Testing is over and we are once again working very hard to learn new concepts. The students are so excited that we’ve finally made it to multiplication and division. It is so much fun and they really know their facts.
In spite of that, please note that we still have much to cover before we finish up the school year. Therefore, the kids will be learning double time. We are doubling up on our lessons so that we can finish the book this year. Hopefully, with a great deal of help from all of you, we can succeed. Although the students do great with their basic facts, they are once again faced with drawing bar models with their word problems. For some reason, they either like or dislike the models. There is no in-between for them. I think the models for multiplication and division make much more sense and have really worked with the kids on these over the last few days. Please keep encouraging them with their modeling so that they have lots of practice.
What can you expect over the course of the next few weeks? The students will be covering more material in class; therefore, there will be more homework. I know they are up to the challenge. They seem to whip right through their classwork, so I don’t think this will be a problem for them.
What do I need from you and from your child? As the saying goes, “Patience is a virtue”. Please be patient during this time. Allow your child more breaks during homework if he or she gets overwhelmed. Don’t hesitate to email me if there are any problems. I will certainly address any problems as soon as I can. Also, remind your child that if he or she needs additional help, I am available. I am holding your child to the highest standard possible in getting his or her work done, both timely and accurately. In addition, I will continue to hold your child to the highest standards, both academically and behaviorally in class. I realize it is the end of the year and that students are getting anxious to be finished with the school year; however, this is an extremely critical time for our class, one I’m sure you want your child to get the most benefit from. Any disruptions in class (i.e. blurting out, talking with neighbors, playing with things on their desk, etc.) will result in your child missing out on important academic minutes while he or she goes through a quiet recovery in the hallway. Because we have so very much to cover in a limited time, it is crucial that every student be on time to class, have his or her math materials on a daily basis, turns in homework at the beginning of class, and pays attention and participates in class at all times.
This week:
Monday, 4/23/12 WB p. 81-85; Exercises 6 – 7
Tuesday, 4/24/12 EP p. 53-54; Practice Test BWednesday, 4/25/12 WB p. 86-87, Exercise 8
Thursday, 4/26/12 WB p. 88-93, Exercise 9 - 10
Friday, 4/27/12 WB p. 96-97, Exercise 11 – 12
Thank you for your continued support.
Mrs. Winkler
