November 14, 2014

Boy these weeks fly by...

The kids have been busy, busy in all subjects and enjoyed the celebration of the Blue Ribbon assembly on Thursday.  They were able to view photos taken by Mrs. Eggers while she was in Washington D.C. with Mr. Walsh, accepting the award on behalf of Oak school.  The choir sang and Mr. Walsh explained the award to the students along with congratulating them on a job well done.  It was a really nice way to commend all students.  Thanks to the PTO for providing the neat keychains for all.

Reading
This week we wrapped up our nonfiction unit by meeting with strategy groups to work on our individual reading goals, finished synthesizing our hero research, and began recording our opinion statements with Mrs. Morgan Ryan. Next we compared the similarities and differences of poetry, prose, and drama.  We rounded out the week with the students creating their own Hero poems.
Ask you child what their "Super" power is.

Writing
Students continue to draft, edit, and revise their nonfiction pieces.  As we revise students are looking to add authentic details, include voice, make sure they include nonfiction text features.  Next week we'll work on publishing these pieces using the Book Creator application on our iPads.
Ask your child how they added authentic details to their writing this week.

Math
This week we started fourth grade Unit 7 on fractions.  Students worked to solve "fraction of" problems and make sense of the "whole" when determining fractional parts.  Then we reviewed various math skills while we worked in partners to solve Thanksgiving related story problems.  Today we used our shopping lists to find items from our beloved family recipes and practiced multiplying and subtracting decimals.  It's amazing how quickly it all adds up - but most of us we able to come in under budget.  Thank you parents for helping your child with their list.
Ask your child how much money they had left after purchasing their Thanksgiving meal ingredients.

Science
We began our next science unit on rocks and minerals by watching a short video on Geology.  Students took notes and then learned how to use the Inspiration application on their iPad to web their notes.  We will be adding to our notes throughout the unit and have them to study for our unit test.
Ask your child one way we use rocks or minerals.

Social Studies
This week students created their own website that summarizes their knowledge of the Southwest region. Stay tuned to see our final product! Next week, students will being learning about the Southeast region's climate and landforms. 
Ask your child what information their webpage contained. 

Conferences are coming up.  Please be sure to sign up for a conference if you haven't already!!!!

This week in your child's Friday Folder...
-First Trimester Report Cards 
           Please sign and return the envelope to school
-Unit 6 math tests
-Reading Logs
-P.E. Portfolios
          Please have your child complete the assignment, sign and return Portfolio by Wednesday


Important dates to know...
- Wednesday, December 3rd from 7:00 - 8:00 an iPad parent meeting will be held in the Oak gym.  Please plan on attending.  This is necessary in order for your child to be able to bring his/her iPad home.
- Monday, December 8th is our 4th grade musical and Hero Tribute Tour.  


Have a great weekend - Stay warm!!!
Mrs. Ingstrup and Miss Hathaway