Mrs. Traylor's Class Blog

Micaiah Harrison Traylor

noreply@blogger.com (hhtraylor) — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 17:48:00 +0000

Mr. and Mrs. Traylor had baby Micaiah on Tuesday, September 14, 2010 at 7:32 AM! He weighed 7 pounds and 8 ounces and was 23 ¾ inches long. Mrs. Traylor and baby Cai are doing well! Please keep them in your prayers!

First family photo.

Things to Keep in Mind!

noreply@blogger.com (Vanessa) — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 14:53:00 +0000

Dear Parents,

I wanted to write to let you know that even though students do not have any assigned homework during Easter Break, there are some things to keep in mind for when we get back to school!

1)Students are still required to read 2 books in the month of April for Outside Reading! Please do not allow your student to forget this! If they go the entire week without reading, it is unlikely that they will complete this requirement! Also, please keep in mind that some students need you to figure out how many CHAPTERS they should read a night, NOT how many minutes. So for each book, make sure that they are using good time management! The Book It! program offered by Pizza hut ends this month, but I can still give out the calendars if this helps your child.... let me know!

2)State projects are due the Wednesday after break! Keep this in mind while your child is on break! It would be a great time to work on their project because there is nothing else to get in the way (school-wise, of course!)

3)I have updated the calendar for April within the blog. Please see it and mark important dates. There will be some things added to the one in your child's binder throughout the month, but major things are on there now!

4)Our field trip is scheduled for April 30th! Some parents still need to let me know if they are going! PLEASE, please, please let me know as soon as possible. I have booked 10 students and 10 chaperones at this time. We will most likely not need as many drivers, so I may group some of you together with the students. Let me know if this will not work for you. Keep in mind that the cost for the field trip will be around $15 each. I will let you know more details after break!

Please have a restful break and enjoy your time with your child! They are almost done with the fourth grade!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Traylor

March 1 - 5

noreply@blogger.com (Vanessa) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 18:07:00 +0000

Dear Parents,

Please pardon my lack of updating via the blog! Things have picked up a lot, as I am sure you are feeling, and add on top of that Baby Traylor... and you can see why! Anyways, this week, I do have some updates for you!

One is to be praying for Dr. Riddle and her sister. Please keep them in your prayers!

Tuesday: February Outside Reading forms are due tomorrow. I had numerous students think that they only had one book to read for February, for some reason, so if you child is one of those, then please send me a note and take an extra day to finish. I would prefer that to having you sign their form and them not finishing! Thanks!

Also, on Tuesday is the Grammar Test on the Noun Unit. Students have several review pages that can assist them if they flip back through the section entilted nouns. Students will need to properly label if the nouns are concrete or abstract, common or proper, be able to use "Determiners" to identify and underline nouns in sentences. They also will need to change the sigular forms of the nouns to plural forms, which follow many different rules, and know the rules for Possessive nouns. I had them take notes today on what each section entails, but it is up to them to go back and study each section!

Wednesday: We have a regular Math Test 20 this week. See practice test!

Thursday: Practice Spelling Test 25

Friday: Spelling Test 25 and Cumulative Geography Test on the Plains States. Students will be receiving two maps today that they can use to practice on. They will label EVERY section, state and capital, that we have covered thus far this year, except the Great Lakes States (which we have not yet covered). This is a cumulative test and will be their first geography grade for Trimester 3. It is crucial that they do well. Spelling does count, but will be less than if they miss a state or capital. The following geography test will NOT be cumulative, but the final test will be cumulative!

Keep up the good work helping these students excel in Class 4!

Mrs. Traylor

Week of 1/25 - 1/29

noreply@blogger.com (Vanessa) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 01:43:00 +0000

This week in Class 4:

STATE PROJECT PACKET: This past Friday the State Project packet was sent home in your child's folder. It is yellow. The packet outlines all the important information that your child will need to accomplish this task! We will go over everything in class, but it is important that you READ EVERYTHING and sign it by Friday! You child will also need to let me know what state that they have decided on by Friday, as well.

TESTS:

Wednesday:
1)Math Test 16 - (a practice test will be completed on Monday that prepares them for the test. Help them go over each problem for the test)

2)Vocabulary Test: Unit 10 - Study each word and definition, as well as, understand each synonym and antonym and how they relate to the words

Thursday:

1)Practice Spelling Test 20 - Please have your child begin studying their spelling words on Monday night! I have noticed a decline in many of my student's average spelling grades as the year has continued and I cannot stress enough how important it is that they are learning to spell words correctly! This is a skill they will need for the rest of their lives, so please help them become disciplined about studying their words and doing well on their tests. Cramming their words in on Wednesday night is not the best method to helping them learn! Studying the first column in the list Monday night by writing each word at least 3 times each, then studying the second column in the list on Tuesday, and then studying the last column on Wednesday and THEN taking the practice test and refining the words missed; is one really great strategy to help them study! They could also write each word every night at least three times! You need to figure out what will work best for your child and adjust, even if it is more work!

2)Science Test: Unit 4 - This test is important, as we have only had one science test grade for Trimester 2 and will only have one more (most likely). Our units are longer, so it is important to begin studying the Study guide now, which is already in your child's binder from this past Thursday. Have your child bring home their science book and go through the chapter with them. Quiz them from the study guide and make sure they understand the concepts of the Skeletal and Muscular system! They need to know about the 5 major joints in the human body, where they are, and what they are called, as well as the purpose of bones and what they are made of. We will be reviewing in class this week, too!

Friday: Spelling Test 20

In other news:

This week we will begin reviewing our Grammar Unit on Punctuation, so it looks like we will have a Grammar test next week.

Our field trip is Monday, February 22nd to the Koger Center for The Freedom Train play. More information to come in the next few weeks!

Have a blessed week and continue to pray for each student and their teacher! :)

Back to School! Jan. 4 - Jan. 8

noreply@blogger.com (Vanessa) — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 17:59:00 +0000

We are back to school and in the full swing of things! I loved seeing all my sweet children back in class this morning! We are already off to a great start, so here is a view at our week!

Reminder:
Please make sure you note the Monday Memo for this week, specifically, for Jeans week and in case of inclement weather!

Upcoming Tests:
Wednesday - Math Test 13: Students were given a practice test Monday morning and have worked through it. Use this as a guide to help them get back into studying for math. They have several different division/multiplication problems, diameter, fraction, and averaging problems on this test. I have noticed that some are still struggling slightly with multiplying by two and three numbers and dividing by double digits, please refer to the practice test and ensure that you child is grasping these concepts.

Thursday - Practice Spelling Test: List 16

Friday - Spelling Test: List 16
Geography Quiz on the Pacific States: This will be counted as a quiz grade, instead of a test. However, students still need to know the states and capitals for the Pacific States. Refer to their map in their geography section. Make copies of a blank map to fill in, too. Please help them with spelling each state correctly, as well, so that points are not deducted. This quiz will only contain the 5 pacific states and capitals.

Have a super blessed week!

A Load of Thanks!

noreply@blogger.com (Vanessa) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 14:32:00 +0000

Thank-you Class 4, students and parents, for blessing me on my birthday! The lasagna is delicious and so needed right now as the beginning of break has come! As I reflected on how blessed I have been this first year of teaching, I want you all to know that it is because of all of you and the wonderful children that you are raising. You are all doing a GREAT job at raising these children in the admonition of the Lord! It has been an interesting journey this year, for me, because I have felt my world view change to look at everything through the eyes of a fourth grader! They make me laugh daily. I am humbled by their desire to lift things up to God. They push me to be more patient and to learn how to love the way Christ would! It is a gift to be their teacher!

Have a great break! Merry Christmas from The Traylors! We love you all!

Last Week before Christmas Break!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Vanessa) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 20:30:00 +0000

It is finally here! It is almost time for Christmas break. In this busy season, I pray that Jesus will stay the center of it! Merry Christmas!

This week Class 4 will have four tests.

Tuesday: Science Test on Unit 3. This is our bird unit. Students will need to study their study guides, which are blue, in their binders. The test will have matching, multiple choice, and an area that they will need to draw a picture of a bird and lable at least 5 parts of a bird. This can be found on p.70 of their science book and on a worksheet completed in their science section.

Wednesday: Vocabluary Test on Unit 8. Please visit www.sadlier-oxford.com to practice some review games. You can click on the Blue color and Unit 8 for the games. Also, study the synonyms and antonyms, as well as, definitions.

There will also be the Practice Spelling Test for List 15 on Wednesday.

Thursday: Spelling Test List 15 and Grammar Verb Test.

We have been doing several review pages in grammar that are helpful in preparation for studying. Students were given a piece of card stock with highlighted verbs (in lime green) that they should study in particular because they missed them on a practice test. Please have students study the irregular verbs from that sheet, as well as, the review pages. There is no study guide in particular because grammar builds off of itself, however, the best review pages are p.60 - 61 that are most like the test.

We are drafting The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe comparison essays in class. Your child may need to take this home and work on it tomorrow, Tuesday, if they do not complete it it class. We will complete them tomorrow, start revisions, and rewrite them in our best cursive in the next two days.

Thanks and have a great week!

Week of 12/7 - 12/11

noreply@blogger.com (Vanessa) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 18:03:00 +0000

I am praying that you all have a great week! Please look for the Monday Memo as it has important information regarding the Christmas Chapel Service this Friday night!

Good news: We only have 2 tests this week! However, next week, we have 5 tests, so please be preparing for our last week of school to make it easier! You can see the calendar for all tests - if needed.

Tests this week include:
Wednesday - Math Test 12: Students have completed their Practice Test and it has been checked by me. We talked as a class about some areas that students would be wise to study in preparation for their test. Some of them struggle with the concept from Lesson 53 "Expanded Notation." There are extra problems they could re-work on p.538 in their Math book.

Friday - Spelling Test 14: Please study all words. Writing each word on a separate piece of paper at least 3 times seems to help most students. If you child has never tried this, it is very effective!

This week we will be finishing our literature book on The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe and we will be watching the movie in class, as previous Class 4 classes have done. Next week, we will be doing some comparative writing between the book and the movie. If you have seen the movie or read the book, you may want to help your child brainstorm some good ideas for their writing, so that they will be ready for our in-class writing!

Please pray for Dr. Riddle and her sister who has been diagnosed with brain cancer. I know this is a very difficult time for her and the more we can lift her up in prayer the better. Thank-you for praying.

Have a great week! Christmas Break is almost here!

Week of November 30 - December 4

noreply@blogger.com (Vanessa) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 00:35:00 +0000

It's back to school already! I hope that you all had a marvelous break and time of thanksgiving to the Lord for all that He has given us! What a perfect season to bring us into Christmas time!

This week is back to our normal routine with a variety of tests, homework, etc See below:

Reminders:

1)NO blue weekly papers will be sent home on Monday!

2)November Outside Reading Confirmation Forms are due on Tuesday.

Monday:
Your child will receive their practice Math Test 11A. This is what they need to know for their Math Test on Wednesday.

Your child can receive extra science credit if they bring in a bird nest (for Tuesday) that has been undisturbed for some time now (i.e. birds migrated for winter).

Tuesday:
History Test 4 - This test was postponed until after break for numerous reasons. Please have your child study and sing the song again! We will be working a little more in class on Monday in preparation for test.

Wednesday:
Math Test 11 - Study Practice Test and rework any missed homework problems in binder.
Vocabulary Test on Unit 7 - Study all words, definitions, and synonyms, and antonyms. Visit www.sadlier-oxford.com for fun vocabulary review games, as well as, a way to print out flash cards.

Thursday:
Practice Spelling Test on List 13

Friday:
Spelling Test on List 13
Cumulative States and Capitals Test for all 3 regions that we have been studying. These regions include: Northeast, Southeast, and Southwest regions. Students will be tested on each state and capital. Each state will be numbered and they will have to write each state and capital on a separate piece of paper. KNOWING where each state and capital belongs in a major part of their grade. 1 point will be deducted per misspelled state/capital, 3 points will be deducted per state that is switched with another state/capital. Study Advice: Number each state that will be tested on a blank map, then have your child fill out that practice test, writing each state/capital on another sheet of paper.

Happy studying!

Love,

Mrs. Traylor

Grandparent's Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Vanessa) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:12:00 +0000

Congratulations to all my wonderful children who did such a great job today! I just wanted to let you know that you made me so proud! I pray you have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Last week before Thanksgiving Break!

noreply@blogger.com (Vanessa) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:20:00 +0000

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good." Psalm 107:1

As we enter into this week, I am praying that the above verse will stay with us all even in the midst of Semester projects, Grandparent's Day rehearsals, etc.

Thank-you to all the parent Volunteers that are providing transportation for us! We appreciate it SO much!

Reminders for this week!

1) Make sure you check your child's folder Monday night for all important papers concerning this week. The Monday Memo is of particular importance, as it states all the information for Grandparent's Day.

2)NO SPELLING OR MATH TESTS THIS WEEK!

3)We do, however, have a HISTORY Test (Song 4) on Thursday. To prepare, please help your child study their Study Sheet for Song 4. They need to Listen to Song 4 and pay attention to dates. Make sure they know the three important documents of this time period and the dates for them, which are on the study guide. (The Declaration of Independence, The Constitution, and The Bill of Rights)

4) Semester Projects are Due on Wednesday. Please see Monday Memo for drop-off guidelines. Many of you would like to know the criteria for grading concerning the student's projects. (See below)

Areas of Assessment
Effort
Neatness
Punctuality
Completeness
Display

Please keep in mind that your child needs to have SOMETHING written for their projects, whether that is written on a visual aide or typed on a sheet of paper. For example, if you child brings in a croquet dress, they need something written that explains what they learned from the project or something about the dress (i.e. how they made it, etc.) If your child has a large poster with photos on it, but no written words, please have them hand me something so that I can asses the learning process. The writing can be mixed in your visual aide.

Lastly, the students will give a brief 2 minute presentation on their project to explain what they focused on and what they learned or how their project works, etc. This is very informal, but good to practice!

5)Included in your child's folder was a green half-sized sheet of paper that is the Conference Confirmation Form. I apologize about my error, but the date on that form says, 11/12/09. Conferences are, obviously, November 23rd! I was in the midst of getting many other things accomplished today, Monday, and wrote down the date of when to return the Conference sign-up form instead. SORRY!!!!!!

Please let me know if you have any questions about the week!

Thanks so much! See you in the morning at LPC!

Mrs. Traylor

Week of November 9 - 13

noreply@blogger.com (Vanessa) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:15:00 +0000

This week is more of the same AND we are so close to Thanksgiving Break! Keep pushing through in Christ Jesus!

Tomorrow (Wednesday), we have our Math Test 10. See their study guide on Test 10A and help them work through any homework problems that they had trouble with.

We also have a Vocabulary Test on Unit 6. Please see the site www.sadlier-oxford.com for a great way to let your child review for the test, as well as study those words, definitions, synonyms, and antonyms.

On Thursday, we have a Practice Spelling Test on List 12.

On Friday, we have their Spelling Test on List 12.

Reminders:

Please turn in your Grandparents Day Permission to Transport form (yellow in Monday Memo) if you have NOT done so already!

Please help your child on their GPD lines! We have our first practice AFTER the All School Practice on Tuesday of next week. That means we need to be SUPER prepared for our first time when they get up there! I know they are going to do great!

Semester Projects are due next Wednesday, November 18th. Please keep this in mind in the midst of everything else and continue working on those!

Thanks for all you do for these children! Continue to lift us up in prayer!

Love,

Mrs. Traylor

Week of November 2 - 6

noreply@blogger.com (Vanessa) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:28:00 +0000

Some of you have noticed that I have not posted for this week! It just depends on the week and what God has put in my life to do! Thankfully this has really be a great week and we are doing all kinds of fun things! In Science today, we started Unit 3 on Birds and the kids had so many bird stories to tell me that truly were fascinating! We looked up scripture on Birds and it was so neat that all of them found different ones to talk about! Can you believe how our Savior even takes care of the sparrows of the air? What a mighty God we serve!

Anyways, this week is pretty light as far as tests go! (I can hear the children cheering now!)

On Wednesday, the students have a Math Test. Use the Practice Test 9A as a guide. The test is basically a look alike with different problems, so if they have any questions, look them up in the book!

We also have their Practice Spelling Test on Wednesday, due to the short week. No school on Friday!

Thursday we have a Spelling Test on list 11.

In other news, Mrs. Lucas pointed out the following (from the beginning of the year packet concerning vocabulary words that I gave you):

This is a website that has been helpful in the past: www.sadlier-oxford.com. The student should choose the student section-blue level (we are currently on Unit 6). I tried it out and I know that the kids would LOVE doing this! They have hangman, crossword puzzles, memory matching with the antonyms and synonyms, etc. They also have Word Cards (flash cards) that they could print out, cut up, and write the definition on the back to practice! So if you have some that love computer games, this would be a great outlet for that!

Thanks so much for sharing this with us again!

Please have a blessed week and remember that there is NO SCHOOL on Friday!

Love,

Mrs. Traylor

Grandparents Day and Reminders

noreply@blogger.com (Vanessa) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 21:38:00 +0000

This week I have a couple reminders for you!

You have received a copy of the student's selections/lines they need to memorize for Grandparents Day (GPD). I want to encourage you to work on these at home. We do practice at school, too, but we already squeeze so much into one day that they really need to learn these at home! Students need to have their lines memorized by Friday, November 13th. (One week prior to GPD).

Other reminders:

1)Please note that students have a Calendar section in their binder that lists off important test dates. I do have them write their dates in their planner as well, but if you notice your child is not doing this, then let me know and I can start checking up on them a little better. I am going to start doing daily checks every so often to ensure students are writing down all assignments.

2) Your child will be receiving their new Outside Reading Confirmation Form that you sign monthly (after they have read 2 books) tomorrow 10-30-09. Along with this I have copied a calendar from the Book It! program by Pizza Hut for the month of November. Please keep track of the minutes your child reads on the calendar so that I can reward them their pizza coupon for a free pizza! You sign this calendar as well. It is a green calendar for this month!

Okay, well, I think that is all for now! Thanks so much for supporting me this year! I think it has been a great year so far, and I am constantly encouraged by your children and their interest in loving Jesus. They thrive in the classroom and I give God all the glory for the work he is doing there! Praise, praise, praise Jesus!

Week of October 26 - October 30

noreply@blogger.com (Vanessa) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 21:59:00 +0000

I hope this post finds you well! I cannot believe the month of October is almost over! Christmas will be here before we know it! Start making those lists!

First of all, I realized this past Thursday that we were ahead on Bible reading. Sorry about that... we are now on track! Do not be afraid to let me know if an issue like this comes up! Thanks!

This week we have a test pretty much everyday.

Tuesday: History Test 3 -Many students are not scoring highly when it comes to Geography/History. These subjects require a lot of outside work. Please help your child learn good ways to study for these things. They really need your help with this. As far as this week's test in History, your child needs to know important dates (we went over them in class) and major events from their song 3 and study guide.

Wednesday: Math Test and Vocabulary Test on Unit 5 - I have noticed that most students do not think they need to study for Math and for some it is reflected in their grades. They keep all of their homework in their binder. If you look back over the last 10 lessons and help them re-work problems, that should really help them succeed. Also, they have a Practice Test that we do every Monday. This practice test is VERY similiar to the real test, so re-working some of these problems will also help!

For their Vocabulary Test, continue to help them study definitions, synonyms, and antonyms.

On Thursday, we have a Science Test on Unit 2. They need to use their study guide to prepare for this test. Any concepts they do not understand, should be reread from their book. Look through the chapter and quiz them on major bolded words/definitions, too.

Lastly, on Friday, they have a Spelling Test on list 10. List 9 is a review chapter that we are skipping for now.

Thanks so much! I hope you enjoyed those field trip photos!

Have a blessed week!

Week of October 19 - October 23

noreply@blogger.com (Vanessa) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:11:00 +0000

This week there are a few things that will help your child:

1)Math Test-Wednesday: If you are unsure as to how to help your child study, please keep in mind that I often hand-check their homework/classwork and circle problems they miss. If you look through your child's math section, you could get them to re-work some of the problems to prepare for the test. Otherwise, there are some Supplemental pages in the back of the book that could help them if there are some they seem confused on. As well, they can always rework problems on the practice test that they always do on Monday before their test on Wednesday.

2)Friday we have several tests:
-Spelling Test: List 8
-Capitalization Test in Grammar (p.202 is their practice test that we will do in class that is inside their Grammar Section. You could also quiz them on the Capitalization Rules (a yellow piece of paper in this secion)
-Geography Test: Southeast Region of the U.S. States and Capitals
The test will have a picture of a map with each state numbered. The need to know what state belongs where on the U.S. and the capital of that state. I gave you a blank map that you can make copies for them to practice. Spelling does count, but not points off the entire problem.

That is all for tests, however, please keep in mind that we will have a Science Test on Unit 2 next week, as well as, a history test on Song 3. I have encouraged the students to study their vocabulary words nightly by picking a few to look at. I can really tell the difference between the students that study at home from those that do not because these sections are challenging and they struggle a lot more in class.

Please pray for those that are out sick this week with the flu! Pray they get better and are able to catch up easily on all their work, as well as, come back to school quickly. Please also pray for a hedge of protection around our class, and Heritage, that God will keep us all healthy!

Thank you! Let me know if I can do anything for you!

October 12 - 16, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Vanessa) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 23:32:00 +0000

Hello everyone! I am so excited about our first field trip this week and I know your children are, too! Even with all the fun coming up, we still have a few academic matters to attend to! So here is how you may enable your child to be prepared for the upcoming week!

NEWS: Our new student will be joining us Monday for her first day! Let's welcome the Lucas family to Heritage, so please extend a warm welcome if you see them! I think she will be a great addition to our classroom!

Spelling Test: We will NOT have a spelling test this week due to the fact that it is a short week and we have a field trip! I know there is NO complaining there! However, you may want to start working on the words for List 8 -if it will help your child and to make next week easier on them.

Vocabulary Test: We will have a test on Unit 4 on Tuesday, October 13th. I would encourage you to make flash cards with them and put the words in sentences that will help them understand the meaning of the words. The synonyms and antonyms are really important for the tests as well. I can definitely tell the students that work a little each night on these words because in class they shine with their knowledge. Students have 2 weeks to study these words/definitions and if you consistently helped them to study even a word a night, I know I will see improvement with some that struggle!

Recitations: Our first recitation piece is due Tuesday, October 13th. By now, your child has chosen a piece and should have most of it memorized. I would encourage them to practice it in front of the family. Please be very encouraging! This takes a lot of courage to do before their classmates! The following criteria will be used to evaluate each recitation.

Areas of Evaluation
1)Memory of poem or Scripture
2)Ability to answer question about poem or Scripture
3)Expression/enthusiasm
4)Diction (clarity of speech)
5)Presentation-eye contact, unnecessary movement, etc.

Field Trip: Our first field trip is Wednesday, October 14th. We will be going to the Harbison State Forest. This is an extremely organized educational field trip on forestry. We will be leaving by 8:15 am and will return somewhere between 1:30 - 2:00 p.m. Regular dismissal time.

Please bring:
1)Water bottle
2)Hat/Sunglasses/Jacket (depending on weather)

Students need to wear their PE t-shirt and can wear jeans or jean shorts (depending on weather), remember they will be walking around in a forest, so regular uniform shoes are required.

Our chaperons will be Mrs. Brandon, Mrs. Ashe, Mrs. Garner, and Mrs. Fulmer. If you would like to chaperon a field trip and did not have the opportunity this time, then please remember that you will have first priority on the next one! We want everyone to be included when they can!

Half day (Thursday)/ NO SCHOOL (Friday)
Looks like this is going to be a great week! Please pray that everyone will enjoy it and that transition will go smoothly for our new student. As well, please pray for safety to and from the trip! Thanks,

Mrs. Traylor

Week of Sept. 28 - October 2

noreply@blogger.com (Vanessa) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 01:30:00 +0000

We are officially into the Fall and this weekend's slightly cooler temperatures made me excited for wearing warmer clothing and seeing the leaves fall to the ground in an array of beautiful colors!

This week we will be finishing up our first full month of school and heading into October!

The following are some helpful suggestions to get your child through this next week:

1)GRAMMAR Test on Prepositions: Tuesday we will have a test on the list of 40 Prepositions that we have been working on since the first week of school. Knowing these prepositions inside and out and being able to recognize them in sentences are the foundation for all grammar. After a prepositional phrase has been crossed out in a sentence, your child can easily identify the subject by asking themselves, "Who or What is this sentence about?" and the verb, by asking, "What is/was happening in the sentence? If you flip through your child's grammar section, you are bound to find some 20 pages of worksheets that we have been working on. I gave out, in addition to those worksheets, copies that students need to recite from memory all the prepositions. For our test, they will have to cross out the prepositional phrases, as well as, label the subject and verb in the sentences.

2)Our Vocabulary Test is on Wednesday for Unit 3 words. If you have not thought of good ways to study for these vocab words, then I suggest that you make flash cards or show your child how to make them and write a word on the front, definitions on the back, as well as some of the key synonyms and antonyms. I will be giving extra sentence work this week on this Unit.

3)Our Math Test is on Wednesday, as well. Please review our Pre-test 4A, 5A which we will do tomorrow (Monday). If they do not understand how to work some problems, revisit the lessons in their Math book and get them to work out some problems from the Problem Sets or Supplemental Practice in their book. This time they will have to show work, but will not be able to take the test home. So please encourage them to show their work!

4)Our Spelling Test is Friday! This past week's spelling test grades were wonderful for the majority, so keep up the GREAT work!

Other News:
This Wednesday, I will be out for a yearly doctor appointment. Mrs. Jean Croft will be our substitute. Please contact me via email if you need anything. Thank-you!

Week of 9/21-9/25

noreply@blogger.com (Vanessa) — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 21:29:00 +0000

First of all, I want to apologize that last week I could not post anything! It was a very busy week and then I got sick Thursday, so things were a little crazy and I could not get online. However, I have some very important things for you to remember for this week!

I know last week, our class had several tests, and there was a lot of studying going on. We have been talking about different strategies for taking tests and how to prepare for them and I can tell that for the majority it is paying off! I have been very encouraged by the grades of our class and can tell who has been spending time preparing!

Our only tests this week are for Science, Geography, and of course, Spelling! I realized that originally the online calendar said we would have a Science Test next Tuesday, but that is incorrect, it was going to be this Tuesday (9/22). However, due to the fact that I got sick and I was not able to review with them this past Thursday afternoon, I am moving their Science Test to this Thursday (9/24). Please check the calendar in their binders or online. (Dates have been changed.)

Geography Test: We will have or 1st test on States & Capitals for the Northeast Region on Friday. On Parent Orientation Night, I gave you a copy of a blank map of the U.S. (inside the folder) that I told you to make copies for them and let them practice filling in several times where the State was located on the map. This is the best strategy that I have for them to get to know the States. They DO NOT have to know the exact location of the CAPITAL, but they do need to know the capital and state and their spellings (Some have been a part of our weekly Spelling Lists). In addition to this, we have been singing several songs that help them memorize the States/Capitals. *Ideas to help them study for this test: 1)Copy U.S. Map and have them fill in NE region states 2)Call out the capital/state and have them write down the corresponding capital/state 3)Write each state/capital several times each (maybe 3) PLEASE be working on these at home, we only have a small amount of time each week dedicated to Geography!

Spelling Tests: This past week, almost every student made an A on their Spelling Test. I was so pleased. Whatever you are doing to help them study is working, so keep up the good work!

Math Tiles: We have Math Tiles this coming Friday. My class moms are working on getting a schedule ready for our volunteers. Hopefully we can get those sent home to you by Wednesday this week, so you know when you are coming to help us out! Thank you so much!

Binders: I want to encourage you to check your child's binder nightly as they do homework. The fact that they are trying to be more independent does not mean that you are hands-off with them. They need you! This is entirely new. Help them if sections seem to be out of order. A few want me to help them and I was going to Thursday, but could not, so we will get to it this week. Show them how to keep things together if this does not come naturally!

Homework Folders: Please make sure that your child, puts his homework in his blue/purple HW folder upon completion. They walk in the door and put it in my tray first thing. If it is not there, then they have to search and they are not being productive with their morning work!

Class Prayers: Thank you so much for your support and prayers! Please pray that God would protect us from injury, illness, and that we would all be healthy to learn. This past week we had teeth coming out, nose bleeds, scrapes, belly aches, sore throats, ear infections, head aches, and well, their teacher getting sick! With all this going on, in addition to everything else, it is hard for me to focus my attention on teaching when everyone is SICK! We need prayers for protection! I also encourage you to get your child a flu shot (if possible) so that we can stay healthier, too! Thank you so much!

Mrs. Traylor

Class News

noreply@blogger.com (Vanessa) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:34:00 +0000

Please note the following date changes:

Children will recite their first recitation to me on October 13th, 2009. When the dates for the Poetry Assignment letter that was sent home to YOU was originally made, we did not know that we would be accepted into the Wood Magic Forestry field trip on the 14th of October. Now that our field trip is confirmed we will move their Recitation #1 to the day before. Thank you for this change! Reminder: The Golden Verses for Boys and Girls 9blue folder) was sent home with them today (Wednesday). They need to choose 1 poem of at least 2 stanzas or 1 passage of scripture (at least 4 verses) and TELL me their choice next Wednesday. Please see calendar.

Other Date Changes:

Math Tiles:

Please note that we will not hold math tiles on April 2, 2010 as this is Good Friday. We will hold Math Tiles on May 7th, 2010 NOT May 8th 2010 (Saturday). Thank you for observing these as well!

VOLUNTEERS:
We will need a total of 3 volunteers every other week to help with Friday's Math Tiles. We have a smaller class and several full-time working moms, so we are opening up the volunteer position to relatives of the students. If any grandparents or aunts/uncles would be interesting in spending some time with our class, please let me know by next Wednesday (9/16/09). Thank you!

Class Donation:
Because I am a new teacher, I did not have the opportunity to add anything to the 4th grade supply list for this year as it was already done by the time I got here. I observed that most of the other lower school teachers wipe down the students desks daily with Lysol disinfecting wipes that fight the Flu. With all the flu talk, I have been using some of the other teacher's wipes to wipe down the desks daily and would ask that if any of you are willing to donate to our class some Lysol disinfecting wipes, I would be so appreciative! I really think this is helping to cut down on germs and keeping the kids healthy and you would not believe how much dirt I get off their desks EACH DAY! :) Thank you so much!

I think this is all I have for now! Please keep us in your prayers!

Practice Spelling Tests

noreply@blogger.com (Vanessa) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:08:00 +0000

Dear Parents,

I am going to start allowing students to take home their spelling tests (as long as I can get them graded sometime during the day on Thursdays), so that, they may be able to see some of their problem areas. HOWEVER, you must SIGN the test somewhere and RETURN it to me on Friday in their homework folder. If they begin to NOT come back to me the following day, then I will have to keep their tests. Thanks you!

Mrs. Traylor

Week of 9/7/09-9/11/09

noreply@blogger.com (Vanessa) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 00:26:00 +0000

I hope that eveyrone's Labor day was wonderful! Starting this week off with Tuesday and not Monday made things a little interesting, but today was Nicholas' birthday and we had a great day in all!

This week your child needs to focus on continuing to finish their 1st Outside Reading book for the month by Wednesday next week! (Just a good goal, not a MUST!)

They have a test tomorrow and we start Math Tiles training/our first session of Math Tiles this week! They really love Math Tiles, so if you can help out every couple weeks, we could really use you! Even grandparents or other relatives are welcome!

Besides spending time with those spelling words each night, your child needs to be listening to the first History Song. They have a test in history next thursday (9/17) and knowing/memorizing this song is really going to help them do well! They should be able to sing the song without looking at the words before the test. You can help them prepare by looking at their song sheet and asking them who someone is/what they did/when they did it. For example: Hernando Cortes came to America and brought horses. He wanted to conquer the Aztecs in Mexico in 1519. (5th stanza of song) Getting them to understand who each person is and what they did will help them excel! They will also get a Study Sheet this Thursday.

The only other suggestions that I have are to check their homework. Make sure they are writing their Name, Subject, Date, and Mrs. Traylor on their paper, as well as, numbering their papers. Today we did classwork in Math and more than half the class did not label their papers correctly, number, etc. This may not seem like a big deal, but getting them to be religious about this will become second nature and when they have Binder Explosions, as we like to call them, then they can easily put all their papers back into their sections on their own. Please encourage them to do it correctly! It also helps me to grade their papers and they need these basic skills to do well on tests.

I am very proud of them. This is a great group, they are quick learners, and really have been succeeding. The majority of problems come from a lack of following directions, not a lack of understanding!

Please pray for me this week to have strength and to be encouraged. It is hard as a first year teacher and Satan can get in all sorts of areas to try to discourage me, but I will press on towards the upward call of Christ and I pray your children will see me striving and want to strive to follow Jesus, as well. Thank you for your prayers! I can tell when you are praying!

Love,
Mrs. Traylor

Week of August 31 - September 4

noreply@blogger.com (Vanessa) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:30:00 +0000

This week is already off to a GREAT start! Today (Monday) we became familiar with our new spelling list to get ready for their Spelling Test (List 2) this Thursday (practice) and Friday. We played Bingo with our Vocab. Words and Definitions and we reviewed Prepositional Phrases. We finished The Matchlock Gun in Literature and completed Lesson 10 in Math. We learned about Hernando Cortes in History and reviewed what we learned last week about Columbus. They are doing so well! You should be proud!

A few things you should know:

1)Have them begin listening to the 1st History Song on their CD. So far they should know the 1st four stanzas decently well. This will REALLY help them on their test.
2)If you checked out the calendar in their binder or on this blog, then you can see that they have 3 tests this week, 4 if you include the Practice Spelling Test. This is not abnormal in 4th grade and it is getting them ready for middle school and having more responsibility. See calendar for dates.
3)Outside Reading Forms are due TOMORROW! (Need your signature, as well as, their books).

Ways you can prepare them for their Tests this week:

Literature: The Matchlock Gun They are mostly graded on how well they can write on notebook paper and accurate responses. They need to know their heading by now (name, subject, date, and Mrs. Traylor). We have been practicing A LOT and you should check it on their Homework to make sure they have it right. I will be happy to help if they are unsure, but most are getting this quickly. Get them to tell you about the Setting (includes time period and location-the Foreward really helps!) They need to describe the Plot (what happens in book) in three sentences (beginning, middle, end). A very general summary! Ask them to describe Edward or Gertrude (their characteristics, actions, etc.) AND describe their favorite part of the book. This is mainly a writing test to show me what they have comprehended!

Vocabulary: Unit 1 p. 12 - 13 has the words and definitions. It is a multiple choice test that includes fill in the blank sentences, synonyms of the words and antonyms.

Spelling Test: Each child learns differently, so figuring out what will help your child is BEST! Some may just need towrite out the words several times, others may need help with the context, and other may be more independent. Please help them put the time and effort into learning these! They are a step-up from 3rd grade and need more time! The practice Spelling test should show which words they are very unfamiliar with.

Outside Reading: They will turn in their books to me tomorrow and choose a new book for September. They will be reading TWO books this month. They should be reading 20 minutes a night/however long it takes to get two books read in a month. If your children are struggling with their reading and not getting enough read, then I would consider dividing your child's book up into sections that they should accomplish. If the book has 12 chapters, then they should read at least 1 chapter a night or X amount of pages each night until the 15th of the month/30th of the month. They really have not had much practice with self-pacing, so you may need to guide them in this area. Help them divide it up and set a reasonable goal. They are choosing books that they want, so they should be motivated to read them! Starting in October if they finish their goal, they can earn Pizza Hut coupons!

Thank you for all your support! Have a blessed week and know that I am lifting up your children in prayer and love teaching them!

8.24.2009 Table Talk

noreply@blogger.com (hhtraylor) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 22:57:00 +0000

Ask them to tell you what a Preposition always does.

ANSWER: A preposition always introduces a phrase. A noun or prounoun always comes at the end of that phrase.

Get them to sing to you their Preposition Song!

Week of August 24th - 28th

noreply@blogger.com (Vanessa) — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 21:49:00 +0000

I am so pleased and thankful to the Lord for this past week! Meeting each student was such a pleasure and seeing their personalities come out as they became more comfortable helped me to get to know them better! We have already learned SO much in the first week at school! Here is this next week at a glance:

Bible: We will continue with 1 Samuel 3 - 7. Please take the time to do devotions with your children!

They will receive List 1 on Monday for Spelling (Our first tests are this coming Thursday and Friday!). Thursday is their practice test, but if they make a 100 then they do NOT have to retake it on Friday! They also may receive +2 points if they can tell me the Spelling rule for List 1.

In Grammar, we have already started learning about Prepositions and will continue to build each day a little more. You can find their Preposition list in their Grammar section of their binder. *TABLE TALK: Ask them to tell you what a Preposition always does....ANSWER: A preposition always introduces a phrase. A noun or prounoun always comes at the end of that phrase. (Get them to sing to you their Preposition Song).

In Literature, we started reading The Matchlock Gun and we will hopefully finish by Friday!

In Math, we are working on lessons 5 - 9 this week. Please make sure they are bringing home their math books and bringing them back to class. You can expect homework in Math Monday - Thursday.

Science: If you live near a Pond, I have asked students to bring in Pond Plants on Tuesday. Just some samples that we could look at and classify. Please help them get these (if you can!)

History: We will start History this Tuesday. Students will need to start listening to History Song 1 on their CD that they should have taken home (some put it in their binder...make sure this CD has a safe place at your house/car that they can listen to to practice. It really helps them to know important facts!)

Lastly, in Geography we will be working this week on geography terms and learning basics mapping skills.

Reminders: Just a few quick things that I would like to remind you of this week!

1)Please, please, please respect the NO candy rule for snacks and lunches. Anything CHOCOLATE is not allowed. I have been told that cookies and fruit snacks ARE allowed. HCA really wants you to be sending healthy foods to school that they can enjoy. Please take out the small pieces of candy that you find in their lunchables. THANK-you!

2)You are welcome at lunch and chapel! I have already had a couple parents/grandparents come visit and it was so sweet! The kids LOVE it! Make sure you sign-in!

3)Check behind them in their binders and planners. They are writing down their homework first thing and starting Monday if the do not bring their homework to class, they have to serve time at recess and do it! They will need a little guidance at first, and eventually they will become more responsible in this!

You have great children and I am enjoying teaching them! Let me know if you have any questions, you may contact me through email! Have a blessed week!