The following are "FAQ's" in 4th grade. If you have questions or would
like to discuss any concerns in your child's education, please feel free to
contact me via school e-mail (lnorthup@cj.k12.mo.us) or by school phone
(649-7011).
- How do I know if my child is completing all his/her work at school?
- I don't understand the math assignment. How am I supposed to help???
- What should we do to make sure the student doesn't fall behind when absent?
- Why does my child have so much homework?
- What can I do to help my child in math?
How do I know if my child is completing all his/her work at school?
Your child completes an agenda every day which indicates
daily work and assignments. We have about 30-45 minutes
of "Study Time" every day at the end of the day which is to be
used to complete all work. Your child should be able to show
you
all completed work, as nothing is picked up until the following
day. All work should match what is written in the agenda.
I don't understand the math assignment. How am I supposed to help???
Your child has been given a "Student Reference Book" which
explains every math concept and algorithm used in 4th grade.
Students review problems during class and are given page numbers
that will help them if necessary. Although we introduce new
algorithms to complete math problems, we also allow students to
use any method to solve a problem as long as they understand how
to find the correct answer.
What should we do to make sure the student doesn't fall behind when absent?
Attendance is extremely important, especially when we work
on a new math concept every day. I understand there are times
that your child will need to be gone for an appointment, family
emergency, or illness. If you know your child will be gone,
please contact me prior to the absence so that I can gather
assignments prior to the absence.
Why does my child have so much homework?
As a "rule of thumb", 4th graders should have no more than
40 minutes of homework per night. As a busy parent with 2 busy
kids, I understand how difficult it is to make sure all homework
is completed before baths and bedtime. Therefore, I have worked
my daily schedule to include appx. 30 minute of study time.
Students are required to complete all homework during this time
before they are allowed to participate in other academic
activities. If your child has more than 15-20 minutes of
homework every night (outside of studying for a test), I would
like to know. If students use Study Time wisely, they should
not
have daily homework.
What can I do to help my child in math?
This year we will continue working with concepts in
Geometry, Number Operations, and Fractions. Your child MUST
have
a strong basis of basic math facts (addition, subtraction and
multiplication) to be successful in 4th grade. Although we do
work on these basic facts, it is important that you spend time
at
home memorizing basic facts. It is very difficult to "build
walls" onto a house if the "foundation" is not solid.