Math Benchmark Testing Today!

Dear Parents,

Today our students took the third Math Benchmark Test. This test does not count for a grade, but does allow us to predict how your child will do on the FCAT. There are still some skills that must be taught before that time, but this test will give us specific standards we need to focus on with your child. 

Important Testing Habits

The most important part of testing is developing the stamina to sit for an extended period of time and work. Students will have one hour to complete each portion of the test during a four day period. During this time students should not be getting up, using the bathroom, or talking. We have practiced good testing habits all year and we've been working on time management.

How Can You Help?

Please have an additional talk with your child about checking their work, using their scrap paper to solve multiple step problems, and most importantly following directions. Also, there are great websites you can have your child use to help prepare for the reading and math portion of the test. Please see our updates websites on this blog. 

Our Goal

It is our goal to have each child totally prepared for the week of FCAT so they can come in confident and ready to do their best and feel their best!!!

The FCAT Exam is not our only focus in this class. Our main objective is to help your child become life-long learners, and have the drive to maintain an enthusiasm for academic achievement throughout their years at Beauclerc and beyond!

Math FCAT Information- REFLEX MATH!

Parents,

We have access to a fabulous website to help prepare our students for the Math portion on the FCAT. Attached to your child's planner is the Reflex Math login information. Please have your child go on this site whenever they can at home. The kids LOVE it! This is a great way to motivate your child to prepare at home. If you have any questions, please let us know.

http://www.reflexmath.com/go

What We're Learning This Week!

Reading-
We are learning about animal habitats and understanding the difference between fact and opinion

Math-
Our students are learning about 2-dimentional geometric shapes. We are also learning all about angles (90 degrees, 180 degrees, and 360 degrees)

Science-
This week we are observing matter and the states of solids, liquids, a gases

Language Arts-
Please see our Word Work tab for an updates list of vocabulary words. The assessment will be on Monday, February 11th.

Vocabulary/Word Work

Dear Parents, 

Each week our students are given 12 words to study to enhance their vocabulary. We have chosen to test the students each Monday (unless we tell them otherwise). We do this to allow more time for our kids to study. 

Learning vocabulary is very important to understand higher level texts. Please encourage your child to study a few words each night so they are ready for their assessment. 

On the FCAT there is a section called Words and Phrases which assesses the students on their knowledge of synonyms, antonyms, homophones, and words with multiple meanings. 

Our students have to learn good habits to be prepared for success. Please continue to motivate your child to complete their homework and study. If they are taking too long to complete their assignments, please let us know. At this point in the year, students should be aware of time management and our expectations for completing certain tasks. 

We would be happy to conference with you to help explain how we can work together to help your child. On Friday, January 18th, we have a Planning Day. If you would like to schedule a time to meet with us, please let us know. 

Thank you for your support!!!

"WHY CAN'T I SKIP MY 20 MINUTES OF READING TONIGHT?"



LET'S FIGURE IT OUT --- MATHEMATICALLY!

Student A reads 20 minutes five nights of every week;
Student B reads only 4 minutes a night...or not at all!

Step 1: Multiply minutes a night x 5 times each week.
Student A reads 20 min. x 5 times a week = 100 mins./week
Student B reads 4 minutes x 5 times a week = 20 minutes

Step 2: Multiply minutes a week x 4 weeks each month.
Student A reads 400 minutes a month.
Student B reads 80 minutes a month.

Step 3: Multiply minutes a month x 9 months/school year
Student A reads 3600 min. in a school year.
Student B reads 720 min. in a school year.

Student A practices reading the equivalent of ten whole school days a year.
Student B gets the equivalent of only two school days of reading practice.

 By the end of 6th grade if Student A and Student B maintain
these same reading habits,
Student A will have read the equivalent of 60 whole school days
Student B will have read the equivalent of only 12 school days.
One would expect the gap of information retained will have widened considerably and so, undoubtedly, will school performance. How do you think Student B will feel about him/herself as a student?

Some questions to ponder:

Which student would you expect to read better?

Which student would you expect to know more?

Which student would you expect to write better?

Which student would you expect to have a better vocabulary?

Which student would you expect to be more successful in school....and in life?

(Source: U.S. Dept. of Education, America Reads Challenge. (1999) "Start Early, Finish Strong: How to Help Every Child Become a Reader." Washington, D.C.

Tree Hill Nature Center Field Trip!

"Tree Hill" field trip on Tuesday!

Don't forget to pack your child's lunch, unless you opted for your child to receive a bagged lunch from school.

Stay tuned for pictures!