Weekly Update

Writing/Spelling

In writing, we are finishing Chapter 1 of our informational books and moving on to Chapter 2 on our focused topic.  This past week students met with their writing partners to revise their Chapter 1 drafts.   In Spelling, students' next test is this Friday, January 30th.  

Reading

In reading, we started our unit on close reading.  Students are rereading sections of nonfiction and fiction texts in order to dig deeper (ex.find the main idea and supporting details, identify cause and effect, etc.).  We will continue with close reading during our minilessons and in reading groups this week.  

Circling the cause and underlining the effect in a nonfiction close read

Math

In math this past week, we started Chapter 8: Fractions.  So far, we have reviewed factors and multiples.  See the anchor chart that students came up with in defining these review terms.  This week we will continue with prime and composite numbers as well as equivalent fractions and fractions in simplest form.  

Social Studies

In social studies, we are currently discussing Lewis and Clark's journey west.  Then, we will move on to pioneers in Chapter 5.  Students will receive their Chapter 5 vocabulary flashcards on Monday, and their vocabulary quiz will be this Friday, 1/30.  Again, students may also use Quizlet to study these words. 

  Other Important Info.  

• If you did not get a chance to read about our Student Teacher Ms. Bender in the previous blog post, please do so.  We are very happy that she will be spending the rest of the year with us!  
• PRISM projects are due February 9th.  PRISM night is Thursday, February 19.
• This year the PTO is sponsoring a donut breakfast for the 4th graders before school. Each student is able to invite one person that is dear to them. The event will be held on Wednesday, February 18th from 8:00-8:45am in the gym.  Invites will be going home with the kids soon. We do ask that the invited guest stay with the 4th grader until the rest of the school opens at 8:30.
• 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!