Important Information Regarding Spring Break, and The Georgia Milestone

Learning Targets

ELA:

In reading, we are starting to review for the milestone.  This week we looked at the 5 story elements (main character, setting, plot, problem and solution; theme is also sometimes included in these elements which ties in great to the past few weeks and our literary essays).

In writing, we are continuing to work on literary essays.  We have also started to look at writing prompts and analyzing them so that we know what we are supposed to write for them in order to earn full credit.

Math: 

It's Geometry time!  two weeks ago we began working on geometry.  We will have a test on all of the geometry we have learned on Thursday 3/31/2016. In fourth grade we focus on lines, angles, classifying triangles by angles and sides, lines of symmetry, and classifying other shapes by their properties.  Please view these videos to get more information.  Our next topic, is measurement  conversions.  It is important that students get familiar with measurement conversions for the milestone, so please review the charts below with your child in the next few weeks.

Measurement Conversions

Spring Break

Over Spring break, students will have homework.  Students will need to study for the Georgia Milestones that begin the Wednesday we get back from break.  Students will also have two take home tests.  For both of these tests, students may use all of their resources.  Students may use textbooks, or online resources from my blog.  

These Tests will be DUE ON MONDAY APRIL 11.  

(If students do not complete the test at home over the break using their resources, they will take the test on that Monday using no resource except for their brain)

• The first test is on Chapter 8 in Science.  This chapter is an extension of ecosystems which we have been learning about in class for the past few weeks.  
• The second test is on Chapter 10 in Social Studies.  This is an extension of our most recent Social Studies Unit on New Nation.  Chapter 10 discussed the new republic in the United States after the Declaration of Independence was formed and signed.  

What is the Georgia Milestones test?

I'm glad you asked! this test has now replaced the CRCT a "Criterion-References Competency Test"  Which is fancy language for a test the measures how competent you child is in certain standards (or criteria, hence "criterion-referenced")

Please see the link below for additional information from the Georgia Department of Education.

http://www.gadoe.org/Curriculum-Instruction-and-Assessment/Assessment/Documents/Introducing%20Georgia%20Milestones%206914.pdf

Georgia Milestones Tips:

1. Go to bed 30 minutes earlier than you normally do so that you will be rested for the test.
2. Eat breakfast before coming to school and if you do not have time, get breakfast at school.
3. Bring a healthy snack and water to have at our snack time between testing periods.
4. wear comfortable clothes and shoes while taking the test.
5. Relax and show your best work.  You are ready for the test
6. Use your time wisely during the test--you are allowed to go back and check your answers

To get your "PUMPED"

Please go ahead and clear your calendar for the following days.  Vacations, doctors appointments, and other appointment's should NOT be planned for Georgia Milestones Dates.

Wednesday April 13 -ELA
Thursday April 14 - ELA
Friday April 15 - Math
Monday April 18 - Science
Tuesday April 19 - Social Studies
Wednesday April 20 to Friday April 23 - Test Makeups (All Areas)

Take a look at this awesome free GA Milestones practice test.  The Georgia Milestones tests measure what students in grades 3 through high school have learned.  Students will take the GA Milestones tests online.  Here is a way to practice before the test:

http://www.gaexperienceonline.com/

1. Click on "Test Practice"
2. Under End-of-Grade (EOG) Click on "Online Tools Training"
3. Click on "EOG Test Practice"
4. Click on "Standard Online Tools"
5. Click on "Grade 3-5"
6. Sign In using the information provided

Practice Sites
***Please be practicing for test on the Online Assessment System
http://mrnussbaum.com/readingpassageindex/#4
http://www.rockdale.k12.ga.us/schools/les/Pages/CRCT-Practice.aspx
http://fcit.usf.edu/FCAT/tests/default.htm
http://www.henry.k12.ga.us/wle/home/crct/fourth%20grade/fourth_grade_practice_tests.htm
http://blog.tabtor.com/blog/prepare-your-students-for-fourth-grade-common-core-math-tests

Do your best and the will be great!  Show how smart you are and how much you have learned in 4th grade!