Weekly Update

Writing/Spelling

In writing, students are finishing Chapter 2 of their Informational Books.  This week we will start Chapter 3, where we will write a letter or diary entry in a point of view that relates to our big topic.  For example, a student writing about rocks could write from the perspective of a geologist.  A student writing about jazz could write a diary entry from a famous jazz artist.  In Spelling, students will take their test this Friday, 2/13.

Reading

In reading, we continued to use close reading to dig deeper into texts.  We also started our new read aloud, "No Talking!"  "No Talking" is written by Andrew Clements, who is a great author for fourth graders to explore!  This week we will begin to discuss certain roles within book clubs, such as the "Super Summarizer," "Perfect Predictor," "Cunning Connector," "Clever Clarifier," "Careful Characterizer," and "Discussion Director."  These roles will prepare us in having conversations in our upcoming book clubs.  

Math

In math, we are finishing Chapter 8 on fractions.  This week we compared and ordered fractions from least to greatest.  Finding the least common multiple of two fractions helped us with this.  We also wrote mixed fractions.  Finally, we focused on word problems involving fractions.  Next week we will review mixed fractions and discuss improper fractions.  The Chapter 8 Test will be on Thursday (2/12), and students will receive the study guide tomorrow.

Working in the games rotation

Social Studies/Science

In social studies, we have finished Chapter 5 on the life of pioneers. Students have started the Chapter 4/5 study guide in class.  Some have taken the study guide home to begin studying.  However, this study guide will need to come back to school on Monday to be checked for correctness.  The Chapters 4/5 Test will be Wednesday, 2/11.  On Thursday, we will start our science unit on electricity!  

Other Important Info.  

• MANY notes came home in Flyer Folders this week.  Please make sure that you go through these with your child as a lot of important information came home.  
• There is no Friday Homework this week! 
• Wednesday, February 11th will be an early release day with dismissal at 1:40.  Please make sure your child knows how they are getting home.  
• We reached our 100 behavior points goal!  That means that we will enjoy a movie reward on Thursday!  
• PRISM projects are due tomorrow, 2/9.  PRISM night is Thursday, February 19th. 
• The class Valentine's Day Party is Friday, February 13th from 2:00-3:00. This week students will be making their Valentine's Day bags in class.  I will provide the bags and decorating materials.  However, I will tell students that they may bring in their own favorite stickers or scrapbooking items on Wednesday as well.  Also, if you child brings in Valentines, please make sure that they have one for every student in the class. We have 21 students.  I sent a class list home with students on Friday.  
• Six Flags Read to Succeed Reading Logs are due Friday, February 27th  If students are wanting to participate, they need to read 6 hours in addition to their class reading log minutes.  As a reward, they will receive a free admission ticket to Six Flags theme park!