From here on out, I will publish one blog for the week, usually on Mondays, and add to it each day with photos, homework assignments, and running commentary. That way your inbox won’t get hammered everyday with a reminder to read the blog. I put a lot of work into making it a good resource for your family as I document the amazing work we do in here each week, make announcement about upcoming events, and reflect on the teaching and learning in Cerrito Creek.
The birthday tradition in Cerrito Creek is fairly simple, and quite lovely. Families come in at 2:45 (or 1:45 on Fridays), and bring a selection of photos (digital is fine, as we have a smart board) and some nut-free treats. Your child tells stories (and perhaps you help a little) of early memories, then we appreciate her/him (my favorite part), and sing the birthday song. We often reschedule when the actual birthday doesn’t work out. Half birthdays are encouraged for summer birthdays! Please get in touch as the big day approaches, and we’ll schedule a time that works best for you.
Those of you returning to Cerrito for your second year remember that we took it upon ourselves as teachers to help students cook and prepare the birthday treats last year. We are going back to having families provide them, as it was a monumental task to prepare treats for twenty-odd students. My goal was to create an equitable, nutritious experience around birthdays, and it was just a little too time-consuming and expensive to pull off again. I encourage you to choose something that your child can help you with, or even do independently, that won’t cause you too much time, stress, or money. If that means store-brought treats, great, if that means a baking project with your child, that’s great, too. I look forward to celebrating with you.
Homework
A note from Jeff on fourth grade homework (and by the way, the notes on time apply to fifth grade)
4th Grade Math: Please expect there to be math homework Monday –Thursday. Most assignments are due the next day. The students check homework in class the day it is due. There will not be homework given over weekends.
Students should expect to spend no more than 20 minutes on math homework, especially when they have other assignments.
Given there is a range of experience with mathematics in the 4th grade, and a range of pace as well, setting a kitchen timer for 20 minutes is one way to create equity for students who have a slower pace (and are focused for that time).
Challenges: If your student is overly challenged by an assignment, it is better to send it back with a note (or email) to let us know, than to have a negative experience at home. Communication is key, and also knowing we are flexible with all the other expectations at home: chores, classes, family time etc.
Tuesday
Homework tonight is math. Both fourth and fifth graders have their first math assignments. Fifth graders can download the whole packet for this week right here. Tonight they should do the first two pages. Fourth graders should click on the link to Strawberry Creek at the top of this page to find your packet.
Wednesday
Math: 4th grade graphing worksheet, 5th grade “Diffy” (here are the rules, in case you forgot, and you can download the gameboard in the link to the packet above)
Collage your writer’s notebook!
Thursday
Math: 4th grade number talk, 5th grade Blockout! activity in packet
Read for 20 minutes in your just-right chapter book. Some of you are continuing books you are already reading, some are starting new ones you picked out today.
Announcements:
No Lake Anza trip this Friday. Yucky algae closed the lake.
If you haven’t already, please be sure to fill out our Dismissal Arrangements form so we know who’s permitted and not permitted to pick up your child.
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