Couldn't help but find this interesting!

#summerreading #SummerStartsNow #NoRegression pic.twitter.com/P6CVbGU5on

— Mrs. Martin (@mre6th) June 26, 2016

Ready or not...

For the last couple of weeks, people have been asking my children if they are ready to go back to school, and in unison they emphatically reply, "NO!" I take that as a sign of a great summer and a part of me hopes you're feeling the same way, that you've had such a fantastic summer you're not quite ready for it to end.

However, if you're reading this page, it's likely you're my new student or a family member of one of my new 4th graders. While I hope you've enjoyed the summer as much as my family, I am equally hopeful you're ready for a great year in 4th grade! I've spent so much time thinking about how I want this year to be even better than last. How can I be a better teacher for you, and how can we work together to make 4th grade one of your most successful? During my reflection, I've come up with a few things I plan to give you

Time

No matter what your individual need is, I will give you the time you deserve.

Respect

I will spend our days respecting your feelings, your thoughts and your concerns. 

Trust

I know how hard it is to spend this much time with one another, away from our families and loved ones. I will give you reason to trust me, to feel safe and comfortable in our classroom every day.

For the next year, you will be a part of my family, and I take that honor very seriously. Though I dread leaving my family and already miss the fun we've had this summer, I do believe it's going to be a terrific school year. So ready or not...here we go!

Love,
Ms. T

PS: I've changed rooms...you can find me in Room 111! We've also gone paperless, so here's a copy of my Welcome Letter.

Gratitude and 4th Grade

I know I wrote this at the end of last summer, but the wishes and sentiments still apply...

Welcome new 4th graders and families!

Another summer is winding down and soon enough you'll be walking into Reynolds ready to start a new year with new friends and a new teacher. While many of you are excited and ready, I also know the anxiety and concerns that can creep up inside our minds and hearts. Don't worry, I go through similar emotions!

Perhaps a little trick I used this summer will help you as the last full week of vacation stumbles upon us. Each day, I practiced gratitude. No matter how great or how ordinary the day was, I took time to think about what I was grateful for and I did my best to show it. Whether it was my daughter offering to help around the house, my son handing out hugs, the kind words of a friend or the breathtaking view from the bottom of Niagara Falls. Every day gave me something happy and positive to focus on.

And so, my newest 4th grade family, as I enter my last week of vacation along with you, I'm here to say that no matter how nervous I am to meet you, despite how anxious I get about being the best teacher I can be for you, I am grateful for the fresh start I have with YOU. I am blessed to have the opportunity to work with another group of children who will inevitably change my life in some wonderful way. Enjoy each day this week...I'll see you soon!

Love,
Ms. T

A brand new year...

Dear New 4th Grader,
     Welcome to a new school year and classroom! I can hardly believe another summer is coming to an end and we will begin our 4th grade journey in a few short weeks. Though there will be plenty of time to share your summer experiences with me in the fall, feel free to e-mail me over the summer and introduce yourself (if I don't already know you!).
     My summer has been the best one on record. My kids and I tried to stay busy and active every day. That meant lots of swimming, soccer, playground time, library trips, family & friend visits, reading, movies and plenty of ice cream. You'll see and hear all about the specifics once we're in the classroom...promise!
     I hope your summer was filled with as many good times as ours was and I can't wait to meet you in 2 weeks...until then, read as much as you can, spend quality time with those you love and enjoy the freedom summer affords all of us!

See you soon!!
Ms. T

Newsletter

                                                                                               

Dear Families,

            Well, our first full week of school is complete! I have to repeat something I said at Curriculum Night this week…this class is just outstanding! They are learning and focusing and growing every day. I am grateful for this group of kids every day I come to work!

            I wanted to send a note home to remind everyone of a few things happening in the classroom, or some things we need! The classroom has a set of iPads and it would be fantastic if every child had a set of ear buds to keep in the classroom. I know you can purchase them at the dollar store, if you don’t have an extra pair sitting around at home. This way, when some of the kids are using the iPads, they can tune out the rest of the class, which helps them focus (and the rest of the class doesn’t get distracted by the sounds of apps (Beat the Computer and QuickVoice were two apps we used this week. Ask your child about them!)

            We’ve been learning Geometry concepts in Math, plant life cycles in Science and writing all about ourselves in Writers’ Workshop. In Reading, your children have been making inferences about the texts they read – making claims about characters and proving their claims with details from the text. WOW, has that been challenging, but watching their brains stretch has been a treat!

            Have a great weekend…looks like Fall might be upon us!

If I'm not mistaken, today is the day most of you find out the name of your 4th grade teacher! I promise I'm just as excited as you are...

Welcome!

Another school year is about to begin, and I don't know about you, but I can't wait. I've spent my time enjoying every possible minute with my kids, soaking up the sun, reading new books and creating lots of small moments you'll hear all about!

As you're eagerly awaiting September, please feel free to browse this site for information, e-mail me any questions you have and get to know me a little bit better! I'll be in touch and continue updating the blog if any major classroom changes occur.

Until then, enjoy the sunshine!