I am so sorry it has been so long since my last update. This month has flown by. We are working hard on so many different areas in fourth grade.
Writing: We have spent a great deal of time expanding our writing abilities. So many of us are developing in really neat ways. When looking at your fourth graders writing, look for the improvement in expanded vocabulary, topic sentence creativity, concluding sentences, and overall voice. I am looking for this improvement to follow all writing purposes. That means writing should improve in science, social studies, and math as well. Be sure to enjoy the two writings that are coming home next week in a very special form…I won’t ruin the surprise though!
Science: In science we have continued our study on weather. The children have shown great understanding of the water cycle and clouds. Please ask your child thinking questions when studying for the cloud test/quiz next week. Thinking questions go beyond the knowledge piece that the children are showing they know very well. This is an example…What kind of weather might you see from a cumulus cloud in the afternoon? What kind of weather do cirrus clouds produce? What is in a cirrus cloud in the summer? (Water droplets or ice crystals should be the only answer given but ice crystals is correct. The reason it is correct is, cirrus clouds are so high in the atmosphere that it is always at freezing or below 32 degrees.) Always ask why!
Math: The students, overall, are understanding and have at least one good strategy to solve addition and subtraction. The greatest challenge is their knowledge of facts. Please continue this simple fact practice at least once a week. It is also very important for them to follow thru all the steps with in whichever process they choose. They know how to do the algorithms but sometimes lack the stamina to follow thru the process or they are being careless. Either way practice is the best way to alleviate this challenge.
Reading: In class we have new books in our reading groups. Over the holiday break feel free to have the children read and enjoy those books. We will however, be reading those books extensively in class. These are very interesting books and have a multitude of vocabulary, characters, and themes that need to be reviewed. The added bonus to these books is they can be reported on for the book club.
Lastly, I would like you to know of some fun activities that are upcoming next week.
Please feel free to send in yummy snacks this week too. Not that veggies aren’t yummy, but unhealthy snacks are allowed this week!
Tuesday is pajama day. Please send your children to school in pajamas that are school appropriate fuzzy fun!
Lastly we will be doing a variety of fun activities. We do not need any supplies, but I would love to know if anyone will be missing Wednesday. This will just allow me to make sure each child gets all of their very cool creations before the holiday break.
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