Frequently Asked Questions about Fourth Grade
What is eMINTS and cooperative learning?
What are your expectations?
How much homework will my child have?
How will I know what’s going on in class?
Where can I get help/questions answered?
Who are my child's teachers?
What is eMINTS and cooperative learning?
eMINTS is an acronym for “enhancing Missouri’s Instructional Networked Teaching Strategies”. This program began in Missouri and is now being duplicated in several other states. The program is designed to provide students with a great deal of technology intended to improve learning.
The technology is not the basis of the eMINTS philosophy. The technology is simply another tool to use to gain knowledge; such as a textbook or paper and pencil. This year the students will begin taking ownership of their own learning as they use the technology tools to question, research, and develop their own understanding of concepts. I will be there to guide them along their journey.
The children will work together and support each other along this journey as well. In an eMINTS classroom you will witness students working cooperatively to bring together individual understandings. Cooperative learners develop the skills of leadership, communication, decision making, and conflict management they need for future success in school and in a career. This does not mean “group work” where one student does all the work while the other members sign their name to the assignment. It does mean students work together; each child will provide an individual contribution that allows the group to reach a common goal. If you enter our room be prepared to hear lots of small group discussions taking place (yes, it can get rather loud at times!).
We spend a great deal of time learning how to work together, how to trust each other, and how to support each other in our common goal: success!
What are your expectations?
My goal as your child’s teacher is to make them feel and become successful; cooperative learning is the perfect tool to reach this goal. The children not only gather understandings themselves but they are also sharing their new information with others’; what a great experience to make meaningful connections with their new knowledge!
I believe that ALL children in my class have the ability to reach success. I will encourage each child to set their own goals very high; I will provide them with tools and support to reach these goals. I will also set expectations for myself very high. Your child and I will have plans, goals, and a vision!
How much homework will my child have?
Obviously the amount of homework fourth graders will have will vary from child to child. You should expect to see math homework regularly and spelling words should be practiced at home weekly. Homework will be assigned if your child does not finish, doesn’t use their in-class time appropriately, or is absent. Due to the style of learning we have in my class, homework will be rare (not obsolete…just rare!) in science and social studies. Most projects and assignments will be completed in class. Ample time will be provided to complete these assignments and projects. Don’t think your child is getting off easy without homework. The projects we typically complete require students to build upon what they previously learned to accomplish their goal. Most work is done in class so the children have access to the tools needed, can work cooperatively with other students, and so I can monitor progress and field questions.
However, I do believe it is important for children to begin learning responsibility and the value of their education. I would recommend you set up a study time each night; require your child to read (not as punishment, please!), work on multiplication facts, practice spelling words, etc.
How will I know what’s going on in class?
I am aware that when many of you ask your child what they did today at school, they respond “nothing”…yes, this is a teacher’s pet peeve. Please be aware that we will NEVER have a day in Room 406 that we will do “nothing”! Your child will be given a newsletter each Friday that will review what we completed in class that week. The newsletter will also contain notes on what we will learn in the upcoming week, the spelling words, and any upcoming events. If you would like to be informed daily, your child will keep an assignment book that we will fill out each day regarding the assignment or topic of that day’s class; I do not require these to be taken home but you may ask your child to bring it home daily if you wish. I have also set up plans with children and their parents in the past if needed.
Where can I get help/questions answered?
I believe it is vital to the success of your child for you and I to become a united team. I welcome all suggestions and comments from you regarding your child’s education and well-being. You can contact me at the school at 417/359-7065 x16406 or by email cochrank@carthage.k12.mo.us . I can also meet with you in person, my planning time is daily from 9:00-9:45 and am I available before school or immediately after school most days.
Don’t forget to also check our classroom website for information and helpful links. Bookmark this site in your favorites so you can easily revisit it often during the school year.
Who are my child’s teachers?
I, Mrs. Kyley Cochran, will be your child’s “home room” teacher. I will teach him/her social studies, Missouri history, spelling, language arts, writing, science, and reading. The class will travel together to Mrs. Bien's classroom for math.
To learn more about me, click on Meet Mrs. Cochran.
Mrs. Bien has been teaching for 9 years. She is a graduate of Missouri Southern State University and Diamond High School. She recently obtained her master's degree from Pittsburg State. She lives outside of Diamond with her family. Her husband, Greg, works for New-Mac Electric. Her children Brodie (10th grader) and Bailey (9th grader) attend school in Diamond.
Mrs. Bien and I work very closely with one another. We discuss and share strategies to ensure that your child is gaining the best education in fourth grade we can provide. If you have any questions, problems or concerns for us please don’t hesitate to request a conference, we’re here for you and your child.