Welcome to our class website!

Thank you for taking time to visit our class website.  This website is the best way to keep up-to-date with what we are doing in class as well as a way to keep track of important announcements or upcoming events.  Please check the website weekly.

We have been busy these last two weeks getting into our regular classroom routines.  This week we began writing workshop.  In writing workshop, we go through the writing process:  drafting, conferencing with peers, revising and editing work, and, finally, publishing the writing pieces.  One of the tools of writing workshop is the writing journal.  The writing journal is a place where students can write down and develop story ideas.  Students are encouraged to take their journal with them on trips or other outings since writing ideas can spring up just about anywhere!


In addition to some regular classroom routines, this year we find ourselves trying new things.  Our new math program, Investigations in Time, Space, and Data, is an example of this.  Another example is our new vocabulary program.  In the past the 3-4 Multiage classes have been using Wordly Wise as our main vocabulary program.  Last year, a school-wide decision was made to discontinue the use of the Wordly Wise books.  As a result, the 3-4 teachers have been working on developing a new ways to teach and learn vocabulary.  We are excited to implement new strategies that allow us to study words in context and spark classroom discussions.  In the past, the students received different Wordly Wise books based on their grades.  This made whole group discussions impossible and, as a result, the study of the words had become something separate from what we were doing in the classroom.  Now we are able to incorporate vocabulary into our reading and writing, as well as across the curriculum.  On Monday, a handout explaining vocabulary homework will go home with the students.  This handout will also include ways you can help develop your child's vocabulary.  Please take time to look at this sheet, and contact me with any comments or questions.  Also, please note that a child-friendly dictionary and thesaurus will help your child complete the homework.  The current Scholastic book order (Lucky) has these available.  

Vocabulary, along with the rest of the curriculum, will be discussed in great detail during Open House.  Open House takes place on Wednesday, September 5, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.  Classroom rules, important dates, and other school business will be discussed along with the curriculum.  Open House is a wonderful opportunity to take a glimpse in the life of your child at school.  We hope to see you there.

Another addition to our website is a section from our class reporters.  Each week, two students will report the school news, as well as class news.  This gives you a chance to see what the class has been up to through student eyes.  Click here to view this week's report:

3_4 News CS & NL 8_24.pdf
We hope you check back next week!

Posted on August 23, 2007 11:11 AM | Permalink