick up your child.  If your child is to walk home you must likewise have a note in the office.  All children are instructed to stay by their teacher until they see their ride.  If your child has another sibling, relative, or friend that they ride with, please make it known to me.  I want to make sure that they are with whomever they are supposed to meet.   HOMEWORK: Most assignments are begun in class and students are expected to use class time wisely.  Class work that is not completed will be considered homework.   TESTS AND QUIZZES: All tests or quizzes are given on a regular basis.  Students shouldn't be waiting until the last minute to study for a test or quiz.     STUDENT FUN AND GAMES   Listed below are some fun, interactive websites for mind areobics.....Have fun!   Click here for great SCIENCE GAMES Click here to have some fun using your MATH SKILLS If you like EDUCATIONAL GAMES click here. To SHARPEN YOUR SPELLING SKILLS click here For CHRISTIAN COMPUTER GAMES click here. Click here for VEGGIE TALE fun.   Three SCIENCE WEBSITES that you may like to explore: http://cogno.com/index.php#/game http://yucky.discovery.com http://amnh.org/ology/ Time For Kids Election Page    Are you feeling creative? To CREATE YOUR OWN WACKY TALE click here  To MAKE YOUR OWN CARTOON click here

DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES   Classroom Rules: 1. Listen carefully. 2. Follow directions. 3. Work quietly. Do not     disturb others who are     working quietly. 4. Respect school and     personal property. 5. Work and play safely.   You are responsible for your behavior both in and out of the classroom.  You are in control of the decisions you make and the actions you take.  Every choice you have and the decisions you make have consequences, both positive and negative.  How you handle yourself is completely up to you.    SPECIALS  SCHEDULE      Monday: Art  9:20 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Library  1:30 p.m. - 2:10 p.m.  Tuesday: Mass  8:30 a.m. - 9:15 a.m. Music  2:20 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Wednesday: Spanish  1:30 p.m. - 2:10 p.m. Thursday: Phys. Ed.  10:10 a.m.  - 10:50 a.m. Friday: Computer  10:10 a.m. - 10:50 a.m.     FIELD TRIP TO GREENMEAD HISTORICAL PARK   We are excited to announce that the fourth grade will travel to Greenmead Historical Park in Livonia for the production of "Native Lands" on Wednesday, May 21, 2008. The purpose of this outdoor field trip is to help the students develop an understanding of other cultures as well as wildlife and our environment.   This event is in a festival style atmosphere anfocusing on Native and African cultures.  The students will go from station to station learning through song, dance, music and storytelling.   Audience participation is encouraged!     SPELLING WORDS FOR UNIT 1 annual basic competition contract dismiss neglect obtain portion recall sponsor stern vacant

MINI SOCIETY ON MAY 8th WAS A  HUGE SUCCESS  The Fourth Grade students had a very successful and fun Mini Society sale on Thursday, May 8.  Companies, made up of three or four students, created products which they sold to the younger students.  These entrepreneurs were responsible for designing and manufacturing their products, working on their marketing materials and commercials, and creating business cards on the computer.   Thank you to our 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade customers for supporting our Mini Society project!  Together, we raised money for the Michigan Darfur Coalition, a charity researched and selected by the fourth grade students.  Thanks to your generosity, we can help make a big difference in the world.  We hope that you had a wonderful time!  Thank you for your support.