Welcome!

Welcome to 4th Grade!  & to the A-4 (Amaral 4th Grade) Blog.

We had a fabulous 1st week!  It is always so exciting to meet the kids and watch the dynamics unfold!

As you can imagine, we have not had much time to delve into academics, as we have been busy getting to know one another, settling in with our supplies, learning about our new space, etc.

Some of the fun ways we are getting to know each other is through games, scavenger hunts, "ME Bags" and "Cooperatives".  "Cooperatives" is a special time when ALL 4th graders gather together, mix and match classrooms and work cooperatively!  We even got to meet with our 1st grade "Buddy Class" - Mr. Scheetz's class.

On Friday, we took some time to do a spelling inventory, a narrative writing assessment and a multiplication assessment.  This helps to provide me with a framework of which to begin instruction, but will also serve as a baseline for growth.  Next week I will continue with a few more assessments to continue this process.

In this BLOG, I will be posting our classroom news, pictures, information and some of my own musings.  My goal is to post updates bi-weekly.

I am looking forward to a wonderful year with your children.  Enjoy the weekend.

Here are some pictures of the week:   (Be sure to scroll through - more info at the end)

Getting to know you activities:

Cooperatives:

Imagination Blocks:

"ME Bags"

Assessment time:

Meeting Ms. Ramsey (Social Worker):

1st Grade BUDDIES

With the year just barely getting underway, here are a few things to be aware of:

• Intake forms will be emailed next week.
• You should have received an email from Remind - it is a teacher texting tool.  Please sign up for helpful reminders from me. 
• Kiddos lunch begins on Monday, August 31.  Look to the ITEM for information of how to order.  
• HW Spirit wearables - orders due by Friday, Sept. 4
• A4 Room Moms are Linda Gerstman and Jennifer Lahti

Please mark your calendar for the following:
Go to School Night 9/17
No School 9/7
No School 9/14
No School 9/23
No School 10/12
"Intake" Conference Days (No School) Oct. 15 & 16 (Scheduling to come out soon!)