Monday, September 17, 2012

Adios to a classmate and Spelling

Well today started off with one of our wonderful classmates leaving for Salmon Bay!  Clara will be DEARLY missed in our classroom.  She had such a sweet presence and was such a wonderful student!  Salmon Bay is lucky to have her.  :)

Spelling words came home today.  Normally, spelling will be given out on Friday, and spelling tests on Thursday but we are just starting this week so we will do our best.

Spelling in P4 is decided by first previewing the words with the students.  This lets me know where they are as spellers.  If they have 3 or more wrong on the preview, they will be studying those words for the week.  If they have fewer than 3 errors on the preview, they will be given a list of additional challenge words to study.  They will be words that have the same "theme" or central idea but are leveled differently for difficulty.  We stress to students that it is important that they are doing their best on the preview so that they can learn the most from their spelling.  Spelling words from the preview list will be words that ALL students will be expected to know both in their spelling test AND in their writing.

Spelling homework will be given tomorrow and is turned in Thursday morning first thing.  It will be important that students complete their spelling homework as a way to practice their spelling words but also practice spelling their words in writing, which is ultimately the most important thing and reason why we are doing spelling.  The spelling homework sheet should be kept in student binders at all times.  If it is lost, it will not be replaced.  (Again, we are stressing responsibility in our 4th graders and with that responsibility comes organization)  The spelling homework that will be turned in is to be done on regular notebook or computer paper, depending on the activity that is chosen.  Students are expected to use their best handwriting.  If it cannot be read, it will not be accepted.  Also, students need to use proper handwriting with their spelling homework, meaning unless otherwise specified, there should NOT be random capital letters thrown into words, which is a common problem in our class (for example, tHey).  On spelling tests, if students write with capitals in their words, it will be marked wrong.

Please help your student by checking their spelling homework and stressing the importance of proper handwriting.  We are building those foundations for the future and we want to make sure ALL students are prepared.

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