Crumb Chronicles, Issue 4

Crumb Chronicles

***A Family Newsletter***

September 28, 2012 – Issue 4

Dear Families:

There's been some confusion about the online math resources available to the class this year.  I thought I'd post this for clarification (and for future reference on the blog if needed).  I'll talk about how to access IXL Math, the enVision textbook, and Xtra Math fact practice online.  Hopefully this will answer some of the questions I've been receiving.

IXL Math:  The link on my webite goes directly to the school district's rosters.  If you do a general internet search and pull up the IXL web site, you have to add "@svsd" next to the user name (this is done automatically on my direct link).  For all user names, it's last name and first initial, all in lower case.  For example, my user name is "crumbm".  There are two exceptions:  Jacob and Alex both need to add a "1" right after their first initial.  The password is your child's six-digit student number.  You do have the ability to change the password, but our computer lab teachers would like all students to use their student numbers as their passwords.  Any passwords that have been changed, I've been changing back to the student number. 

Under "Other Assignments" on my blog, I've been trying to list the 4th grade IXL objectives that correspond to what we're working on in class with the enVision curriculum.  Currently, students should be practicing skills B1 through B9 (Adding Whole Numbers) and skills C1 through C7 (Subtracting Whole Numbers).  Our end-of-the-unit "opportunity" will take place this Tuesday.  You might have heard, but students will earn 10 Chucky Bucks for each medal earned in the 4th grade IXL objectives.

enVision Math textbook:  To the right of the IXL link, you'll find the one for our online textbook.  Once again, user names are last name and first initial all in lower case.  This time, nobody needs to add a "1".  The difference is that enVision requires at least one letter in the password, so your child's password will be their six-digit student number followed by the lowercase letter "c".  For example, "123456c" might be a password for our class.

Xtra Math:  To the right of the enVision link, you'll find the link to Xtra Math.  This is the sight for kids to sequentially master their math facts (for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division -- in that order).  To set up your home account, I sent a letter with instructions and the passcode to get started.  A four-digit password was automatically (and randomly) assigned to every student.  All students can assess Xtra Math on our computers at school, but if they want to practice at home, you will need to set it up at home on your computer (it's not difficult).  Please let me know if you need another copy on the letter, and I will send one home.  My students can earn big-time Chucky Bucks for passing each level.

I hope this answers most of your questions.  Please remember that all three of these online math sites are absolutely free to our S.E.S. families.

                                                                                                       Sincerely,
                                                                                                       Michael Crumb