Classroom News: November 4

Good afternoon! I am writing this as the children are in music class. I really need to let you all know about the discussion I had with the students just before they left for music. We are still having many difficulties with friendships in the fourth grade (as I stated in my class newsletter last week). This seems to have branched out to include more girls, and even a couple of the boys now. In spite of all the time I spent at the beginning of the year on my "anti-bullying curriculum", many children are still not doing a very good job at applying all we talked about. I believe that part of the reason we are having this trouble is that these children are not used to being in a class this size. They were in smaller groups with a lot more individual attention for many years, and are having a difficult time with the adjustment. Many are not good at sharing friends or interacting if I am not constantly vigilant. Also, many "incidents" happen when children are at recess or in the lunchroom - so I am not there to monitor. I have had large class sizes in the past, but never with the "getting along" problems that we are having this year. I will continue to work hard on this at my end, but need your support at home. Please talk to your child about using words when they are upset (not pushing, pinching, etc - yep - I've seen pinching this week!). Also, talk about including others. Possibly, line up play dates with different children. I need these kids to be more inclusive and tolerant of one another. I did warn the children that report cards are coming, and their behavior toward one another will be reflected on these.

Also, just a reminder that there will be a math test on Chapter 2 tomorrow (addition and subraction - lots of regrouping, estimation, solving for variables), and a test of the 10 Commandments, as well. Please study a little at home tonight.

I will be out of the classroom on Friday. As one of the former Spanish teachers at St. Francis (and the person who wrote the curriculum we are currently using), I will be helping Mrs. Zumbusch get Spanish lesson plans in order for the substitutes we have teaching this class until a replacement for Mrs. Gramstad is found. I will still be in the building, though, so if anything comes up, I will be around. Feel free to email/call me as usual that day, if necessary.

Have a good evening!
Kristen