Happy Friday! We can almost see the finish line with 8 more days of school left! Here is a look into fourth grade this week...
Reading- This week in reading students continued studying how communities adapt to their environment and how technological and scientific advances have helped develop a community. Students analyzed historical photographs and created inferences on how the Erie canal changed communities. Students also discussed how the invention of the train changed the life of many Native Americans and their village. Ask your child why the Native Americans were fearful of the "Iron Horse."
Writing- This week in writing students learned the purpose for writing an editorial article. Students learned key techniques and vocabulary used when writing an editorial. We discussed "hot topics" for editorials and began drafting. Next week, we will continue to draft, edit and revise these articles. Ask your child what their editorial topic is.
Math- Students learned what a pie/circle graph is and how to construct a pie graph using a percent circle on their geometry template. Students also began a million dollar project where they are applying their math skills to real world financial situations. We wrapped up unit 5- our last math unit, woohoo!- and will have our Unit 5 Assessment on Wednesday, May 27th. We will be reviewing for this test on Tuesday.
Social Studies- Students began their Shark Tank collaborative project. In this project, students were assigned a region in which they must use the region's natural resources, geography, climate, and people to create a product or business that will thrive in that region. Students must collaborate with one another to pitch their idea to our business tycoons, "sharks," and hope for an investor in their idea! Ask your child what their Shark Tank product or business is.
Science- Students observed what happened with their mystery powders this week when they added water and vinegar. They are carefully recording their observations so that next week we can deduce the mystery powder names. Ask you child what number mystery powder fizzed when vinegar was added.
Upcoming dates:
Tuesday, May 26th - Read-in day: your child can bring a blanket, pillow, or stuffed animal to get cozy while we read around the room.
Wednesday, May 27th - Sun day: have your child bring their beach towel and sun glasses for some fun in the sun.
Thursday, May 28th- Science & Industry Field Trip (Students need packed-paper bag lunch) This is also Twin day: we could all be twins if we wear our Oak spirit wear.
Friday, May 29th - Uniform day: wear your own uniform from a team or troop or wear a sports jersey.
Have a fantastic Memorial weekend!
Mrs. Ingstrup & Miss Hathaway
Friday, May 22, 2015
Saturday, May 16, 2015
Summer is just around the corner, but here's what happened in 4th grade this week...
Important News:
-District 181 is implementing Erin's Law (House Bill 6193) this spring. This law requires all Illinois public schools to implement an age-appropriate sexual abuse awareness and prevention curriculum for all students in grades Pre-K through 12. Mrs. Finnegan will be coming into both fourth grade classroom to discuss this on Thursday, May 21st.
Reading- Our content area social studies unit continues as we strategically read to answer our essential question: How do people change the environment and how does the environment influence people? Students read about the creation of the Erie Canal and how hazardous indian trails and rapids created a need for an easier way to travel and transport goods from Lake Erie to the Atlantic Ocean. With the building of the canal, the environment was changed. Towns and communities developed along the canal and peoples' lives were improved. Students will continue to read this week about the transcontinental railroad with a focus on the influences of science and technology. Look for a final project to be coming home this week.
Writing-This week students finished up their poetry books and wrote an On-Demand Feature Article. We will be assessing these and sending them home soon. The students completed these completely independently and in one sitting. We are so impressed with how far they have come as writers. Next week we begin our final writing piece in 4th grade - an editorial. In this piece students will be expressing their opinion about a topic of interest to them. They will have to create a thesis statement and think of what the opposing opinion might be and how to have a counter argument. These are always fun to read!
Math- Students worked on finding equivalent fractions, mixed numbers, and decimals this week. They also completed the 2 final units of the math PARCC test - yeah! We will be finishing this last unit soon. Test date to be announced.
Social studies- Students jigsawed the Midwest region this week and began working in a group on a poster illustrating the different features that compose it.
Science- Students began the Mystery Powders unit this week. We started by becoming familiar with our safety rules for this unit and getting our protective eye wear ready. Then we took at look at the 5 mystery powders. Do they smell? What do they feel like? Do they smear? Next week, we'll see whether they react to vinegar or iodine?
*If you have not signed your child's permission slip for our upcoming field trip to the Museum of Science and Industry, please do so as soon as possible.
Upcoming Dates:
Important News:
-District 181 is implementing Erin's Law (House Bill 6193) this spring. This law requires all Illinois public schools to implement an age-appropriate sexual abuse awareness and prevention curriculum for all students in grades Pre-K through 12. Mrs. Finnegan will be coming into both fourth grade classroom to discuss this on Thursday, May 21st.
Reading- Our content area social studies unit continues as we strategically read to answer our essential question: How do people change the environment and how does the environment influence people? Students read about the creation of the Erie Canal and how hazardous indian trails and rapids created a need for an easier way to travel and transport goods from Lake Erie to the Atlantic Ocean. With the building of the canal, the environment was changed. Towns and communities developed along the canal and peoples' lives were improved. Students will continue to read this week about the transcontinental railroad with a focus on the influences of science and technology. Look for a final project to be coming home this week.
Writing-This week students finished up their poetry books and wrote an On-Demand Feature Article. We will be assessing these and sending them home soon. The students completed these completely independently and in one sitting. We are so impressed with how far they have come as writers. Next week we begin our final writing piece in 4th grade - an editorial. In this piece students will be expressing their opinion about a topic of interest to them. They will have to create a thesis statement and think of what the opposing opinion might be and how to have a counter argument. These are always fun to read!
Math- Students worked on finding equivalent fractions, mixed numbers, and decimals this week. They also completed the 2 final units of the math PARCC test - yeah! We will be finishing this last unit soon. Test date to be announced.
Social studies- Students jigsawed the Midwest region this week and began working in a group on a poster illustrating the different features that compose it.
Science- Students began the Mystery Powders unit this week. We started by becoming familiar with our safety rules for this unit and getting our protective eye wear ready. Then we took at look at the 5 mystery powders. Do they smell? What do they feel like? Do they smear? Next week, we'll see whether they react to vinegar or iodine?
*If you have not signed your child's permission slip for our upcoming field trip to the Museum of Science and Industry, please do so as soon as possible.
Upcoming Dates:
- Live Online Poetry Reading: 4H Wednesday at 9:45; 4I Thursday at 9:10
- Erin's Law presentations on Thursday, May 21st
- No School Monday, May 25th
- Thursday, May 28th- Field Trip: Science & Industry Museum
Friday, May 8, 2015
Friday, May 8th
Happy Friday!
Here is a look into fourth grade this week...
Important News:
-Students will be coming home with their spring reading & math MAP scores.
-District 181 is implementing Erin's Law (House Bill 6193) this spring. This law requires all Illinois public schools to implement an age-appropriate sexual abuse awareness and prevention curriculum for all students in grades Pre-K through 12. Mrs. Finnegan will be coming into both fourth grade classroom to discuss this on Wednesday, May 21st.
Reading- This week students began our new reading unit which focuses on how communities adapt to their environment and technological advances. This week students have learned how communities use their natural resources to build their town.
Writing-This week students finalized their poems for our poetry slam! Thank you to everyone who came to our poetry slam. The students enjoyed sharing their hard work with you all. Next week, we will be wrapping up our poetry unit.
Math- Students are looking at fractions again and using models to understand equivalent fractions. As we continue through this unit we will be seeing how fractions, decimals, and percents are all related and learning how to create percent circles or circle graphs.
Social studies- Students learned about the natural resources of the west and how that helps to shape their economy. Next week, students will learn about the Midwest region. There will be no test over this region. Stay tuned to learn more about our final "Shark Tank" regions project!
Science- Students took their science test on Machines and Motion this week. If your child received a letter and practice pages, please be sure to have them complete it and return them on Tuesday. Our next unit is called Mystery Powders. Students will be using their deduction skills to try and figure out what our 5 white powders are by a series of property tests. This is a look into the science area of chemistry. We'll soon see if they can solve the mystery!
*If you have not signed your child's permission slip for our upcoming field trip to the Museum of Science and Industry, please do so as soon as possible.
Upcoming Dates:
Monday, May 11th- Math PARCC test at 12:30
Wednesday, May 13th- Math PARCC test at 9:30
Thursday, May 14th- Band Assembly at 12:15
Thursday, May 28th- Field Trip: Science & Industry Museum
Coming home in your child's Friday folder...
-Spring MAP scores
-Graded Science test
-Wholesome food hot lunch reminder
Here is a look into fourth grade this week...
Important News:
-Students will be coming home with their spring reading & math MAP scores.
-District 181 is implementing Erin's Law (House Bill 6193) this spring. This law requires all Illinois public schools to implement an age-appropriate sexual abuse awareness and prevention curriculum for all students in grades Pre-K through 12. Mrs. Finnegan will be coming into both fourth grade classroom to discuss this on Wednesday, May 21st.
Reading- This week students began our new reading unit which focuses on how communities adapt to their environment and technological advances. This week students have learned how communities use their natural resources to build their town.
Writing-This week students finalized their poems for our poetry slam! Thank you to everyone who came to our poetry slam. The students enjoyed sharing their hard work with you all. Next week, we will be wrapping up our poetry unit.
Math- Students are looking at fractions again and using models to understand equivalent fractions. As we continue through this unit we will be seeing how fractions, decimals, and percents are all related and learning how to create percent circles or circle graphs.
Social studies- Students learned about the natural resources of the west and how that helps to shape their economy. Next week, students will learn about the Midwest region. There will be no test over this region. Stay tuned to learn more about our final "Shark Tank" regions project!
Science- Students took their science test on Machines and Motion this week. If your child received a letter and practice pages, please be sure to have them complete it and return them on Tuesday. Our next unit is called Mystery Powders. Students will be using their deduction skills to try and figure out what our 5 white powders are by a series of property tests. This is a look into the science area of chemistry. We'll soon see if they can solve the mystery!
*If you have not signed your child's permission slip for our upcoming field trip to the Museum of Science and Industry, please do so as soon as possible.
Upcoming Dates:
Monday, May 11th- Math PARCC test at 12:30
Wednesday, May 13th- Math PARCC test at 9:30
Thursday, May 14th- Band Assembly at 12:15
Thursday, May 28th- Field Trip: Science & Industry Museum
Coming home in your child's Friday folder...
-Spring MAP scores
-Graded Science test
-Wholesome food hot lunch reminder
Friday, May 1, 2015
Friday, May 1st
Happy May!
Here is a glance at what took place in fourth grade this week...
Reading- This week in reading students wrapped up our poetry unit. Students took our Poetry Assessment which will be coming home today in their Friday folders. Next week, we will begin our next reading unit which will focus on how communities adapt to their environments. We will read a variety of texts including nonfiction, fiction, and poetry in order to build content knowledge about this important social studies topic.
Writing- This week students have been writing a variety of poetry to present at our Poetry Slam next Thursday, May 7th at 2:00. We hope to see you there!
Math- Students reviewed key fractions concepts, practiced solving parts-and-whole problems and finding fractional parts of whole numbers. Students also solved fraction number stories and reviewed mixed-numbers and improper fraction concepts.
Social studies- This week students learned about the diverse climate of the West region due to its size and spacing. Next week, students will learn about the natural resources of the region. We will have our West region content and states & capitals test on Friday, May 8th.
Science- In science, we finished up our simple machines unit and reviewed for our upcoming test. Students should use their study guide, machines and motions (red booklet), the simple machines handout, and their web from Inspiration that is on their iPad to study for the test. I will also add some resources to our website to assist them in reviewing. The test is on Monday, May 4th for 4I, and Tuesday, May 5th for 4H.
Coming home in your child's Friday folder...
-Poetry Reading Assessment
-Unit 4 Math Assessment
-Field Trip permission form
-Wholesome food hot lunch ordering information
Upcoming dates:
Wednesday, May 6th- ELA PARCC Test in PM
Thursday, May 7th- Poetry Slam at 2:00pm
Monday, May 11th- Math PARCC Test in PM
Wednesday, May 12th- Math PARCC Test in AM
Thursday, May 28th- Science & Industry Museum Field Trip
Enjoy the beautiful weather this weekend!
Miss Hathaway & Mrs. Ingstrup
Here is a glance at what took place in fourth grade this week...
Reading- This week in reading students wrapped up our poetry unit. Students took our Poetry Assessment which will be coming home today in their Friday folders. Next week, we will begin our next reading unit which will focus on how communities adapt to their environments. We will read a variety of texts including nonfiction, fiction, and poetry in order to build content knowledge about this important social studies topic.
Writing- This week students have been writing a variety of poetry to present at our Poetry Slam next Thursday, May 7th at 2:00. We hope to see you there!
Math- Students reviewed key fractions concepts, practiced solving parts-and-whole problems and finding fractional parts of whole numbers. Students also solved fraction number stories and reviewed mixed-numbers and improper fraction concepts.
Social studies- This week students learned about the diverse climate of the West region due to its size and spacing. Next week, students will learn about the natural resources of the region. We will have our West region content and states & capitals test on Friday, May 8th.
Science- In science, we finished up our simple machines unit and reviewed for our upcoming test. Students should use their study guide, machines and motions (red booklet), the simple machines handout, and their web from Inspiration that is on their iPad to study for the test. I will also add some resources to our website to assist them in reviewing. The test is on Monday, May 4th for 4I, and Tuesday, May 5th for 4H.
Coming home in your child's Friday folder...
-Poetry Reading Assessment
-Unit 4 Math Assessment
-Field Trip permission form
-Wholesome food hot lunch ordering information
Upcoming dates:
Wednesday, May 6th- ELA PARCC Test in PM
Thursday, May 7th- Poetry Slam at 2:00pm
Monday, May 11th- Math PARCC Test in PM
Wednesday, May 12th- Math PARCC Test in AM
Thursday, May 28th- Science & Industry Museum Field Trip
Enjoy the beautiful weather this weekend!
Miss Hathaway & Mrs. Ingstrup
Friday, April 24th
Happy Friday! Students did an excellent job of persevering through their MAP tests!
Here is a glance at what took place in fourth grade this week...
Reading- Students discussed the mood of a poem and what words the author used to create the mood. They also learned how the structures of poems can vary. Next week, we will be finishing our poetry unit.
Writing- Students are in the final phases of revising and editing their ecosystem feature articles. We will be publishing these articles early next week! Students will begin writing their own poetry next week as well.
Math- Students wrapped up unit 4 and began reviewing. Our Unit 4 Assessment will take place on Tuesday, April 28th. Students will be coming home with their study guides this weekend and we will have an additional review on Monday. We will begin 5th grade unit 5 next week.
Social Studies- Due to MAP testing and our field trip, students only had social studies one day this week. We introduced the West Region! Ask your child what states are in this region?
Science - We had a great field trip to the Hinsdale Library to explore inclined plane height and ramp length to see how far our cars would travel. Students will be wrapping up the unit on simple machines and be completing study guide next week.
Upcoming Dates to Remember:
Wednesday, May 6th- ELA PARCC in the afternoon
Thursday, May 7th- Poetry Slam at 2:00 (parents are invited!)
*As we near the end of the school year, 4th grade will be doing an ABC countdown to celebrate the last 26 days of school starting on Thursday, April 30th. Please look for the blue information sheet coming home in your child's Friday folder for more specific details!
Coming home in your child's Friday folder...
-Graded Mountain Region social studies test
-ABC countdown calender
Here is a glance at what took place in fourth grade this week...
Reading- Students discussed the mood of a poem and what words the author used to create the mood. They also learned how the structures of poems can vary. Next week, we will be finishing our poetry unit.
Writing- Students are in the final phases of revising and editing their ecosystem feature articles. We will be publishing these articles early next week! Students will begin writing their own poetry next week as well.
Math- Students wrapped up unit 4 and began reviewing. Our Unit 4 Assessment will take place on Tuesday, April 28th. Students will be coming home with their study guides this weekend and we will have an additional review on Monday. We will begin 5th grade unit 5 next week.
Social Studies- Due to MAP testing and our field trip, students only had social studies one day this week. We introduced the West Region! Ask your child what states are in this region?
Science - We had a great field trip to the Hinsdale Library to explore inclined plane height and ramp length to see how far our cars would travel. Students will be wrapping up the unit on simple machines and be completing study guide next week.
Upcoming Dates to Remember:
Wednesday, May 6th- ELA PARCC in the afternoon
Thursday, May 7th- Poetry Slam at 2:00 (parents are invited!)
*As we near the end of the school year, 4th grade will be doing an ABC countdown to celebrate the last 26 days of school starting on Thursday, April 30th. Please look for the blue information sheet coming home in your child's Friday folder for more specific details!
Coming home in your child's Friday folder...
-Graded Mountain Region social studies test
-ABC countdown calender
Friday, April 17, 2015
Friday, April 17th
Happy Friday!
Here is a look into what's happening in fourth grade...
Reading- This week in reading students identified the big idea of a poem, used context clues and rhyming words to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words and learned how to detect rhythm within a poem. Ask your child how rhyme and rhythm are different.
Writing- Students began organizing their ecosystem research into a graphic organizer that will be used to help them construct their feature articles. Students practiced creating different attention getters to hook their reader and how to organize each paragraph by using a topic sentence and supporting details. Ask your child what the hook of their feature article is.
Math- This week in math, learned how to divide a whole number by a decimal and how a magnitude estimate is helpful when determining the quotient. We also discussed how to interpret the remainder and how you know when to ignore it, round up, or report it as a fraction. Ask your child to solve
45.8 / 6.
Social Studies- Students finished the Mountain States region. Next week, we will begin learning about the West region. Ask your child to name a natural resource and how it is used within the Mountain States region.
Science- Students experimented with the wheel and axle this week. First they created a wheel spoke using a straw attached to wood. As students turn the straw it acted like a wheel to raise a paper cup with weights attached with string. Next we used gears to look at a special kind of wheel- a wheel with teeth. Students discovered how gears work together to transfer energy. Ask your child how gears move when they are touching each other.
Important Dates:
Monday, April 20th- Math MAP test at 12:30
Tuesday, April 21st- Reading MAP test at 9:15
Thursday, April 23rd- Library field trip at 12:30
Thursday, May 7th- 4th Grade Poetry Slam at 2:00
Here is a look into what's happening in fourth grade...
Reading- This week in reading students identified the big idea of a poem, used context clues and rhyming words to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words and learned how to detect rhythm within a poem. Ask your child how rhyme and rhythm are different.
Writing- Students began organizing their ecosystem research into a graphic organizer that will be used to help them construct their feature articles. Students practiced creating different attention getters to hook their reader and how to organize each paragraph by using a topic sentence and supporting details. Ask your child what the hook of their feature article is.
Math- This week in math, learned how to divide a whole number by a decimal and how a magnitude estimate is helpful when determining the quotient. We also discussed how to interpret the remainder and how you know when to ignore it, round up, or report it as a fraction. Ask your child to solve
45.8 / 6.
Social Studies- Students finished the Mountain States region. Next week, we will begin learning about the West region. Ask your child to name a natural resource and how it is used within the Mountain States region.
Science- Students experimented with the wheel and axle this week. First they created a wheel spoke using a straw attached to wood. As students turn the straw it acted like a wheel to raise a paper cup with weights attached with string. Next we used gears to look at a special kind of wheel- a wheel with teeth. Students discovered how gears work together to transfer energy. Ask your child how gears move when they are touching each other.
Important Dates:
Monday, April 20th- Math MAP test at 12:30
Tuesday, April 21st- Reading MAP test at 9:15
Thursday, April 23rd- Library field trip at 12:30
Thursday, May 7th- 4th Grade Poetry Slam at 2:00
Friday, April 10, 2015
Friday, April 10th
Happy Friday! We hope everyone had a relaxing and wonderful spring break!
Here is a glance at what happened in fourth grade this week...
Reading- This week students continued understanding the depths of poetry. Students learned the difference between the tone and mood of a poem. Students discussed how to find the meaning of a poem and how to compare and contrast poems. Ask your child what the difference between tone and mood is.
Writing- Students learned about the important nonfiction text features and characteristics of a feature article. Students will be using their prior research of an ecosystem and a keystone species within that ecosystem to construct a feature article. Ask your child what are some characteristics in a feature article.
Math- This week in math we finished Unit 3 and took our unit 3 assessment. Students began unit 4 today where they will review long division strategies when dividing whole numbers and decimals. Ask your child what the difference between the divisor and dividend is.
Social Studies- This week students began studying the Mountain States region. Our states and capitals and content test for this region will be next Friday, April 17th. Ask your child what a timberline is.
Science- Students learned about levers and how they work. We experimented moving the fulcrum to see how it impacted the amount of force needed. Next we looked at the difference between 1st, 2nd, and 3rd class levers. Finally we looked at the wedge as a simple machine and how it works by lifting and separating. Ask your child to name an example of a wedge.
Coming home in your child's Friday folder...
-2015-16 Online Registration Information
-Hinsdale Public Library field trip permission form (Due April 20th)
-Poetry Slam invitation for all parents (May 7th)
-Graded unit 3 math assessment
-Buffalo Wild Wings fundraiser information
-New reading log
Important Dates:
Monday, April 20th @ 12:30- Math MAP testing
Tuesday, April 21st @ 9:30- Reading MAP testing
Thursday, April 23rd @ 12:30- Library field trip
Thursday, May 7th @ 2:00- Poetry Slam
Have a great weekend!
Mrs. Ingstrup & Miss Hathaway
Here is a glance at what happened in fourth grade this week...
Reading- This week students continued understanding the depths of poetry. Students learned the difference between the tone and mood of a poem. Students discussed how to find the meaning of a poem and how to compare and contrast poems. Ask your child what the difference between tone and mood is.
Writing- Students learned about the important nonfiction text features and characteristics of a feature article. Students will be using their prior research of an ecosystem and a keystone species within that ecosystem to construct a feature article. Ask your child what are some characteristics in a feature article.
Math- This week in math we finished Unit 3 and took our unit 3 assessment. Students began unit 4 today where they will review long division strategies when dividing whole numbers and decimals. Ask your child what the difference between the divisor and dividend is.
Social Studies- This week students began studying the Mountain States region. Our states and capitals and content test for this region will be next Friday, April 17th. Ask your child what a timberline is.
Science- Students learned about levers and how they work. We experimented moving the fulcrum to see how it impacted the amount of force needed. Next we looked at the difference between 1st, 2nd, and 3rd class levers. Finally we looked at the wedge as a simple machine and how it works by lifting and separating. Ask your child to name an example of a wedge.
Coming home in your child's Friday folder...
-2015-16 Online Registration Information
-Hinsdale Public Library field trip permission form (Due April 20th)
-Poetry Slam invitation for all parents (May 7th)
-Graded unit 3 math assessment
-Buffalo Wild Wings fundraiser information
-New reading log
Important Dates:
Monday, April 20th @ 12:30- Math MAP testing
Tuesday, April 21st @ 9:30- Reading MAP testing
Thursday, April 23rd @ 12:30- Library field trip
Thursday, May 7th @ 2:00- Poetry Slam
Have a great weekend!
Mrs. Ingstrup & Miss Hathaway
Friday, March 27, 2015
Friday, March 27th
Happy Spring Break!
Here is a glance at what happened in fourth grade this week...
Reading & Writing- This week in reading we began our poetry unit. Students explored a variety of poems in our mentor texts and discussed the characteristics of a poem. We will be discussing the sensory details that can be found within a poem. As part of an integration with international week, students also researched the current deforestation taking place throughout Brazil's Amazon Rain forest. Students wrote and recorded a news report using Puppet Pals on the iPad sharing the information they learned about the rain forest. Ask your child what is the problem currently happening with Brazil's Amazon Rain forest?
Math- This week students learned about the different types of triangles -equilateral, isosceles, and scalene. They also learned how to classify polygons by their different properties. Lastly, students explored tessellations. Ask your child what is the difference between a parallelogram and a trapezoid.
Social studies- This week students became immigrants immigrating through Ellis Island! Students did an excellent job of reenacting this experience. We also reviewed the Northeast states and capitals, natural resources, and economy. After spring break, we will begin studying the Mountain States.
Science- This week students experimented with friction and its effects on the amount of force. Then we began to prepare for an upcoming activity by creating actual 3D wedges using a program called 3Dtin. Students will be designing their wedge with the essential question: will a longer height or a longer hypotenuse cause their car to travel further?
Have a wonderful spring break!
The Fourth Grade teachers
Here is a glance at what happened in fourth grade this week...
Reading & Writing- This week in reading we began our poetry unit. Students explored a variety of poems in our mentor texts and discussed the characteristics of a poem. We will be discussing the sensory details that can be found within a poem. As part of an integration with international week, students also researched the current deforestation taking place throughout Brazil's Amazon Rain forest. Students wrote and recorded a news report using Puppet Pals on the iPad sharing the information they learned about the rain forest. Ask your child what is the problem currently happening with Brazil's Amazon Rain forest?
Math- This week students learned about the different types of triangles -equilateral, isosceles, and scalene. They also learned how to classify polygons by their different properties. Lastly, students explored tessellations. Ask your child what is the difference between a parallelogram and a trapezoid.
Social studies- This week students became immigrants immigrating through Ellis Island! Students did an excellent job of reenacting this experience. We also reviewed the Northeast states and capitals, natural resources, and economy. After spring break, we will begin studying the Mountain States.
Science- This week students experimented with friction and its effects on the amount of force. Then we began to prepare for an upcoming activity by creating actual 3D wedges using a program called 3Dtin. Students will be designing their wedge with the essential question: will a longer height or a longer hypotenuse cause their car to travel further?
Have a wonderful spring break!
The Fourth Grade teachers
Friday, March 20, 2015
Friday, March 20th
Happy Friday! Happy Spring!
Here's what's going on in Fourth Grade..
Math -
This week in math we reviewed acute, obtuse and right angle measurements. We learned about adjacent and vertical angles and how to use a protractor and compass. Students also worked through determining angle measurements without using a protractor and instead use their knowledge of circle being 360 degrees and the total of a triangle's angles being 180 degrees.
Ask your child how many degrees are in a straight line.
Reading -
Students became experts on an ecosystem this week as they read and researched about one of the various ecosystems. They used all of their reading strategies to synthesize information from two books and internet sources. Ask your child what ecosystem they're researching.
Writing & Word Study-
Students are working on publishing their fiction stories on Book Creator. We will be sharing these with our first grade buddies next week. Also, to go along with International week, students will be reading about the deforestation of the rainforest and creating a 30 second news report iMovie in small groups. There will be no new word sorts for spelling next week. Ask your child what illustration they drew for their book.
Science -
This week the students looked at the force of friction and its impact. They did an activity to measure the force of friction and they applied a lubricant to sandpaper to see its effect. We realized how lubricants help to reduce friction when friction is not needed. We also discussed why friction is important. Ask your child why friction is needed.
Social Studies -
This week students took a virtual field trip through Ellis Island in preparation for our immigration. Students created passports and gathered their 4 objects they will be bringing with them on their journey. Next week, we will have our immigration simulation and be reviewing our Northeast states and capitals. We will begin studying the West region after spring break. Ask your child to explain the difference between migration and immigration.
International Week -
Monday - wear spirit wear
Tuesday - sport's jersey
Wednesday - PJs or mismatch day
Thursday - crazy hair day
Friday - Brazil Colors (green and gold)
In the Friday Folder...
- new reading log due Friday
-Unit 1 & 2 math test
Here's what's going on in Fourth Grade..
Math -
This week in math we reviewed acute, obtuse and right angle measurements. We learned about adjacent and vertical angles and how to use a protractor and compass. Students also worked through determining angle measurements without using a protractor and instead use their knowledge of circle being 360 degrees and the total of a triangle's angles being 180 degrees.
Ask your child how many degrees are in a straight line.
Reading -
Students became experts on an ecosystem this week as they read and researched about one of the various ecosystems. They used all of their reading strategies to synthesize information from two books and internet sources. Ask your child what ecosystem they're researching.
Writing & Word Study-
Students are working on publishing their fiction stories on Book Creator. We will be sharing these with our first grade buddies next week. Also, to go along with International week, students will be reading about the deforestation of the rainforest and creating a 30 second news report iMovie in small groups. There will be no new word sorts for spelling next week. Ask your child what illustration they drew for their book.
Science -
This week the students looked at the force of friction and its impact. They did an activity to measure the force of friction and they applied a lubricant to sandpaper to see its effect. We realized how lubricants help to reduce friction when friction is not needed. We also discussed why friction is important. Ask your child why friction is needed.
Social Studies -
This week students took a virtual field trip through Ellis Island in preparation for our immigration. Students created passports and gathered their 4 objects they will be bringing with them on their journey. Next week, we will have our immigration simulation and be reviewing our Northeast states and capitals. We will begin studying the West region after spring break. Ask your child to explain the difference between migration and immigration.
International Week -
Monday - wear spirit wear
Tuesday - sport's jersey
Wednesday - PJs or mismatch day
Thursday - crazy hair day
Friday - Brazil Colors (green and gold)
In the Friday Folder...
- new reading log due Friday
-Unit 1 & 2 math test
Friday, March 13, 2015
Friday, March 13th
Happy Friday! PARCC testing is over and we are so proud of the students for persevering through these tests.
Reading- Next week, students will begin reading and researching an ecosystem of their choice in order to write a feature article on the ecosystem and a keystone animal found within it. Then we will be moving on to Poetry.
Math- This week, students reviewed for our Unit 1/2 math test. Next week, we will introduce Unit 3. In this unit, we will be exploring angle measurements, understand the use of a protractor and compass, and discussing the properties of different polygons.
Writing- Students are working on publishing their fiction narratives. Students will be turning their narratives into an iBook next week.
Social Studies- This week, students calculated their food and travel expenses as they immigrate to America. Next week, we will discuss what this journey was like for immigrants and what their experience was upon arrival to America.
Science- This week students took a closer look at force. We defined force as a push or pull and then experimented with spring scales to measure the gravitational force on certain objects in our classroom. We discovered that objects will move toward the greater force whereas equal amounts of force will not create movement or work. Next week we will take a look at the properties of another force - friction.
Please see the message below regarding important orchestra information!
Have a great weekend and enjoy the warm weather!
Reading- Next week, students will begin reading and researching an ecosystem of their choice in order to write a feature article on the ecosystem and a keystone animal found within it. Then we will be moving on to Poetry.
Math- This week, students reviewed for our Unit 1/2 math test. Next week, we will introduce Unit 3. In this unit, we will be exploring angle measurements, understand the use of a protractor and compass, and discussing the properties of different polygons.
Writing- Students are working on publishing their fiction narratives. Students will be turning their narratives into an iBook next week.
Social Studies- This week, students calculated their food and travel expenses as they immigrate to America. Next week, we will discuss what this journey was like for immigrants and what their experience was upon arrival to America.
Science- This week students took a closer look at force. We defined force as a push or pull and then experimented with spring scales to measure the gravitational force on certain objects in our classroom. We discovered that objects will move toward the greater force whereas equal amounts of force will not create movement or work. Next week we will take a look at the properties of another force - friction.
Please see the message below regarding important orchestra information!
Dear Orchestra Parents,
We have our second feeder school orchestra rehearsal coming up next week on Thursday March 19th. This rehearsal is in The Lane Elementary gym from 3:30-4:30 pm.
Students are to bring their instrument, music and a music stand. Just
like the February rehearsal, parents drop off and pick up their son or
daughter for the rehearsal.
In case you don't have these dates from earlier this year, here is the website again:
(You only need the HMS feeder dates, since thats the school they will eventually attend.)
If you have any questions, feel free to ask. Thanks!
Have a great weekend and enjoy the warm weather!
Sunday, March 8, 2015
Friday, March 6th
Here's What's Happening in Fourth Grade...
Students finished their Math PARCC tests this week and did an amazing job! Thank you for your support throughout this week.
Math - Students worked on understanding how to convert measurements within the metric system. They also practiced solving story problems involving elapsed time and measurement. Students will be taking a test over 5th grade units 1 and 2 on Friday. We will be reviewing in class for this test. all week. Study guides will go home Thursday to use for review.
Language Arts- This week students continued to draft their fiction narratives. They also worked with partners to edit and revise their drafts. Next week, we are going to begin publishing. We also reviewed skills needed or the PARCC reading test the students will be taking next.
Science - Students began studying our new unit called Simple Machines this week. They watched an introductory video on the simple machines: ramp, wheel and axle, pulley, and lever. Next students did a simple experiment on force and defined what force is - a push or pull. We discussed how gravity and friction are two types of force.
Social Studies - Students continued to work on their immigration cooperative group activity. They calculated the distance it took each family to travel and estimated their expenses for their journey.
Important Information...
- Students received their science unit tests and Ecosystem reading assessments in their Friday Folders. Please help your child select an item for their portfolio and return in to school this week.
- PARCC testing will be taking place Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoon this week.
- Math Test Friday over Units 1 & 2 (5th Grade)
Sunday, March 1, 2015
Sunday, March 1st
Here's What's Happening in 4th Grade...
Math -
This week students wrote and solved open number story problems using a variable. They also learned how to make magnitude estimates in order to know where to place the decimals when multiplying. We will be reviewing this week along with taking the two mathematics PARCC tests on Wednesday and Thursday of this week. Ask your child what a magnitude estimate is.
Reading and Language Arts-
Students synthesized information from all our sources throughout the unit to answer our essential question this week on ecosystems. We also took our unit assessment. Coming up students will be reading and researching different ecosystems and keystone animals to write a feature article. Until then, we continue to work on writing, revising, and editing our rough drafts for our fiction stories. There will be no new word sorts this week. We will be reviewing spelling and vocabulary in school.
Ask your child what figurative language they are using in their story?
Science -
Students finished up our unit learning about metamorphic rocks and the rock cycle. Our unit test is on Monday. Students should have their study guide to study from, but additional information is posted online.
Social Studies -
Students have been given their origin countries and have discussed reasons that are pushing them from their country and pulling them to America. Students mapped out their route they will take to immigrate to America. Next week, we will be calculating the distance it will take each family to travel depending on the year of immigration and estimate their expenses for this journey. Ask your child what are some reasons they are being 'pushed' out of their country.
Important Information for this week...
-Please make sure your child is well-rested and has a water bottle for PARCC testing on Wednesday and Thursday of this week. We will be testing from 9 -11.
-It's not too late to register for Girls on the Run. If interested, please register online ASAP. Our first practice is Tuesday!
Math -
This week students wrote and solved open number story problems using a variable. They also learned how to make magnitude estimates in order to know where to place the decimals when multiplying. We will be reviewing this week along with taking the two mathematics PARCC tests on Wednesday and Thursday of this week. Ask your child what a magnitude estimate is.
Reading and Language Arts-
Students synthesized information from all our sources throughout the unit to answer our essential question this week on ecosystems. We also took our unit assessment. Coming up students will be reading and researching different ecosystems and keystone animals to write a feature article. Until then, we continue to work on writing, revising, and editing our rough drafts for our fiction stories. There will be no new word sorts this week. We will be reviewing spelling and vocabulary in school.
Ask your child what figurative language they are using in their story?
Science -
Students finished up our unit learning about metamorphic rocks and the rock cycle. Our unit test is on Monday. Students should have their study guide to study from, but additional information is posted online.
Social Studies -
Students have been given their origin countries and have discussed reasons that are pushing them from their country and pulling them to America. Students mapped out their route they will take to immigrate to America. Next week, we will be calculating the distance it will take each family to travel depending on the year of immigration and estimate their expenses for this journey. Ask your child what are some reasons they are being 'pushed' out of their country.
Important Information for this week...
-Please make sure your child is well-rested and has a water bottle for PARCC testing on Wednesday and Thursday of this week. We will be testing from 9 -11.
-It's not too late to register for Girls on the Run. If interested, please register online ASAP. Our first practice is Tuesday!
Saturday, February 21, 2015
Friday, February 20th
News from Fourth Grade...
Reading- This week in reading, students created a unit matrix to summarize our knowledge over ecosystems thus far. Students also learned about the scientific process of inquiry and applied this method of inquiry to an article. Ask your child what a hypothesis is.
Writing- This week students began drafting their fiction stories. Next week, students will finish drafting and begin revising their stories. Ask your child what the resolution of his/her story is.
Math- This week, students began our 5th grade unit. Students learned how to find the factors and prime factorization of a number. Students learned how to add and multiply numbers in exponential notation. Lastly, students learned how to solve multi-operation equations using the order of operations (PEMDAS). Ask your child to explain to you what the acronym PEMDAS stands for.
Social Studies- This week we began our immigration unit as an extension of the Northeast Region. Students have just begun understanding what the experience was like for an immigrant traveling through Ellis Island. This week students also learned about their family's origin and immigration experience. Ask your child what was something new they learned about their own family's history.
Science- This week students used their "mini glaciers" to demonstrate how glaciers change the surface of the Earth by scraping up soil, gravel, and rocks and depositing them as they melt. Students also discussed the way rocks break down and then examined sedimentary rocks and determined how they were formed. They learned that sedimentary rocks form under pressure from the ocean over long periods of time. Some rocks like conglomerates form at the mouth of riverbeds. Others like limestone form from calcite deep under the ocean. As we wrap up our unit, we'll begin preparing for our unit science test. The test is scheduled for Monday, March 2nd. Study guides will be coming home this week. Ask your child to list some ways rocks are broken apart.
Important Dates:
Friday, February 27th: No School- Teacher's Institute Day
Monday, March 2nd: Science Test on Rocks and Minerals unit
Wednesday, March 4th: PARCC testing in the AM
Thursday, March 5th: PARCC testing in the AM
March 9-11: PARCC testing in the PM
Important Orchestra Announcement...
Reading- This week in reading, students created a unit matrix to summarize our knowledge over ecosystems thus far. Students also learned about the scientific process of inquiry and applied this method of inquiry to an article. Ask your child what a hypothesis is.
Writing- This week students began drafting their fiction stories. Next week, students will finish drafting and begin revising their stories. Ask your child what the resolution of his/her story is.
Math- This week, students began our 5th grade unit. Students learned how to find the factors and prime factorization of a number. Students learned how to add and multiply numbers in exponential notation. Lastly, students learned how to solve multi-operation equations using the order of operations (PEMDAS). Ask your child to explain to you what the acronym PEMDAS stands for.
Social Studies- This week we began our immigration unit as an extension of the Northeast Region. Students have just begun understanding what the experience was like for an immigrant traveling through Ellis Island. This week students also learned about their family's origin and immigration experience. Ask your child what was something new they learned about their own family's history.
Science- This week students used their "mini glaciers" to demonstrate how glaciers change the surface of the Earth by scraping up soil, gravel, and rocks and depositing them as they melt. Students also discussed the way rocks break down and then examined sedimentary rocks and determined how they were formed. They learned that sedimentary rocks form under pressure from the ocean over long periods of time. Some rocks like conglomerates form at the mouth of riverbeds. Others like limestone form from calcite deep under the ocean. As we wrap up our unit, we'll begin preparing for our unit science test. The test is scheduled for Monday, March 2nd. Study guides will be coming home this week. Ask your child to list some ways rocks are broken apart.
Important Dates:
Friday, February 27th: No School- Teacher's Institute Day
Monday, March 2nd: Science Test on Rocks and Minerals unit
Wednesday, March 4th: PARCC testing in the AM
Thursday, March 5th: PARCC testing in the AM
March 9-11: PARCC testing in the PM
Important Orchestra Announcement...
Dear Orchestra Parents,
We have our second feeder school orchestra rehearsal coming up next week on Thursday, February 26th. This rehearsal is in the Madison Elementary gym from 3:30-4:30 pm.
Students are to bring their instrument, music and a music stand. Just
like the January rehearsal, parents drop off and pick up their son or
daughter for the rehearsal.
In case you don't have these dates from earlier this year, here is the website again:
(You only need the HMS feeder dates, since thats the school they will eventually attend.)
Friday, February 13, 2015
February 13, 2015
Happy Valentines Day weekend!
Thank you for all the lovely valentines! No school on Monday - enjoy the 3 day weekend in honor of President's Day.
Here's what's been happening in 4th grade:
Math-
Students took their 4th grade Unit 9 test this week. These tests were sent home in the Friday Folders. Next week we will be starting the 5th grade math curriculum. Our first unit is on factorization, arrays, square numbers, and square roots. We will also be discussing order of operations and solving multistep word problems. Ask your child what symmetry is.
Reading-
This week in Reading students learned how to make a concept map, looked for and analyzed cause and effect, as well as synthesized information from a variety of texts. All this information is being gathered to answer our essential question: What are the roles of plants and animals in a diverse ecosystem? Next week we'll be adding the information we've collected to a matrix. Students were also introduced to the computer tools that they will have to use to take the upcoming PARCC tests. Ask your child how they used their iPad and the Inspiration application to make a concept map.
Writing-
In writing students worked on developing their story outlines or plot diagrams. They generated ideas for their main character along with the setting and problem. Then we used our mentor texts to understand personification and talked about other figurative language devices we may want to include in our story. Next week student will begin drafting their fiction stories. Ask your child about the problem of their story.
Science-
This week in science students began learning about sedimentary rocks with a look at glaciers. We read a story about how glaciers change the land and create new land formations. Then we mixed sediment with water and put it in the freezer so that next week we will have our own "mini-glaciers" to experiment with. Ask your child what a moraine is.
Social Studies-
This week in social studies, students learned about the climate and environment of the Northeast region. Students learned why the Northwest has four seasons and the different kinds of trees (broadleaf and needleleaf) within the region. Next week, we will begin our immigration study! Students will be researching about immigrants' experiences traveling through Ellis Island. Ask your child how the foliage on a broadleaf tree is different from the foliage on a needleleaf tree.
*Don't forget to sign your daughter up for Girls on the Run. Information about this new running club is in the Hootie Backpack and extra forms are available at school.
Coming home this week in your child's Friday Folder:
-Information on PARCC testing
-Math Unit 9 test
-Reading log
Have a Great Weekend,
Mrs. Ingstrup and Miss Hathaway
Thank you for all the lovely valentines! No school on Monday - enjoy the 3 day weekend in honor of President's Day.
Here's what's been happening in 4th grade:
Math-
Students took their 4th grade Unit 9 test this week. These tests were sent home in the Friday Folders. Next week we will be starting the 5th grade math curriculum. Our first unit is on factorization, arrays, square numbers, and square roots. We will also be discussing order of operations and solving multistep word problems. Ask your child what symmetry is.
Reading-
This week in Reading students learned how to make a concept map, looked for and analyzed cause and effect, as well as synthesized information from a variety of texts. All this information is being gathered to answer our essential question: What are the roles of plants and animals in a diverse ecosystem? Next week we'll be adding the information we've collected to a matrix. Students were also introduced to the computer tools that they will have to use to take the upcoming PARCC tests. Ask your child how they used their iPad and the Inspiration application to make a concept map.
Writing-
In writing students worked on developing their story outlines or plot diagrams. They generated ideas for their main character along with the setting and problem. Then we used our mentor texts to understand personification and talked about other figurative language devices we may want to include in our story. Next week student will begin drafting their fiction stories. Ask your child about the problem of their story.
Science-
This week in science students began learning about sedimentary rocks with a look at glaciers. We read a story about how glaciers change the land and create new land formations. Then we mixed sediment with water and put it in the freezer so that next week we will have our own "mini-glaciers" to experiment with. Ask your child what a moraine is.
Social Studies-
This week in social studies, students learned about the climate and environment of the Northeast region. Students learned why the Northwest has four seasons and the different kinds of trees (broadleaf and needleleaf) within the region. Next week, we will begin our immigration study! Students will be researching about immigrants' experiences traveling through Ellis Island. Ask your child how the foliage on a broadleaf tree is different from the foliage on a needleleaf tree.
*Don't forget to sign your daughter up for Girls on the Run. Information about this new running club is in the Hootie Backpack and extra forms are available at school.
Coming home this week in your child's Friday Folder:
-Information on PARCC testing
-Math Unit 9 test
-Reading log
Have a Great Weekend,
Mrs. Ingstrup and Miss Hathaway
Friday, February 6, 2015
Friday, February 6th
Happy Friday!
Reading- This week students continued our science content-area nonfiction reading unit. Students have deepened their understanding of the food chain and how energy is passed among living things in our ecosystem. Students have practiced summarizing the main idea and supporting details, note taking to strengthen our comprehension, and generating questions before, during and after reading. Ask your child how energy is passed through our ecosystem.
Writing- Students are in the prewriting/brainstorming process of writing their fiction narratives. Students have selected a topic and are working on outlining their problem and attempted solutions. Next week, we will be begin drafting our stories. Ask your child what is going to be the problem in his/her story.
Math- This week we learned how to calculate percents from a class data survey, solve multi-step & operation word problems, and multiply and divide a whole number by a decimal. Next week, we will be reviewing for our Unit 9 math test, which will be on Wednesday, February 11th. Ask your child to tell you the product of 13.6 x 8.
Social Studies- Students learned how the Atlantic coast helps the northeast's economy by providing harbors where goods can be imported and exported. Ask your child to define what a 'bay' is.
Science- Students took a look inside the Earth this week and learned about the crust, mantle, and core. Then we traveled inside a volcano. We compared the similarities and differences of Composite, Cinder Cone, and Shield volcanoes and took a look at how viscosity and gas effect the types of eruptions volcanoes have. Ask your child about his/her virtual volcano in the next week.
**Important: In order to back up our iPads and update to the latest iOS versions students need to know their apple ID and password. Please send your child to school with this correct information so that they can preform these updates.**
Coming home in your child's Friday folder...
-Graded nonfiction ibook rubric
-Winter MAP reading & math reports
-Valentine's Day bag to decorate and return on 2/13
-BLAH Buster information
-Northeast states and capitals sheet to start practicing!
-New reading log
-Girls on the Run Information
Have a great weekend!
The Fourth Grade Teachers
Reading- This week students continued our science content-area nonfiction reading unit. Students have deepened their understanding of the food chain and how energy is passed among living things in our ecosystem. Students have practiced summarizing the main idea and supporting details, note taking to strengthen our comprehension, and generating questions before, during and after reading. Ask your child how energy is passed through our ecosystem.
Writing- Students are in the prewriting/brainstorming process of writing their fiction narratives. Students have selected a topic and are working on outlining their problem and attempted solutions. Next week, we will be begin drafting our stories. Ask your child what is going to be the problem in his/her story.
Math- This week we learned how to calculate percents from a class data survey, solve multi-step & operation word problems, and multiply and divide a whole number by a decimal. Next week, we will be reviewing for our Unit 9 math test, which will be on Wednesday, February 11th. Ask your child to tell you the product of 13.6 x 8.
Social Studies- Students learned how the Atlantic coast helps the northeast's economy by providing harbors where goods can be imported and exported. Ask your child to define what a 'bay' is.
Science- Students took a look inside the Earth this week and learned about the crust, mantle, and core. Then we traveled inside a volcano. We compared the similarities and differences of Composite, Cinder Cone, and Shield volcanoes and took a look at how viscosity and gas effect the types of eruptions volcanoes have. Ask your child about his/her virtual volcano in the next week.
**Important: In order to back up our iPads and update to the latest iOS versions students need to know their apple ID and password. Please send your child to school with this correct information so that they can preform these updates.**
Coming home in your child's Friday folder...
-Graded nonfiction ibook rubric
-Winter MAP reading & math reports
-Valentine's Day bag to decorate and return on 2/13
-BLAH Buster information
-Northeast states and capitals sheet to start practicing!
-New reading log
-Girls on the Run Information
Have a great weekend!
The Fourth Grade Teachers
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
January 30th, 2015
Happy Tuesday!
Reading- Last week we began our science content area reading unit. We have learned how to generate questions using the headings and illustrations of a text. Students also practiced decoding unfamiliar words by using their context clues. Ask your child what the difference between a carnivore, herbivore and an omnivore is?
Writing- Last week in writing we started to narrow our possible fiction writing topics down. Students brainstormed what the 'problem' of their story would be, along with possible solutions their character would attempt, but not always succeed. Ask your child what is the problem in their fiction story?
Math- Students learned how to convert a fraction to a decimal to percent. They also determined when it is appropriate to use a calculator to convert a fraction to a decimal to percent. Students used survey data to create percents. Next week, we will be multiplying and dividing decimals. Ask your child what 2/5 is as a percent?
Social studies- Last week, students were introduced to the Northeast region. Next week, students will be learning about the the unique features of this region! Ask your child one fact they know about the Northeast region.
Science- Last week students watched a video on Mt. Saint Helen and its eruption. We also made baggies of cornstarch and water to simulate the pressure under the earth and how it effects igneous rock formation and volcanoes. This week we will discuss the different types of volcanoes and how they effect the Earth.
-We hope you discovered and enjoyed your child's class picture. It was in their Friday Folder.
-Due to our snow day - we will delay our spelling test until next Friday. Please keep the words sent home today for the next two weeks and encourage your child to study a little each night.
Thanks,
The Fourth Grade Teachers
Reading- Last week we began our science content area reading unit. We have learned how to generate questions using the headings and illustrations of a text. Students also practiced decoding unfamiliar words by using their context clues. Ask your child what the difference between a carnivore, herbivore and an omnivore is?
Writing- Last week in writing we started to narrow our possible fiction writing topics down. Students brainstormed what the 'problem' of their story would be, along with possible solutions their character would attempt, but not always succeed. Ask your child what is the problem in their fiction story?
Math- Students learned how to convert a fraction to a decimal to percent. They also determined when it is appropriate to use a calculator to convert a fraction to a decimal to percent. Students used survey data to create percents. Next week, we will be multiplying and dividing decimals. Ask your child what 2/5 is as a percent?
Social studies- Last week, students were introduced to the Northeast region. Next week, students will be learning about the the unique features of this region! Ask your child one fact they know about the Northeast region.
Science- Last week students watched a video on Mt. Saint Helen and its eruption. We also made baggies of cornstarch and water to simulate the pressure under the earth and how it effects igneous rock formation and volcanoes. This week we will discuss the different types of volcanoes and how they effect the Earth.
-We hope you discovered and enjoyed your child's class picture. It was in their Friday Folder.
-Due to our snow day - we will delay our spelling test until next Friday. Please keep the words sent home today for the next two weeks and encourage your child to study a little each night.
Thanks,
The Fourth Grade Teachers
Friday, January 23, 2015
January 23, 2016
Happy Friday!
Reading- This week we wrapped up our novel studies. Students were given a comprehension quiz over their novel. Students also practiced writing a constructed response where they had to answer a reading comprehension question with text evidence and their own interpretation of the text. Next week, we will begin our new science content area reading unit which discusses the roles of plants and animals in the ecosystem. Students' cereal box reports are due on Wednesday, January 28th. If your child has misplaced the directions he/she can find it in the "handout" section of our website. We can't wait to hear their fabulous presentations! Ask your child what the conflict of their novel was? Who was the protagonist and the antagonist?
Writing- Students have begun generating ideas for our upcoming fiction narrative. Students brainstormed important events in their lives and how they could incorporate those into their fiction narrative.
Math- Students took their unit 8 assessment this week. We will begin unit 9 on Monday, which deepens their understanding of fractions, percents, and decimals. Ask your child how to find the area of a parallelogram and a triangle.
Social studies- Students created a Southeast travel brochure including the many different concepts learned about the Southeast thus far. Next week, students will begin learning about the Northeast region. At the end of this unit, students will be assessed on each state and capital of the Northeast region. If you are able, your child should begin practicing this a little each night. Our NE quizlet link is attached below!
http://quizlet.com/56096229/northeast-region-states-and-capitals-flash-cards/
Science- Students began looking at igneous rocks this week and learned that they come from "fire" or magma. We looked at different rock samples and noted their crystal size and color to determine whether they were intrusive or extrusive. Ask your child the difference between plutonic and volcanic rock types.
*Don't forget to have your child continue working on his/her cereal box book report!
Coming home in your child's Friday folder...
-Unit 8 math test
-Nonfiction writing assessment
-new reading log
Important Dates:
January 26-30: SELAS Week- Students will learn about a SELAS topic each day.
Monday- Words are Magic: students will participate in an inspirational assembly.
Tuesday- Hero Day: students will learn about everyone's heroes and how he/she is motivating (they may dress like their hero if they would like)
Wednesday- What I Am: students will share something unique about themselves
Thursday- Anything is Possible: students will work together to understand the importance of teamwork
Friday- Spirit Day: students will be meeting with their 1st grade buddies (wear blue and white or Oak apparel!)
Friday, February 6th- Science Fair all day & 6:30-7:30pm
Friday, February 20th- BLAH Buster from 6-8pm
Reading- This week we wrapped up our novel studies. Students were given a comprehension quiz over their novel. Students also practiced writing a constructed response where they had to answer a reading comprehension question with text evidence and their own interpretation of the text. Next week, we will begin our new science content area reading unit which discusses the roles of plants and animals in the ecosystem. Students' cereal box reports are due on Wednesday, January 28th. If your child has misplaced the directions he/she can find it in the "handout" section of our website. We can't wait to hear their fabulous presentations! Ask your child what the conflict of their novel was? Who was the protagonist and the antagonist?
Writing- Students have begun generating ideas for our upcoming fiction narrative. Students brainstormed important events in their lives and how they could incorporate those into their fiction narrative.
Math- Students took their unit 8 assessment this week. We will begin unit 9 on Monday, which deepens their understanding of fractions, percents, and decimals. Ask your child how to find the area of a parallelogram and a triangle.
Social studies- Students created a Southeast travel brochure including the many different concepts learned about the Southeast thus far. Next week, students will begin learning about the Northeast region. At the end of this unit, students will be assessed on each state and capital of the Northeast region. If you are able, your child should begin practicing this a little each night. Our NE quizlet link is attached below!
http://quizlet.com/56096229/northeast-region-states-and-capitals-flash-cards/
Science- Students began looking at igneous rocks this week and learned that they come from "fire" or magma. We looked at different rock samples and noted their crystal size and color to determine whether they were intrusive or extrusive. Ask your child the difference between plutonic and volcanic rock types.
*Don't forget to have your child continue working on his/her cereal box book report!
Coming home in your child's Friday folder...
-Unit 8 math test
-Nonfiction writing assessment
-new reading log
Important Dates:
January 26-30: SELAS Week- Students will learn about a SELAS topic each day.
Monday- Words are Magic: students will participate in an inspirational assembly.
Tuesday- Hero Day: students will learn about everyone's heroes and how he/she is motivating (they may dress like their hero if they would like)
Wednesday- What I Am: students will share something unique about themselves
Thursday- Anything is Possible: students will work together to understand the importance of teamwork
Friday- Spirit Day: students will be meeting with their 1st grade buddies (wear blue and white or Oak apparel!)
Friday, February 6th- Science Fair all day & 6:30-7:30pm
Friday, February 20th- BLAH Buster from 6-8pm
Friday, January 16, 2015
January 16, 2015
Happy Friday and long weekend. No school on Monday in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Enjoy the day!
Here's what 4th grade was up to this week:
Reading-
In reading, students finished reading their novels and worked on characterization and finding the theme. Please check their Friday Folder for information on the final project due January 28th. Students have been asked to design a cereal and box based on their story and present it to the class. We're looking forward to hearing their awesome presentations.
Writing-
We started a new unit studying the author Cynthia Rylant. We will use her books during the immersion part of the writing process to understand different her writing styles, crafts, and inspirations.
Spelling - Students will be getting new lists for Words Their Way but the test will be the following Friday, January 19th.
Math -
Students wrapped up unit 8 and were given a study guide in class today. Students will need to finish this and be ready to go over in class on Tuesday in preparation for our test on Wednesday, January 21st.
Science -
Students discovered the names of their minerals this week by comparing their observations of properties to those known about each mineral. Next week we will use our knowledge of minerals to help us study igneous rocks. We will be learning how they are formed and what they are made of.
Social Studies-
Students learned about some of the history that took place in the Southeast region. We discussed what the Trail of Tears was and were able to view the experience from the Native Americans' point of view. Next week, students will be creating a travel brochure for potential visitors of the Southeast!
Coming home in your child's Friday folder...
-new reading log
-graded SE states quiz
**Please encourage your child to participate in this year's Science Fair! Students may participate individually or with a friend or sibling. Science fair registration is due by January 23rd.
Have a wonderful weekend,
The Fourth Grade Teachers
Fourth graders did a wonderful job persevering through their reading and math MAP tests this week! Way to go, fourth graders!
Here's what 4th grade was up to this week:
Reading-
In reading, students finished reading their novels and worked on characterization and finding the theme. Please check their Friday Folder for information on the final project due January 28th. Students have been asked to design a cereal and box based on their story and present it to the class. We're looking forward to hearing their awesome presentations.
Writing-
We started a new unit studying the author Cynthia Rylant. We will use her books during the immersion part of the writing process to understand different her writing styles, crafts, and inspirations.
Spelling - Students will be getting new lists for Words Their Way but the test will be the following Friday, January 19th.
Math -
Students wrapped up unit 8 and were given a study guide in class today. Students will need to finish this and be ready to go over in class on Tuesday in preparation for our test on Wednesday, January 21st.
Science -
Students discovered the names of their minerals this week by comparing their observations of properties to those known about each mineral. Next week we will use our knowledge of minerals to help us study igneous rocks. We will be learning how they are formed and what they are made of.
Social Studies-
Students learned about some of the history that took place in the Southeast region. We discussed what the Trail of Tears was and were able to view the experience from the Native Americans' point of view. Next week, students will be creating a travel brochure for potential visitors of the Southeast!
Coming home in your child's Friday folder...
-new reading log
-graded SE states quiz
**Please encourage your child to participate in this year's Science Fair! Students may participate individually or with a friend or sibling. Science fair registration is due by January 23rd.
Have a wonderful weekend,
The Fourth Grade Teachers
Friday, January 9, 2015
Friday, January 9th
Happy Friday!
Due to the shortened week, we will continue our spelling words over for next week. The spelling test will be next Friday.
If you haven't already done so, please be sure to watch the iPad tutorial video and print out the permission slip for your child to bring to school. We are unable to send the iPads home until everyone has turned in the permission form.
*MAP testing will take place next week. Math MAP testing will take place on Wednesday, January 14th at 1:30pm and Reading MAP testing will be on Thursday, January 15th at 10:00am. Please keep these dates in consideration when scheduling appointments.
Coming home in your child's Friday folder...
-Graded social studies & fiction reading tests
-new reading log
-Science fair information
Have a wonderful weekend and stay warm!
The Fourth Grade Teachers
Due to the shortened week, we will continue our spelling words over for next week. The spelling test will be next Friday.
If you haven't already done so, please be sure to watch the iPad tutorial video and print out the permission slip for your child to bring to school. We are unable to send the iPads home until everyone has turned in the permission form.
*MAP testing will take place next week. Math MAP testing will take place on Wednesday, January 14th at 1:30pm and Reading MAP testing will be on Thursday, January 15th at 10:00am. Please keep these dates in consideration when scheduling appointments.
Coming home in your child's Friday folder...
-Graded social studies & fiction reading tests
-new reading log
-Science fair information
Have a wonderful weekend and stay warm!
The Fourth Grade Teachers
Monday, January 5, 2015
MAP Testing Dates
Good afternoon, parents,
We just wanted to inform you that students will be taking the winter MAP test next week. Math MAP testing will take place on Wednesday, January 14th at 1:30pm and Reading MAP testing will be on Thursday, January 15th at 10:00am. Please keep these dates in consideration when scheduling appointments.
Thank you!
The Fourth Grade Teachers
We just wanted to inform you that students will be taking the winter MAP test next week. Math MAP testing will take place on Wednesday, January 14th at 1:30pm and Reading MAP testing will be on Thursday, January 15th at 10:00am. Please keep these dates in consideration when scheduling appointments.
Thank you!
The Fourth Grade Teachers
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