Students have started writing stories in their writing journals as well as learning about “reading as thinking.” They are beginning to search for books in our classroom libraries and enjoying D.I.R.T. (Daily Independent Reading Time) during Advisory. The Traits of Writing and the Writing Process will be introduced shortly, with a focus on the Ideas trait. As for grammar, sentences (avoiding run-ons, subject/predicate, types of sentences) are being emphasized. Students have completed the NWEA testing in both reading and math. In Reading, fourth graders are developing their fluency by reading aloud a play, “The Curse of King Tut,” in our supplemental Scholastic magazine, Storyworks.
Fourth graders are completing a project for our unit of “Many Dreams, One Nation,” which starts with understanding the lives of Native Americans – who are they? Where did they come from? How did they get to North America? What did they contribute to our American culture?
4th grade scientists are studying energy and participating in the first of many labs. They are experimenting with kinetic, potential, solar, sound, heat, magnetism, chemical, and electrical energy. Ask your child about these activities.
In Math students have completed their first unit assesment and will be extending their ideas about data collection, organization, display, and analysis and reviewing procedures for addition and subtraction of multi-digit whole numbers. Emphasis will be placed on mastering the vocabulary associated with mathematics and helping students to clearly communicate the language of numbers.
Watch for 4th graders communicating with their hands and speaking silently. Students are learning American Sign Language and loving it!