Helpful Hints

These are some of the 'hints", "suggestions", and "rules" we have in fourth grade ...

* write your own work (mom and dad are not my student)

* write in pencil (so you can erase and try again) (ink is only allowed in journaling)

* write your name in the TOP, RIGHT corner 
     a.) when Ms. Leom has to search for a paper, she can peel back just the top right-hand corner, it is
quick and effective
     b.) someday you will have Mr. Leom (or one of his friends), and you might as well start begin the habit now

* writing IS communication; make sure your "e" isn't shaped like a "c", your "u" doesn't resemble an
"a", your "s" is different from a "g"... Oh! The letters that have "twins"?! Who knew? If there is a question, it is an error.

* if you make a mistake, erase, THEN rewrite, writing over what is already written is messy and
difficult to read 

* spelling counts! If the word is ON the page, is a spelling word, a vocabulary word, or the main idea / topic of the lesson, the SPELLING matters!! You can only improve, if you practice and use it.

* avoid "not" ... This is important when we are comparing or contrasting and when we are listing antonyms (opposites). It uses "deeper thinking" to tell what something IS ... the antonym for "sad" is more specific to say, "happy" (versus, "not sad). Fourth graders are quick to say, "not sad", but it doesn't show they understand what "not sad" MEANS

* when defining a word, you need to use synonyms, or other words, to define it. If you use the root word or other forms of the word, students miss out on the opportunity to "paint a picture" and they do not clearly demonstrate their understanding of the word. 
     - For example: "slipper - something you slip on" uses the root word "slip" in the definition; when a student writes, "slipper - a type of shoe or footwear for your feet", there is a better opportunity to "paint a picture" or make a visual of the word and meaning

* when answering a question, reword your question in your answer, it gives your brain time to develop your words, it is more formal and polite, it helps your brain connect the ideas and learn. For example: "What book are you reading?" Typical answer: "Frindle." In fourth grade, the answer would be, "I am reading the book, Frindle." Students are encouraged to practice at the dinner table, in the car, and in the "real world".

* all papers (notes, envelopes, assignments, tests ...) for Ms. Leom are placed in the IN Basket. This
makes sure that she is paying attention and focused on keeping track of your papers, and your
learning will be seen 

* if you don't know what to do / don't "get it" / don't want to do it / are nearing a meltdown of
toddler-like porportions ...
     1.) stay calm
     2.) pretend (like you know what to do) - Seriously.  
          "If someone knew what to do ... what would they do first ... hmmm ... "
          a.) write name on the paper
          b.) read the directions
          c.) start with something you do know or understand ... or write notes to help label & understand
          d.) Just start, write SOMETHING, ANYTHING down. You can change it later. Just Start. 
          e.) keep trying. don't give up. 

* act like a responsible fourth grader - if you have homework, do it. It isn't mom and dad's
responsibility to remind you to do it. The teachers and your parents aren't punishing you when we
ask you to practice. We CARE, and we want you to be successful.



* Ms. Leom communicates "missing work", because your paper could ...

     - you (sincerely) forgot (to do it and hand it in)

     - still be in your folder (... another folder ... or cubby ... or backpack ... or home ...)

     - you turned it in to Mr. G

     - your brother/sister grabbed it with their materials

     - a no name paper (there is usually one for each assignment and sometimes as many as 6 or 8! is
impossible to claim its owner by itself)

     - you may have been at the bathroom, getting a drink, sharpening a pencil, talking to a neighbor,
getting something in Mr. Greninger's room, visiting your locker, at the nurse, pulled out for academic support, meeting with another staff member, at the doctor/the dentist/the eye doctor ... and at that minute when Ms. Leom was giving the direction, she was redirecting three other
students, and momentarily ... missed giving you the direction ...

     - she made a mistake - it happens (and when it does, she appreciates all the help available in
fixing her mistake!)
     * your paper sticks to another paper
     * you share a name with another student
     * she checked your paper and was distracted at the moment of recording it; thought she recorded it ... or recorded it under another name ...
     * someone being sincerely "helpful" moves papers
     * (something she hasn't discovered yet ...)

Be your own advocate. Ask questions. Ask Ms. Leom. Ask Mr. Greninger. Ask your flex teacher. Talk to your mom and dad (they KNOW a LOT. Seriously.)

(Sorry for any "funky" breaks in this post ... three times Ms. Leom tried to fix it ... nothing shows on the "posting screen".)