Weekly Update

Writing/Spelling

Today we started our new unit, literary essay writing.  We previewed the unit by analyzing main characters from a picture book called, "The Other Side."  Tomorrow we will start analyzing main characters from the picture book, "Fox."  We will also be looking at the author's craft and theme of the book.  I can't wait to hear students' deep thinking in this unit!  Students will receive new spelling words this Friday, and the next Spelling test will be Thursday, April 13th.  Please note that the test will be on a Thursday because there is no school Friday, April 14th.  

Reading

In Reading we continue to meet in book clubs, reading groups, and are starting test preparation and practicing our close reading skills.

Math

This week in Math, we are focusing on geometry word problems and area and perimeter.  The Chapter 14 Geometry Test is this Friday, March 31st.

Student-made geometry posters 

Students working on their "Measurement Art" houses, beach, and street scenes

Science/Social Studies/Junior Achievement

Check out some of the US states and capitals circuit boards that students completed before break!  

Today we started a miniunit on Missouri's economy and environment.  This will be our last study of Missouri.  (Our last unit in Social Studies will be government, closer to the end of the year.)  On a related note, we have had our first of five Junior Achievement lessons with Mr. Reinhardt!  Students are excited to be learning more about business and entrepreneurship with him, and we will have another lesson this week.  Thank you for volunteering, Mr. Reinhardt.  

Other Important Info.  

• MAP Testing for fourth grade is currently scheduled for April 24th and 25th for ELA and May 1st-3rd for Math.  Although these dates are not likely to change much, there could be a small change made to the schedule as more information becomes available.   Please try not to make any appointments on these days.   
• Wednesday, April 5th is an Early Release Day with dismissal at 1:40.  Please make sure your child knows how they are getting home.
• There will be no school on Friday, April 14th.  
• Also, the Friday before spring break our class found out that we won a popcorn party for bringing in the most box tops this year!  Congratulations!