Parent Zone
Many parents ask me how they can support their child's learning throughout the school year, and especially as they transition to Grade 4/5. This page will outline some basic information about your child's typical class work. Ask your child to show you their work on Google Classroom and on Savvas Realize to become familiar with the online websites and their work. Please let me know if you have any questions.
- Danielle Kaschub
Technology Use
Students are expected to learn how to use Chromebooks and navigate their online accounts with independence in 4/5. Parents can support their child's technology skills by asking them to demonstrate how to login to their accounts and asking them to take you on a "tour" of the websites and their recent school work and assignments. Parents could login to their students' accounts and explore their online learning platforms on their own too. Examples of accounts: Campus Gradebook (also sign up for notifications on the mobile app), Pearson Realize, Google (see Google Drive, Google Classroom).
Planners and Homework
One of the most important things you can do to learn about your child's upcoming assignments and due dates is to check their planner daily. Ask them to explain their planner if something is unclear. You can also check the assignment calendar on my homepage for homeroom assignments, and 4th grade Language Arts and Math assignments for my classes. You can visit other teachers' websites for more information about 5th grade Language Arts and Math classes.
Language Arts
Reading Tests: Reading tests are given about every 7 days. They include content on reading comprehension, vocabulary, word analysis and written response. The content is based on skills and information that we study along with a weekly Reading Street story. These topics can be found under "Upcoming Focuses" on my homepage and on Pearson Realize. Ask your child to show you the story of the week and their vocabulary words on Pearson Realize. Students can make corrections on reading tests to receive partial credit back. They should make corrections on a titled, separate piece of paper and staple it to their original test (i/a).
Spelling: Students complete a Spelling Packet each week. This is class work, but sometimes students need to take it home to complete it by Friday. They should complete at least 1 page per day of their 4-page packet. If they have a hard time finishing it in class, require them to bring it home with them daily and ensure that they finish 1 page per day Monday-Thursday. Students who are in band usually need to take home their spelling packet to complete part of it.
Spelling Tests will be given on most Fridays.
Grammar: Students may make corrections on any grammar assignment in the same manner as reading tests (described above).
Literature Projects: Students will do a number of literature projects this year. Please ask your child to show you their lit project books, their project instructions, and support them with planning out a timetable for completing their projects with quality in mind. As with all projects in 4/5, lit projects will not be accepted late since they are assigned well in advance of their due date.
Book Clubs: Students may be assigned a chapter book to read over time. There will be an accompanying assignment to go with their assigned reading. Students will meet with small groups and the teacher to discuss their book and assignment.
Writing
Throughout the school year, students will have ongoing, long-term writing assignments. You can ask your child to share their draft(s) with you and help them to edit their writing for spelling and punctuation on their final drafts.
Math
Math is a subject that many students benefit from additional support in. It's critical that children complete their math homework nightly in order to practice the skills that were covered in class. Therefore, have your child try their math homework first, then double-check it and guide them to make corrections as needed. If they do their homework online, be sure that they use their homework paper to show their work. Students may make corrections on math tests for partial credit back.
Students should bring their red math folder home so they can use the tools in them (i.e. place value chart, vocab cards) with their homework.
There are 1-2 video examples on the website Pearson Realize to go with each lesson. Students can watch the videos at home to review the lesson from the day.
Communication
I will make every effort to respond to emails within 24 hours during the week. One of the best ways to encourage independence in your students is to have your child email me about pertinent questions and concerns from their school Google email account.
