FCAT Test- taking Strategies

FCAT Testing is quickly approaching. Please take some time to talk with your child about being confident and using their reading, math, and science test taking strategies. 

Reading

*Underline the title and make a prediction about what you think the text will be about
*Read the text
*While reading the text, underline any words, phrases, or sentences you think are important to the meaning of the text
*Put a check mark in the margin across from any key phrases or figurative language
*Pay close attention to all text features
*Read the questions carefully, noting special words in all CAPS
*Circle your key words
*Go back into the text to find and underline your answer 
*Eliminate the obviously wrong answers.
*Do not spend too much time on one problem. Choose the best answer and move on. Keep in mind that you may return to it later at the end of the test.

Mathematics

* Ask "What am I being asked to do?" and "What do I know?"
*Circle details that are important in helping you answer the question 
*Eliminate the obviously wrong answers.
*Make sure you show your work in your test booklet (Grades 3-4) or on your scratch paper (Grades 5)
*Do not spend too much time on one problem. Choose the best answer and move on. Keep in mind that you may return to it later at the end of the test.

Science 

* Ask "What am I being asked to do?" and "What do I know?"
*Circle details that are important in helping you answer the question 
*Eliminate the obviously wrong answers.
*Do not spend too much time on one problem. Choose the best answer and move on. Keep in mind that you may return to it later at the end of the test.

Read Daily

READ!!! READ!!! READ!!!

Common Core State Standards

Teachers, parents and community leaders have all weighed in to help create the Common Core State Standards. The standards clearly communicate what is expected of students at each grade level. This will allow our teachers to be better equipped to know exactly what they need to help students learn and establish individualized benchmarks for them. The Common Core State Standards focus on core conceptual understandings and procedures starting in the early grades, thus enabling teachers to take the time needed to teach core concepts and procedures well—and to give students the opportunity to master them.


Common COre Parent Guide
http://www.pta.org/4446.htm

Common Core State Standards
http://www.corestandards.org/

Summer Reading

Read! Read! Read!

The summer is here and this is the perfect opportunity to dive into a new book. Please ask your parents to take you to the library or to the book store.

Happy Reading,

Mrs. Bridges

Successmaker Challenge

Dear Parents and Students,

I have a new challenge for all of Biltmore's 4th grade students. The student that has the most hours on Successmaker Reading and Mathematics will earn $20.00 in cash. Yes, that's right 20 smacker-roos! The challenge begins on March 28, 2012 through April 15, 2012.

Successmaker is an educational software program that was purchased by the district to promote reading and mathematical gains among Duval county students. The students go to the computer lab daily to work on their individualized sessions. Successmaker website can be accessed at any computer that has internet.

So let's get logged on and win!

Thanks,
Mrs. Bridges

Saturday School: Writing Camp

Saturday School: Writing Camp will be held on January 14, 2012 and January 21, 2012. Writing Camp is from 8:30 to 12:00. Please arrive on time and pick your child up on time.

We will cover several writer's crafts to assist your child in creating beautiful stories. Florida Department of Education has increased the proficient score from an Achievement Level 3 to an Achievement Level 4. This means that your child must score a 4 or higher on the FCAT Writing Test in order for them to be proficient (on grade level) in writing.

Please make sure that your child attends both sessions. One session will cover Narrative writing and the other session will cover Expository writing.

Thank You!

Successmaker: Reading and Math Online Support

We have a new version of Successmaker. All of the students have their username and password. Click on the link above. Successmaker is a unique, educational software program that teaches children lessons to build their skills and prepare them for success. Please allow your child to complete at least one reading and one math activity daily.

Please Note: Students must complete the lessons without interruptions. Please allow them to use the restroom, drink water, or to complete any other task prior to beginning the lessons on the computer.

Thank you for all that you do!