söndag 30 november 2014

Newsletter Week 49


Newsletter Week 49

 Dear Parents,
 
This week has been fun week for the children. The trip to the opera was great. The visit to the Ungdomenshus in Rinkeby was fun too. It was quite crowded as it was a meeting between so many schools.

Quizzes
The quizzes have been administered. The biology results were quite good. I will give the children feedback for Mathematics as soon as I get it.

Homework
The children will start with multiplication. There is a link with a multiplication song on the school blog. For homework the children who have completed Addition, Subtraction and Multiplication can do page Matte Borgen pages (106-109).

English
Each child will borrow a book from the of their choice. Read the book and prepare to talk about it. Parents can steer what books they recommend for their children to read since the class sets we have at school may evoke reactions.
 
Natural Sciences .
 We continue to study Chemistry. If I find an interesting and valid link then I will put it on the blog for he children.

Extra Errands.
Extra errands outside our responsibilities may be difficult for teachers to run due to booked high priority lists of things to do.

Kindest Regards

Jacqueline Zettergren

måndag 24 november 2014

The Royal Opera












 
 
 


Newsletter Week 48


Newsletter Week 48

 Dear Parents
The mathematics test has already been administered. The results will be delivered soon. Children will embark on activities that are more fun next week.
Opera and Chess
The children will go for Opera on Monday between 9:30 to 12:00. Please note that school will start at 8.20 a.m on Monday. The school will organize packed lunch for children on that day.
On Tuesday between (10-14) The children will meet Knutby skolan at Rinkebyskolan, (ungdomenshus Rinkebystråket 13) quite near the subway station, We request the parents to kindly prepare packed lunch for the children. Do not forget water for drinking.
Science Quiz
On Wednesday the children will have a science quiz. I am sure the results will be ok. We continue with studying Chemistry and identifying how different elements have their protons, electrons and neutrons are arranged. We will have a phase 2 experiment to make yet another observation. I will soon show them the periodic table so that they can create molecules and atoms of different elements and compounds.
 Chess (Schack 4)
There is a possibility for children to get trained for chess once a week by Ingvar. If a child registers before Christmas then they can be involved for free until Christmas and they is after pay a fee.
Homework
I will still lie low with homework until the coming week. I have issued to children information about Matter, States of matter and on Atoms. The children can take the work home to read. I have gone through the information with them. I will have several repetitions, as Chemistry can be mysterious sometimes.
Mathematics
The Geometry test score was a great pleasure to me as a teacher. 100% pass for all the children and that most of the children had outstandingly high scores is pure pleasure. It is now a guarantee that I do not have to go over the topic again. I asked the children to show their quiz results to you for a signature before it is put in their portfolio files.
Some children have already started to do Multiplication and division. We will carry on to do that however those who have not completed the work on addition, subtraction and problem solving have to finish the work.
The Christmas Bazaar
I can see correspondence going on for the Christmas Bazaar. It is great that the class parents are taking an active roll in this. All that is done to make the children happy is always a pleasure.
Football Rules
The security of children is taken very seriously in Johannes skolan especially when they are playing football randomly during break time. The school has made certain rules meant to ensure that children are safe and happy while playing football. I enclose the football rules.
Have a great weekend.

Kindest Regards

 Jacqueline Zettergren

 

måndag 17 november 2014

Multiplication

Multiplication

Newsletter Week 47


Newsletter Week 47

Dear Parents,
The week has consisted mainly of school work. The children and I are more acquainted with one another and are establishing more platforms in having influence over their homework, classroom environment and having a better relationship with one another. I also appreciate the influence of parents towards the childrens` academic work geared towards improving our learning environment and supporting children in their academic pursuits.

Purpose of Homework
The purpose for homework is to give children a chance to manage to accomplish the amount of work required of them within a period of time. The other purpose is to groom the children into the ability to plan, execute and develop good study habits that will lead them to be able to work independently. While the children do their homework parents have an opportunity to get know what the children are engaged in with in their learning process. With the follow up of homework, the result has been great after follow up of the children`s work.

 Homework week 47
Children are to prepare for Science (Plants)and Mathematics (Addition, subtraction and Problemsolving) tests.

Mathematics
The Geometry test results are out.  The children are quite mathematical. I will just give them a chance to patch up the gaps they may have missed so that the knowledge sits a little tighter. They have all redone the test.

Preparation for Science and Maths Test
The children will have a science test on Wednesday week 48. Mathematics test will be on addition, subtraction and problem-solving. It will be on Friday week 47. The children will start a new topic in Mathematics. I have given no homework as children need to prepare for the tests.

I have established that the children require knowledge in Multiplication and Division.

It is essential for the children to learn how:
  •        Addition and multiplication relate
  •         How to multiply guided by Number Sense
  •       tens and hundreds eg 5x60 or 5x 600
  •         Understand the relationship between multiplication and division.
  •         Be able to utilize short division to divide
  •      To choose the right strategy to solve problems with instructions from texts.
Natural Sciences
Chemistry has been introduced to the children. We have examined the analysis of matter in different states as solids, liquid and gases.  There has been a requirement of introducing the smallest particles of elements and compounds (atoms and molecules). We will work parallel with Swedish classes who have already explored magic in the periodic table. Our class will start with common gases like Oxygen, Carbon dioxide which we have mentioned in the process of photosynthesis. However an observation of the effect of Sodium Chloride (common salt) on frozen water will be observed. The children were quite enchanted by the introduction of chemistry.

Upcoming events
On week 48 on Monday the children will watch Opera and will be fully sponsored by the school. On Tuesday week 48 too the children will have yet another Chess meeting with Knutby skolan. More information about the upcoming activities will be on coming Newsletter.

 Kindest Regards

 Jacqueline Zettergren

tisdag 11 november 2014

Goals for Mathematics

Goals for Mathematics
In years 4–6
Understanding and use of numbers
• Rational numbers and their properties.
• The positioning system of numbers in decimal form. The binary number system and number systems used in some cultures through history, such as the Babylonian.
• Numbers in fractions and decimals and their use in everyday situations.
• Numbers in percentage form and their relation to numbers in fraction and decimal form.
• Numbers in fractions and decimals and their use in everyday situations.
• Numbers in percentage form and their relation to numbers in fraction and decimal form.
• Main methods of calculating using natural numbers and simple numbers in decimal form when calculating approximations, mental arithmetic, and calculations using written methods and calculators. Using the methods in different situations.
• Plausibility assessments when estimating and making calculations in everyday situations.
Algebra
• Unknown numbers and their properties and also situations where there is a need to represent an unknown number by a symbol.
• Simple algebraic expressions and equations in situations that are relevant
for pupils.
• Methods of solving simple equations.
• How patterns in number sequences and geometrical patterns can be constructed, described and expressed.

Geometry
• Basic geometrical objects such as polygons, circles, spheres, cones, cylinders, pyramids, cuboids and their relationships. Basic geometrical properties of these objects.
• Construction of geometrical objects. Scale and its use in everyday situations.
• Symmetry in everyday life, in arts and nature and how symmetry can
be constructed.
• Methods for determining and estimating circumference and areas of different two-dimensional geometrical figures.
• Comparing, estimating and measuring length, area, volume, mass, time and angles using common units of measurement. Measurements using contemporary and older methods.
Probability and statistics
• Probability, chance and risk based on observations, experiments or statistical material from everyday situations. Comparisons of probability in different random trials.
• Simple combinatorial analysis in concrete situations.
• Tables and diagrams to describe the results of investigations. Interpretation of data in tables and diagrams.
• Measures of central tendency - average, mode and median and how they are used in statistical investigations.
Relationships and change
• Proportionality and percentage and their relationship.
• Graphs for expressing different types of proportional relationships in
simple investigations.
• The coordinate system and strategies for scaling coordinate axes.
Problem solving
• Strategies for mathematical problem-solving in everyday situations.
• Mathematical formulation of questions based on everyday situations.

Geometry



Newsletter week 46


Newsletter Week 46

Dear Parents

After a lot of relaxation for the children it is time again to start schoolwork. I believe the relaxation was good for all the children. They have been fully focused in their schoolwork. They are a few isolated incidents that have ensued between them of course however this has been when they have left classes and up at ”Klubben”.

I just managed to nominate my class as best class. We will strive to feel that way and be best in everything that we try to do.

Mathematics
During Geometry our central focus was on
  •   measurement of length in the past and at present.     
  •   ability to show understanding of different units of length, 
  •   identifying geometrical object
  •   ability to draw rectangles, squares, triangles with a given length
  •  ability to calculate perimeters and areas
A test was administered to identify if the children achieved these goals. The feedback is great however for the knowledge to be in their bone marrows they need more practise both at school and at home.
We have also focused on Addition, Subtraction and Problem-solving.
Our aim has been to:
  •   understand the relationship between addition and subtraction  
  •   demonstrate understanding of the = (equal sign)       
  •  to be able to add and subtract numbers between 0-10,000  and word problems that require higher cognitive abilities to solve.
After week 47 we will start with Number Sense (Talluppfatning). A test will be administered on week 47 on Addition, Subtraction and Problem-solving in order to identify if the children need repetition or if they have mastered the skills required. We are also winding up on the study of plants. There will be a test on Germination, Transpiration, Photosynthesis, Pollination and Dispersal of seeds on week 48 on Wednesday.
MatheBorgen (Pg 60-64) is for homework due this Friday. For next Week the children will do pages 66 and 67 due on Friday week 46. Most children now manage to do the homework very well. If it feels like it is too much then you can decide with your children how much homework works for your children. That also includes choosing if your children are to have homework or not. Since the majority of the children are ok with what they have are familiar with currently, I will not suddenly change routines for them. However, parents can, with all due respect have the freedom to choose if their children are to have homework or not.
The class atmosphere right now is purely great. The children are proud of their abilities to settle down and be productive students. Every parent who has been constructive enough to contribute to this harmony may accept my appreciation. Every parent who comes up with constructive ways to maintain this harmony is appreciated too.
Kindest Regards
Jacqueline Zettergren