Good afternoon,
I feel I need to clarify a few things regarding Spelling…. Spelling homework vs. spelling classwork and spelling tests.
Students have their words for about 2 full weeks. This way, they can really study and become familiar with their words to be successful on their tests. Having this amount of time and holding students responsible for the work is a reasonable amount for 4th graders, who are halfway to 5th grade. Homework and classwork count towards their overall spelling grade, but do not weigh as much as their test.
This morning, we took our test from last week. Students had a total of 13 days with these words and were expected to complete homework and classwork over the last 2 weeks with these words. Sadly, only a handful of students passed their test and even less completed their homework. I have reminded students about all of the information below and hope you are able to check in with their spelling as well.
Spelling homework) Each student is given a spelling word list as well as the Spelling Menu options. Their job is to complete enough activities to add up to 30 points during the week. They are to list the activities the complete on the other side of their paper. Spelling homework is due at the end of each week.
Spelling classwork/ Word work) We use our spelling words as part of Word Work for Daily 5. Students have their words listed in Google Classroom at the start of the week as well as their assignment (Currently, word work is Spelling Tic Tac Toe). Three of these activities are due in class by the end of the week.
Spelling tests) Tests are given every 2 weeks. Typically on Fridays but there have been a few exceptions. Last Friday, less than half the class attended school, so we did our spelling test today. With having Mid-Winter break next week, our next test will be next Thursday, Feb. 14th.
If you have any questions, please let me know. Thanks!
-Mrs. Whitford
