Fabulous Fall

     We are fully into fall here in fourth grade.  That means crazy weather, Thanksgiving break, preparing for the Holiday music program, and digging deeper into our subject areas.  I think we are ready for all of it!  
     Please notice that a letter regarding our new division unit for math came home today.  According to feedback about our multiplication unit, families found the methods of multiplication a bit confusing.  I am hoping that the explanation of the methods that will be taught for division in the letter are helpful.  As always, thank you for your support at home!

Reminders:
Math Unit 2 Retest: Has been moved to Monday.  An optional review page was sent home.  Don't forget that students only retake sections on which they scored a 1 or 2. If your student scored all 3s, he/she does not have to retake the test. 

Holiday Program Info: 
Tuesday, December 13th

Fellowship Reformed Church

6:30pm - K, 1st & 2nd

7:30pm - 3rd, 4th, 5th

Thanksgiving Break: Starts next week!  Remember that we are off on Wednesday and come back on Monday (specific dates are below).

Here is what we learned in 4th grade this past week:

Writing: 
I can use what I have learned about narrative writing to complete a narrative piece from beginning to    
     end on my own. 
I can review opinion essay writing.    

Social Studies:  I can think about core democratic values and write about them:

• Pursuit of Happiness
• Common Good
• Equality
• Popular Sovereignty

Math: 

I can evaluate my math assessment and make goals for learning.

I can review multiplication, rounding/estimation, place value, and explaining multiplication.
I can divide with remainders.
I can use multiplication patterns to divide with zeros.

I can use methods for dividing. 

Reading:

I can pay attention to character's motivations and struggles.

I can notice recurring themes.
I can use motifs to lead to lasting thoughts.
I can read and answer questions about my reading.

Important Dates:

Wednesday, Nov. 23-25: Thanksgiving Break; No School
December 2nd: Early release
December 7: Parent Club Elf Factory
December 13th: Holiday Program at 7:30pm
December 21st: Classroom Holiday Party

Here are some pictures of our Thanksgiving opinion writing.  Students had to take the perspective of a turkey and write about why people should serve something other than turkey for Thanksgiving.  We will finish drafting them next week.

                                                            

Whirlwind Weeks

     We are cruising right along in 4th grade.  These last 2 weeks have gone by quickly!  In that time we have celebrated Halloween, taken an assessment on Life Science, celebrated our Realistic Fiction writing unit with a "Campout Fort Party," and taken an assessment on Unit 2 for math.  Thanks to those who sent in flashlights (pictures of our celebration are below).  Trimester 1 is quickly coming to a close and Thanksgiving is right around the corner!

Here a a few reminders:

Report cards came home today in backpacks.  They should be sealed when they arrive in your hands.

Conferences are Monday and Wednesday!  I look forward to meeting with you.  

Here is what we learned in 4th grade this past week:

Writing: I can draft and publish my realistic fiction story.

Science:  I can review food chains and food webs.       

Social Studies:  I can think about core democratic values:

                             - truth

                             - individual rights

Math:  I can solve multi step word problems with multiplication.

             I can use methods to solve multiplication with numbers in the thousands.

             I can review multiplication multi-digit numbers with different methods.

Reading: I can:
                  -use precise words to describe my characters  
                  -search for patterns to push my thinking about characters
                  -keep theories in mind as I continue to read

Important Dates:

Monday, Nov. 7th - 18th: PE can drive
Monday, Nov. 14th: Parent teacher conferences
Wednesday, Nov. 16th: Parent teacher conferences
Friday, Nov. 18th: Popcorn Friday
Wednesday, Nov. 23-25: Thanksgiving Break; No School
December 2nd: Early release
December 7-8: Parent Club Elf Factory

Campout Fort Party Writing Celebration Pictures

 

Halloween Pictures