January 26-30

This week in reading and writing we will continue studying the different genres of literature. We will do this by reading books from different genres as well as practicing writing in them. In writing we will focus specifically on opinion/persuasive writing.

In spelling this week we will wrap up Unit 10 by discussing different patterns for the "oi" sound and then reviewing our words together in class with a hand-on activity. The spelling test will be Wednesday this week. We will begin Unit 11 on Thursday.

In science we will finish up our chapter on different types of energy. We will use today to review and the test will be tomorrow (Tues). The information in their packets and the study guides they have done will help them to be prepared for the test. We will move on to a new Social Studies unit on Thursday discussing the First Missourians and how Missouri developed.

In math this week we are also nearing the end of a unit. Our test will be Friday. We will finish up with 3 more lessons and then take Thursday to review. The test is mostly covering patterns, word problems, and using pictographs to answer questions. This is a tough unit as 4th graders always struggle with word problems but we are seeing a lot of improvement.

A Family in Need

A Family in Need

As many of you may know, a local family with students in our school lost their home and all of their possessions in a house fire.  The students in our district also incurred several injuries as a result of escaping the fire.  As of now, the family is without a home, and very few possessions, if any.

When the facts of this incident were presented to the class, we were very  moved to hear the overwhelming need to help this family out.  Almost all of the students in our class wanted to know how they could help.  Needless to say, we were impressed with this act of compassion.  

We have decided to allow the students the opportunity to donate items that the family may be in need of.  We will be sending home a note with a sort of "sign-up" sheet for items that the family has expressed need for.  

Some of you may have already donated items in one way or another.  This is absolutely fine.  We just wanted to give the class the opportunity to see their efforts come together in, and to see how they can make a difference in other's lives. 

Thank you for your continued support.  Please do not feel obligated to donate if you are unable to do so.  

January 12-16

In reading this week we will get back to our literature circles. Each reading group will have a book to read and we will do different activities with these books to build each child's skills. As a whole group, we will finish up talking about point of view and begin discussing summarizing and retelling stories.

In writing we will begin learning about the comma usage and quotation mark grammar rules. We will be using literature about Martin Luther King Jr. while we work on these skills.

In math this week we will be continuing with algebra. We will also start looking at comparison problems and learning how to represent those algebraically and then solve those equations.

In science we will begin discussing light and sound. We will do some activities and watch a Bill Nye video to explore these concepts further. They will be learning about how light and sound travel and how they are affected by different things.

In spelling we will have our test for unit 8 words tomorrow (Tuesday) instead of last Friday since we had a cold day and a late start. On Wednesday we will begin unit 9. This unit focuses on the apostrophe and teaching different purposes for it (contractions and possession). The test for this unit will be next Tuesday.

For Miss Ussary's class, book oders are due Friday (16th). 

January 5- 9

Welcome Back!

We hope that everyone enjoyed their nice winter break.  It is always nice to take some time to recoup and relax.  We are now on the downhill slope of the school year with so much to cover before the year is up.

Here is a look at our week ahead.

In Math, students will begin working on algebraic equations and expressions.  The main difference between these two types of math sentences is that an equation has an EQUAL sign in it that we try to balance both sides of.  An expression doesn't have an equal sign but requires simplifying to solve.  We will have three lessons with assignments this week, as we get back into the swing of things.  

We will begin our Energy and Motion Unit.  The students will have a packet with all available information for the test, including a study guide.  You may ask your child about this frequently.  These hold all of the information and notes that we go over in class, and would be a great thing to go over periodically to ensure understanding before the test.  

In Writing, students will be working on parts of a letter, and letter writing.

In Reading, students will be working on figuring out which point of view a story is told from.  We focus on first and third person in  fourth grade.  To help your child, we will have charts that are glued into their Reader's Notebooks.  These charts give key words that can guide your child to finding what perspective the story is told from.

2nd Quarter grade cards will be sent home today, Tuesday.  Please sign and return those.  We will give them back once we have received a signature.