Welcome to Ms. J. Wilson's class!

This page will keep you informed about important news and events in our class. Information you need to know such as: our daily schedule, what we're learning about, homework, tests and quizzes, and how you can help at home. Useful websites and books will also be suggested. You may contact me at jwilson3@houstonisd.org.

Monday, April 29, 2013

Hi Parents,

There will be an informational meeting for you on Wednesday, May 1, in the Cafeteria about the children as they move to 5th grade.  Look for the flyer in the Tuesday folder, and an email was also sent. Also, there is a need for volunteers for the Carnival this Saturday.  Please check your email for that information as well.

This week we will be doing some extensive Stanford practice and content review.  The reason I spend so much time on this is because the 4th grade Stanford scores are the ones submitted when you begin applying to middle schools next fall.  They are also one point on the 5 point matrix for GT placement in middle school.  I want your child to do as well as possible so we will review concepts learned throughout the year, learn some specific strategies for the individual tests, and continue to hone our mathematical and reading abilities. As I explained the kids, this is the equivalent of a Stanford Prep course that you would pay a hundred dollars or more for.  To their credit, they understand the importance of our work this week.  I will, of course, change it up and insert activities and video clips so it is not TOO dull. J
We will continue with our Rock, Rattle and Roll planner and learn about the slow changes created by glaciers.
In Social Studies, we will finish chapter 9, which is about The Indian Wars and the growth of the Cattle Industry in Texas.
In writing we will work on creating some different styles of poetry as well as looking at published pieces.
Our next planner, which we will launch in a couple of weeks, will involve the use of IIM, or Independent Investigation Method. This is a child-friendly, research-based step-by-step process, used across the U.S. and internationally in schools, to help children recognize and use the discrete steps for doing quality research, with equally strong products. This will be our 3rd time using IIM this year.  The first time we did it, I modeled and led the entire class through the process.  The second time, the students used it for their Explorer research paper and I guided them individually as they worked their way through the process.  This last time, the students will be functioning independently. I will give you more information on their topic when we get closer to our last unit of inquiry in a couple of weeks.
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