Week 32

Whew! The major tests are over and we can return to our normal routines. The Science Test will be on June 4 but by then we'll have recovered from the marathon testing of these past weeks. The math exam was also rigorous but the kids were real troupers.

I will be out of the school, scoring ELA exams on May 3,4,7,8 and 9. Christine Luo will be the substitute teacher for the five days.

Here's what's up for next week: 

• The fourth grade was invited to an extra session at the Armory this Wednesday. We will go there to meet members from the New Jersey Nets organization!
• We will have our first session with the Shakespeare teaching artist on Thursday. Scott Lilly is a professional actor and has been working with PS 154 for the past two years. If you haven't already done so please check out the video bar to watch the BBC Animated Shakespeare and Disney versions of the play.
• This First Friday will be the Earth Day parade! Our class will march with their buddies from Mrs. Capua's class.

By request, the poll question is back! Please check it out. Have a marvelous weekend!

Week 31

Bravo to all our children, who performed admirably and worked smartly throughout the most challenging ELA exam in my experience as a teacher (and I've been teaching for eighteen years)! I witnessed students reading carefully, looking back and working thoughtfully with great perseverance through out a long exam. Regardless of the results, our children are all rock stars and firmly among the best!!!

Here's what's coming next week:

• We are starting some Shakespeare work. Our teaching artist, Scott, will help us put on a production of A Midsummer Night's Dream, one of Shakespeare's most famous comedy. The acting program will begin May 3rd. In class we have begun familiarizing ourselves with the language of the Shakespeare's times and we are going to read the story in contemporary language before tackling the script, which is in Shakespeare's original text. Don't worry if your child struggles at first, it will get better :)                                                               ADDENDUM: Check out the video bar at the top left hand corner of this page. There are links to two version of A Midsummer Night's Dream:  BBC Animated Shakespeare and Disney's. Enjoy!

The NYS Math test will take place on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. The format will be as follows:

• Day 1: 31 multiple choice questions over 90 minutes maximum
• Day 2: 31 multiple choice questions over 90 minutes maximum
• Day 3: 5 short response and 4 extended response (written in test booklet) over 90 minutes maximum.

Just like this week, children should be well rested, eat a healthy breakfast, and arrive to school before 8:40.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Week 30

Happy Spring Recess! We're all looking forward to some great weather and some relaxation time.

When we return, The NYS ELA test will be here. We've been working very diligently to prepare. We took a mock test session today and the class was able to keep up their stamina throughout the exam. Maybe the pajamas helped :)

Here are some tips for preparing your child on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday:

• Get a good night sleep.
• Eat a nutritious breakfast. Try to avoid sugary foods.
• Arrive to school before 8:40. This will allow time for students to play in the yard.
• Encourage your child to do his/ her very best but avoid naming a specific grade/ goal.
• Dress in comfortable clothes.

Have a great Spring Recess!