Fourth Grade Language Arts!
Since your child spends a great deal of time with me each day, I’ll let you know a little about myself. My name is Kimberly Strealy. I am a proud graduate of Holliday ISD, and I received my teaching degree from Midwestern State University. I have been in education for 18 years, and this is my 15th year teaching fourth grade. My husband, Clay, is a teacher and coach in the middle school. We have three children: Tucker-15, Hayden-13, and Aubrea-10. I feel very blessed to have this job. I love what I do, the people I work with, and the opportunity to teach and learn with your children.
I am the language arts teacher. I teach grammar, spelling, and writing. In fourth grade students take a writing test in addition to the reading and math STAAR tests. Most of our grammar and writing work will be completed in class. Your child will rarely have homework in these areas; however, spelling work will need to be completed at home. Below is a list of expectations and suggestions to help your child be a successful speller:
Your child will receive two spelling lists mostMondays (or the first school day of the week.) I recommend that the “home” copy be hung on the refrigerator or a visible spot that can be seen everyday. The other list will be kept in your child’s folder. Your child will also have spelling homework onMonday night that will be due on Tuesday morning. We will have a spelling test on Friday.
Your child must study his or her spelling words at home. This should
never take more than five to ten minutes. We have 20 words each week, so I
recommend studying five each night. Good opportunities to study include
riding in the car or while eating dinner, breakfast, or a snack.
Each child learns differently. Some students just like to call words aloud or
write them down, but there are several other creative ways to study:
-using magnet letters on the refrigerator, dishwasher, or a cookie sheet.
-writing on a Magnadoodle or Aquadoodle mat.
-using letters from Alphabet cereal.
-spraying a countertop or vanity with shaving cream and tracing the words in the foam.
-the possibilities are endless – do what works for your child.
Recent studies show that spelling is the foundation of reading. Practicing
spelling improves reading skills, and strong reading skills lead to success in
all areas.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. I can be reached at school at 586-1986. Emails are another easy option. My email address is listed below. Also, my scheduled conference period is 1:40 to 2:25, but I can usually meet before or after school too. I know this will be a very busy and exciting school year. Together we can make it a great year for your child.
Sincerely,
Kimberly Strealy
Eye Halve a Spelling Checker
Eye halve a spelling checker.
It came with my pea sea.
It plane lee marks four my revue
Miss steaks aye can knot sea.
Eye ran this poem threw it,
Your sure reel glad two no.
Its vary polished in it’s weigh
My checker tolled me sew.
-source unknown
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Please detach, sign, and return the bottom portion, so I will know that you have seen the language arts expectations. Thanks!
Student Name______
Parent Signature ______