Things are moving along so quickly! I just looked at the calendar, and we are already 2 weeks away from the end of the first quarter! I guess time flies when you're having fun!
We are all settled in now and getting to the meat of our work. Here's what we've been up to:
READING: We finished our myth unit with allusion posters. These are hanging in the hallway outside of our room and look great! Students did a great job sharing allusions and their meanings! We have moved into reading various books with dogs as the main character. Students were allowed to give me their top 2 book choices, and are placed in book groups based on their choice. Throughout this unit we are reviewing key reading skills, such as cause and effect, sequencing events, character traits, and writing about our reading. Ask your child which book s/he is reading.
WRITING: Realistic fictional narratives will be our first type of writing that we take through all the stages. This week, we looked at an example of this type of writing, and began the first stage of writing, brainstorming. We started by brainstorming small moments in our lives, moments we felt strong emotions, and stories we wish existed. These will help us figure out what story we want to write. Ask your child what idea s/he has for his/her story.
MATH: All students are coming to the end of chapter 2 and moving right into chapter 3. Since both chapters are about multiplication, and one builds on the other, we are going to combine the two chapter tests into one. You can help by making sure your child completes his/her Reflex math requirement, as well as checking in about other homework each night. Have your child show you how to multiply a 1 digit number by a 3 or 4 digit number.
SCIENCE: We have been learning about living things, ecosystems, and the balance of life. Students have read about animal and plant adaptations, food chains and food webs, and a variety of ecosystems. This will lead us into a study of fossils that will help prepare us for our field trip to CAESAR's CREEK! Ask your child how a small change to an ecosystem can affect the balance.
TESTING: Next week, starting on Tuesday, October 3, all fourth graders will take IOWA and Cognitive Abilities tests. We will test each morning after specials until close to lunch. Please make sure your child gets a good night's sleep, has a full healthy breakfast, and brings a snack to school as well. Also, please don't schedule any appointments for this time.
REMINDERS: Don't forget about the Social Studies field trip project...December 8 will be here before you know it!
Another field trip permission slip, this time to SunWatch Indian Village, came home on Friday...please send it back with $5 by Thursday.
If you haven't signed up for a conference with me, please send me an email and we can schedule one!
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