August 2013
Dear fourth grade parents/guardians:
I can hardly believe that it is already time to start getting ready for another year at Cologne Academy. The first few years have been a great success, and I am so excited to continue that success with this year’s incoming fourth graders!
A little bit about me…
This year will be my sixth year of teaching at Cologne Academy. I graduated from Minnesota State University Moorhead in 2006 and did my student teaching in St. Paul. I was lucky enough to be hired at Cologne Academy the first year it opened and have been part of the growing process, which has been amazing. I am so proud of what we have accomplished and look forward to continued success in the future.
I live in Plymouth with my husband Brian, our daughter Ayla, and our dog Cali. When I am not teaching, I love to travel to warm tropical destinations, spend time at the cabin in the summer months, and I love to read. I am a big Minnesota sports fan and especially love to watch the Twins and the Wild.
There is so much to learn in fourth grade! Here are some of the highlights:
In reading we will be using the Junior Great Books curriculum which is so much fun for the kids to experience. This curriculum teaches students to employ a method of interpretive reading and discussion known as Shared Inquiry. Along with Junior Great Books we will work with the Fountas and Pinnell Literacy Program, and vocabulary building with Wordly Wise. Students will also work in guided reading groups throughout the year.
In writing we will be working on descriptive, narrative, informative, and persuasive writing along with learning how to properly write friendly letters, thank you notes, and poetry. We will use a combination of the 6 + 1 Traits and a new program called Excellence in Writing.
In math we will review key concepts from third grade, and also explore new areas such as fractions, decimals, tables and graphs, multi-digit multiplication and long division, perimeter and area, and geometry.
In history we will learn about the World Mountains, Europe in the Middle Ages, The Spread of Islam, African Kingdoms, Dynasties of China, The American Revolution, The Unites States Constitution, Early Presidents, and American Reformers.
In science we will learn about meteorology, electricity, geology, the human body (heart and the lungs), and chemistry.
Along with the core subject areas listed above, students will have specials each week that include music, physical education, Spanish, art, and media. We also spend a lot of time learning and practicing several Core Virtues throughout the school year in order to create well-rounded students who are people of character.
Enjoy the last weeks of summer! I can’t wait to meet everyone and get the 20013-2014 school year rolling!
Robyn Roth
rroth@cologneacademy.org
952-466-4020
