BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT FOR 4th GRADE IS THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1st at 6:30!

At our back to school night I will be discussing classroom expectations, weekly homework, and learning standards for 4th grade. Our goal is to give you this information as early as possible. I hope all parents will be able to attend.

Welcome to  Potter’s Portable, which is a my classroom website and blog! I will update the home page about once a week. The sidebar contain links to good learning websites. The homework page has spelling lists and book project information. The classroom pictures page will contain photos of kids engaged in learning or involved in various school activities. I am constantly working  and learning new ways to improve the website.  So, look for new links or other features.

I am looking forward to a great school year!

 Hello Parents!

We have been so busy at school over the past several weeks. My student teacher Mrs. Stussi has been taking on more and more of the daily activities. In fact, she has been teaching full time for a couple of weeks now, and will continue for a couple more weeks. She is doing a great job!

Most importantly, students have been busy learning how to do so many things from writing Narrative essays to multiplying two-digit by two-digit two numbers different ways. These two big skills are difficult for 4th graders to accomplish. Students will need to practice these skills for some time. Talking or practicing with your about how to multiply these big numbers would be very helpful. I have taught them two ways to solve these types of problems.

Besides learning  new things in the classroom, there is other important news. First, students are in the middle of a reading challenge. The challenge is to read 10 hours outside school hours to earn a free Silverwood ticket. The last day is March 28, 2011.  Second, other fourth grade classes have started another book project, but I have stalled in order to catch up on grading. Plus, I think students need a bit of a break. I will assign the next project the week before spring break, allowing students time to work on the project over the week long break. I will also send home  some math homework over the break.  Finally, students are learning about Native Americans in Washington. They are doing a group project to investigate different Native Americans more deeply. Please look for more information about when we will present these group projects. You will be invited!

See you at parent-teacher conferences next week! Thanks again for all your support.

Parents!

My new student teacher has made a great start!

We are learning lots of new things!  In reading, students are looking closely at non-fiction books and learning how to read them. For example, text features contain many important facts that can be learned from ther book. Also, non-fiction books are structured differently than fiction books. In math, we finished learning how to find area and perimeter. Many students did very well. The next skills to be learned and practiced is multiplying big numbers. The last  area of math we will focus on is fractions. In writing, we are writing new essay on a special object. Soon we will be doing a second all-day write.

Well, another book project will be assigned very soon. Please look for the instruction sheet. For February, students are to read a nonfiction book.

Our Valentine’s Day party will be held Monday February 14th. Donated treats and simple party supplies are appreciated. Please look for a letter explaining in detail the party.