Brush up on your multiplication tables. That means factors and products. These are two fun interactive games to help you.
2.
Read everyday. Remember that reading is more than staring at pages; you're using your noodle too. The more real reading you do the better you get at it. Like anything, you can't get better if you don't practice. Parents, Use our class code "HWMFC"at Scholastic when ordering books online!
3.
Try some writing prompts to build your craft. Here is a website that has hundreds! Some are quite advanced so have a parent help you choose. One of our favorites is: Write a letter to your adult self. We'd love to see what you come up with!
4.
Get a head start on our United States history units! Watching The History Channel's America: The Story of Us will help you in our discussions greatly. A parent can order the dvd here. It's available on Netflix too!
5.
Be a grammar buff. Good grammar tells the world you that you know your stuff. Grammar Girl: Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing is a wonderful free podcast you can get on iTunes. Because adults struggle with grammar, many of these podcasts are geared towards them. But have a parent select the grammar rules that affect you. We recommend #6, #29, #32, #39, #48, #66, and #67.
6.
Be aware of bullying. We know that a bully can make a student dread going to school. As your teachers, we need to make sure all of you are comfortable and safe--that is when you learn best! Take a moment to Stopbullying.gov to learn a bit more about bullying through their entertaining "webisodes". When we come together as a class we will be taking an anti-bully pledge.
7.
Practice good habits. Being organized, timely, and responsible outside of school will help you do so during the school year. After all, we will be expecting these habits from you during the year. Many of your grades rely on these habits, as well.
8.
Listen. This one word is also a piece of advice. You know a lot--we're sure. Want to know more? Listen. It's very different than just hearing. Listening is not waiting for your turn to talk. It's being open to another's words, letting them into your brain and letting them, sometimes, change you. That makes listening quite powerful.
9.
Stock up on supplies. Supply lists went home with your 4th grade report cards. Make sure you ask a parent to help you prepare your supplies by taking a look at the "preparation/notes" section of the supply list. This will give us more time in class.
1o.
Simply enjoy your summer! A balance of summer activities will help ready you for September.
We'll see you then! Let us know if you have any questions. :-)
