A Visit With Grandpa by Mildred Pitts Walter

We have just finished reading A Visit With Grandpa by Mildred Pitts Walters. It is a realistic fiction story that takes place on the grandpa's ranch in Missouri. She gave us information about black cowboys and how they help pave the way for many other cowboys. I especially liked how the grandpa in the story showed his grandson Justin how to complete what he (meaning Justin)called "Women's work". It made me think of a time when my own grandmother showed me how to mow the lawn what many feel is "Men's work". As the grandpa in the story said, "Everything's easy when you know how" and after learning how to mow the lawn it really was easy.
What were your thoughts on the story? What type of connection if any did you make with the story?

Testing Tips

In NC, the start of 3rd grade is the beginning of E.O.G.(End of Grade) testing. As we transition to high school the test changes from E.O.G. to E.O.C (End of Course). With the tests also comes stress and anxiety. A few testing tips I always provide my parents seemed to put my students and parents at ease as they prepare for the upcoming test. I am forever telling them that it is never to early to begin implementing testing strategies. I have included a few tips that I have my students do before each test. If you have a few you would like to share by all means please do so.

Tips before the test

1. Get plenty of sleep the night before.
2. Eat a well balanced breakfast the day of the test (avoid sugars)
3. Arrive early to the school to relax in your surroundings.
4. Avoid any and all arguments and stressful situations.
5. Bring plenty of # 2 pencils

Tips during the test

1. Read all directions carefully.
2. Read all questions carefully.
3. Read all answers carefully.
4. Write any and all formulas or anecdotes in the margins that will help you with the problems.
5. Don't stay too long on one problem. If you are having difficulty, mark it in the book and come back to it later.
6. Work out all problems
7. Take your time!! You are not in a race for the one who finishes first.
8. Check your answers and make sure you have the answer you wanted.
9. Be positive.

The link below will provide a PDF file full of testing tips.

   Link------      Testing Tips

Getting Started!!!

This is my first blog and I am overly excited as our class start our journey into blogging. In class we have been discussing the many different reading strategies good readers use to help understand what has been read. During this segment, I would like for you to share with us your thoughts about the book you are reading. Be sure to include your title of the book and author. What genre does your book fall under? What strategies did you use to help clarify misunderstood words and/or passages? Would you recommend this book for other 4th grade students to read? Explain why or why not? Look forward to reading your thoughts and as always Happy Reading.
Mrs. James



The link below lists some reading strategies you may want to try.




  Link---  Reading Strategies (will open in a new window)