The end of the quarter is here! We had a great time celebrating with those who met their AR goals today. We got to watch Ramona and Beezus (some of our students had read this book with their Literature Circle groups so it was really fun for them to make connections from the book to the movie!)
Reminders:
Tomorrow is a 1/2 day
Parent/Teacher conferences are next week. If you need to change your appointment time please call the office ASAP!
Report cards will be given out at Parent/Teacher conferences.
In reading this week, we will continue working on vocabulary and inferencing with out story Bunnicula. They are really enjoying this funny story about a "vampire bunny" and the crazy cat/dog pair who investigate him.
In writing this week, we are going to begin working on opinion writing. Ultimately, they will be writing an opinion piece on the 2 presidential candidates (this has made for some interesting conversations already, as you can imagine!) We will discuss using facts to support our opinions. They will present their papers on November 7th and then the whole 4th grade will vote for a president on the 8th.
In social studies, we will continue our unit on government. In this unit we'll study the 3 branches of government. We will also look at federal government vs. state government. This unit and our writing unit blend really well with the election coming up!
In spelling, we're working on the suffix -able and -ible. Please help your student study and understand their rule for this week. This will help them with their test Friday and with other words with this suffix.
In math, we will continue focusing on multiplying multidigit numbers. We will also move on to multiplying 2 digit numbers times 2 digit numbers. We teach and study the "turtlehead method." If your student is struggling with these types of multiplication problems. Here is a link to the video we watch to introduce this method. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hcKERTnNi0
Have a great week!!
Monday, October 17, 2016
Sunday, October 9, 2016
October 10- 14
Happy Monday! We hope that all of you have enjoyed your weekend and the cooler weather.
A few reminders before we let you know about the week:
Conference slips should have went home. Please get those back as soon as possible so we can schedule your child's conference at a time that works for you. We will need to have our finalized schedules in to the office by this Thursday, October 13.
Mrs. Kountz will be leaving for maternity leave on October 19 (Hopefully not before then!). She will be back for conference evenings, but if you would like to schedule conferences with her prior to the 19th, that would be greatly appreciated! You never know what could happen, so meeting earlier may be better! Thank you for your understanding in this matter.
Now on to the week ahead!
In reading, students will be working on the reading strategy of making inferences- using what you already know (schema) and what the text says explicitly, to make an educated guess about the book or story. We will begin a class read of the book Bunnicula to help us work with this strategy, and also a vocabulary study.
In writing, students will finish working on their expository paragraphs. With these, students should be writing facts about things that they know. We will soon begin studying the elections to work on finding voice and persuasive writing.
In math, we will work on multiplication as well as factors and multiples. We are continuing to work on basic facts, but please try to help your child if they are still struggling with knowing the facts quickly. As this math unit progresses, students will be asked to multiply 2 by 1 and 2 by 2, making basic math fact knowledge important to their success!
We will move students back to social studies this week. In class, we will take a look at how government works on all 3 levels- federal, state, and local.
Look for a new spelling list to the right side of this BLOG and at home.
Have a great week!
A few reminders before we let you know about the week:
Conference slips should have went home. Please get those back as soon as possible so we can schedule your child's conference at a time that works for you. We will need to have our finalized schedules in to the office by this Thursday, October 13.
Mrs. Kountz will be leaving for maternity leave on October 19 (Hopefully not before then!). She will be back for conference evenings, but if you would like to schedule conferences with her prior to the 19th, that would be greatly appreciated! You never know what could happen, so meeting earlier may be better! Thank you for your understanding in this matter.
Now on to the week ahead!
In reading, students will be working on the reading strategy of making inferences- using what you already know (schema) and what the text says explicitly, to make an educated guess about the book or story. We will begin a class read of the book Bunnicula to help us work with this strategy, and also a vocabulary study.
In writing, students will finish working on their expository paragraphs. With these, students should be writing facts about things that they know. We will soon begin studying the elections to work on finding voice and persuasive writing.
In math, we will work on multiplication as well as factors and multiples. We are continuing to work on basic facts, but please try to help your child if they are still struggling with knowing the facts quickly. As this math unit progresses, students will be asked to multiply 2 by 1 and 2 by 2, making basic math fact knowledge important to their success!
We will move students back to social studies this week. In class, we will take a look at how government works on all 3 levels- federal, state, and local.
Look for a new spelling list to the right side of this BLOG and at home.
Have a great week!
Monday, October 3, 2016
October 3- October 7
It is October already and it is definitely starting to feel like fall out. We are busy here is fourth grade and the students are working hard. We are currently covering multiplication in math. We have been reviewing their basic multiplication facts 0-12 for the past week. We are now getting ready to move on to multi- digit multiplication starting two digits times one digit and working our way up.
Next, in reading we just finished our class read, Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, and are continuing with our literature circle groups. The students are also authors. They are working on an expository writing assignment where they are informing about something that they know a lot about.
Since it is October the end of the quarter will be here before we know it. The students have until October 17 to meet their AR Goal for this quarter. Please ask your student about their goal and encourage them to meet or exceed that goal. We want all of our students to be successful!
Science we are studying a world of motion and force. The students are learning about how things like gravity and friction effect their daily life. This unit usually leads to some really neat conversations!
Finally, spelling is a review week this week. The students are not responsible for a rule and the 15 words that are on their main list are ones they have previously had. The other two words on their list this week are Missouri and America. It is important that students be able to spell these since they are the state and country in which they live.
If you have any questions please contact us. We are more than happy to help!
Have a great week,
Fourth Grade Team
Next, in reading we just finished our class read, Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, and are continuing with our literature circle groups. The students are also authors. They are working on an expository writing assignment where they are informing about something that they know a lot about.
Since it is October the end of the quarter will be here before we know it. The students have until October 17 to meet their AR Goal for this quarter. Please ask your student about their goal and encourage them to meet or exceed that goal. We want all of our students to be successful!
Science we are studying a world of motion and force. The students are learning about how things like gravity and friction effect their daily life. This unit usually leads to some really neat conversations!
Finally, spelling is a review week this week. The students are not responsible for a rule and the 15 words that are on their main list are ones they have previously had. The other two words on their list this week are Missouri and America. It is important that students be able to spell these since they are the state and country in which they live.
If you have any questions please contact us. We are more than happy to help!
Have a great week,
Fourth Grade Team
Monday, September 26, 2016
September 26-30
We had such a fun/crazy week last week with our Homecoming festivities! Thank you for all you do to help make that such a successful week, we have the best community!
This week we will settle back down into our routine.
DON'T FORGET BOOK PROJECTS ARE DUE FRIDAY THE 30TH!!!!!!
In reading this week, we will finish up Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing. We will continue working on our comprehension skills through various activities. We will focus on the elements of plot as well as problem/solution throughout this funny story.
In writing this week we will begin working on our published Expository/Informative pieces. This will be done completely at school. Students will select a topic to write 2 expository paragraphs on. This will be turned in on or before October 12th. We are working on conventions in writing as well as paragraph formation. These are the main two skills the final piece will be graded on.
In spelling this week, our list/rule focuses on the "ea" vowel combination. Words on our list use the "ea" combination to make the long or short /e/ sound. The test will be on Friday over this list. Be sure your child is also studying their rule!
In math this week we will focus on reviewing multiplication facts. We feel the need to go back and review the basic multiplication facts that were to be "mastered" in the 3rd grade. We've found that by taking the time to do this before moving into multi-digit multiplication, helps students be more successful with this unit.
In science this week we will begin a new unit on Motion. This unit focuses on push/pull, gravity, friction, and simple machines. There WILL be a test over this unit. The test will be open note, open book, BUT we still want to emphasize studying to prepare for the tests. We want to build their test taking skills this year so we will gradually take away the open note/open book tests.
This week we will settle back down into our routine.
DON'T FORGET BOOK PROJECTS ARE DUE FRIDAY THE 30TH!!!!!!
In reading this week, we will finish up Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing. We will continue working on our comprehension skills through various activities. We will focus on the elements of plot as well as problem/solution throughout this funny story.
In writing this week we will begin working on our published Expository/Informative pieces. This will be done completely at school. Students will select a topic to write 2 expository paragraphs on. This will be turned in on or before October 12th. We are working on conventions in writing as well as paragraph formation. These are the main two skills the final piece will be graded on.
In spelling this week, our list/rule focuses on the "ea" vowel combination. Words on our list use the "ea" combination to make the long or short /e/ sound. The test will be on Friday over this list. Be sure your child is also studying their rule!
In math this week we will focus on reviewing multiplication facts. We feel the need to go back and review the basic multiplication facts that were to be "mastered" in the 3rd grade. We've found that by taking the time to do this before moving into multi-digit multiplication, helps students be more successful with this unit.
In science this week we will begin a new unit on Motion. This unit focuses on push/pull, gravity, friction, and simple machines. There WILL be a test over this unit. The test will be open note, open book, BUT we still want to emphasize studying to prepare for the tests. We want to build their test taking skills this year so we will gradually take away the open note/open book tests.
Monday, September 19, 2016
September 19- 23
Homecoming Week and So Much More
Good morning! This week is already off and running! We hope that all had a safe and fun weekend. The weather seems to be heating back up before fall actually arrives.
This week on Tuesday, we will have our Conservation Field Trip. This trip will be outside from 9 until 12:30. Students will need to dress for a walking field trip outdoors. If it is cool in the morning, layers are suggested. Please make sure they wear tennis shoes! Students will also need to bring a lunch in a closed container, and a drink.
This week in reading, students will be discussing characterization of characters while we continue with reading Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing.
In writing this week, students will be learning about writing expository paragraphs. They will learn how to break the paragraph up and add appropriate details to support their main idea.
In math, students will finish up work with problem solving and addition and subtraction of multi-digit numbers.
This week in social studies, we will finish up our study of Missouri symbols and will have a fact quiz on Thursday, and a map quiz on Friday. Students should have been bringing home their packets to study, and should be doing so throughout the week.
A new spelling list will go home today. Expect a test in Friday.
Also, be looking for your child's progress report. These are going home today, and need to be signed and returned by the end of the week.
This is also Homecoming week. Check the right side of the BLOG for dress up day information. Have a great week!
Monday, September 12, 2016
September 12- 16
Welcome back for another great week!
In spelling this week, we have a new list of words. We will test over the new list and rule on Friday.
In math this week, we will continue building off of the place value and rounding skills we've been working on. This week we will be focusing on addition and subtraction. We will spend some time brushing up on these skills as well as looking at how we attack word problems involving these two operations.
In science, we will finish discussing energy and its different forms. We will start social studies tomorrow and discuss the symbols of Missouri. They will learn about rivers, important cities, our flag, etc.
In reading, the students should be working on our first book project! They need to take and pass the AR test for this book by 9/20. The actual project itself is due on 9/30. For this month's project, students will be creating a memory bag. They will have objects in the bag to represent the different story elements (characters, setting, problem, events, and solution. Your student will have a copy of the description of this book project in their Homework Folders. They may have time to work on this in class on certain days so leaving the paper in the homework folder, "return to school"/ "Projects" side, might be a great way to ensure they have it on these days.
We will also begin working with our literature circles this week. Students will be grouped based on their reading levels. Each group will be reading a different book and will meet every 3 days to discuss the book and share out their completed jobs. This should not be homework, as they have a lot of class time to complete these jobs. For their whole group reading lessons our focus is story and plot elements and we will be using several stories to outline these.
In writing this week, we will continue with Non-fiction writing in writer's workshop. We will also begin working with the 6 traits of writing. We will continue with the Conventions trait focusing on Capitalization.
Have a great week and as always if you have any further questions please contact your students teacher!!
In spelling this week, we have a new list of words. We will test over the new list and rule on Friday.
In math this week, we will continue building off of the place value and rounding skills we've been working on. This week we will be focusing on addition and subtraction. We will spend some time brushing up on these skills as well as looking at how we attack word problems involving these two operations.
In science, we will finish discussing energy and its different forms. We will start social studies tomorrow and discuss the symbols of Missouri. They will learn about rivers, important cities, our flag, etc.
In reading, the students should be working on our first book project! They need to take and pass the AR test for this book by 9/20. The actual project itself is due on 9/30. For this month's project, students will be creating a memory bag. They will have objects in the bag to represent the different story elements (characters, setting, problem, events, and solution. Your student will have a copy of the description of this book project in their Homework Folders. They may have time to work on this in class on certain days so leaving the paper in the homework folder, "return to school"/ "Projects" side, might be a great way to ensure they have it on these days.
We will also begin working with our literature circles this week. Students will be grouped based on their reading levels. Each group will be reading a different book and will meet every 3 days to discuss the book and share out their completed jobs. This should not be homework, as they have a lot of class time to complete these jobs. For their whole group reading lessons our focus is story and plot elements and we will be using several stories to outline these.
In writing this week, we will continue with Non-fiction writing in writer's workshop. We will also begin working with the 6 traits of writing. We will continue with the Conventions trait focusing on Capitalization.
Have a great week and as always if you have any further questions please contact your students teacher!!
Tuesday, September 6, 2016
September 6-9
We hope everyone had a safe and restful Labor Day Weekend!
In spelling this week, we have a new list of words. We will test over the new list and rule on Friday.
In math this week, we will continue building off of the place value and rounding skills we've been working on. This week we will begin to use those skills to estimate in addition and subtraction. We will take a pre-test today (not for a grade) to see where we need to focus more for this group.
In science, we will continue discussing energy and its different forms. We will discuss the forms of sound and thermal energy this week. We will assess this unit of science with a performance task instead of a test.
In reading, we will introduce our first book project! We do a variety of monthly book projects to help students practice the reading concepts we're covering. Students need to have chosen a book in their zone to do the project over by 9/9. They need to take and pass the AR test for this book by 9/20. The actual project itself is due on 9/30. For this month's project, students will be creating a memory bag. They will have objects in the bag to represent the different story elements (characters, setting, problem, events, and solution. Your student will have a copy of the description of this book project in their Homework Folders. They may have time to work on this in class on certain days so leaving the paper in the homework folder, "return to school" side, might be a great way to ensure they have it on these days.
We will also begin working with our literature circles this week. Students will be grouped based on their reading levels. Each group will be reading a different book and will meet every 3 days to discuss the book and share out their completed jobs. This should not be homework, as they have a lot of class time to complete these jobs.
In writing this week, we will continue with Non-fiction writing in writer's workshop. We will also begin working with the 6 traits of writing. We will start with the Conventions trait and begin discussing parts of speech.
Have a great week!!
In spelling this week, we have a new list of words. We will test over the new list and rule on Friday.
In math this week, we will continue building off of the place value and rounding skills we've been working on. This week we will begin to use those skills to estimate in addition and subtraction. We will take a pre-test today (not for a grade) to see where we need to focus more for this group.
In science, we will continue discussing energy and its different forms. We will discuss the forms of sound and thermal energy this week. We will assess this unit of science with a performance task instead of a test.
In reading, we will introduce our first book project! We do a variety of monthly book projects to help students practice the reading concepts we're covering. Students need to have chosen a book in their zone to do the project over by 9/9. They need to take and pass the AR test for this book by 9/20. The actual project itself is due on 9/30. For this month's project, students will be creating a memory bag. They will have objects in the bag to represent the different story elements (characters, setting, problem, events, and solution. Your student will have a copy of the description of this book project in their Homework Folders. They may have time to work on this in class on certain days so leaving the paper in the homework folder, "return to school" side, might be a great way to ensure they have it on these days.
We will also begin working with our literature circles this week. Students will be grouped based on their reading levels. Each group will be reading a different book and will meet every 3 days to discuss the book and share out their completed jobs. This should not be homework, as they have a lot of class time to complete these jobs.
In writing this week, we will continue with Non-fiction writing in writer's workshop. We will also begin working with the 6 traits of writing. We will start with the Conventions trait and begin discussing parts of speech.
Have a great week!!
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