Dec. 11 to Dec. 19, 2023

                                         

Here we are, ready to enjoy our last weeks of 4th grade in 2023!  This week will include our ice cream math party, and next we look forward to playing Rocky's Jingle Bingo!  Wishing you a all a wonderful winter break with lots of fun and relaxation!  

Our last weeks of 2023 will include the following:

READING:

-We are focusing on inference skills during our reading lessons.  Students will use facts and evidence to make a conclusion or give an opinion based on what they already know. 

-Word Work study will include lessons on short and long e vowel patterns in 2 syllable words.  Students will bring home a study guide on Monday for the spelling test on Friday, Dec. 15.

40 Book Challenge:   Students should be at 18 to 20 books by the end of December to be in line with the 40 book challenge.  If students are able to read and document 1 book per week, they will be able to reach the 40 book goal.

*Remember to read for 20 to 40 minutes each day at home for daily reading homework.  Make sure to spend time reading over winter break!

WRITING:

Students will write responses to December writing prompts using correct punctuation, grammar, and spelling.

*Students have access to Typing Club to develop their keyboarding skills, and they continue reviewing cursive to develop their handwriting skills.

MATH:

- We continue to study and learn about fractions and decimals.  Lessons include games, activities, and workbook pages to practice fraction and decimal concepts.

*Math HOMEWORK: 
Dec. 11 to Dec. 13
Homework will come home on Monday and will be due on Wednesday.
Homework will come home on Wednesday and will be due on Friday.

*Note:  No homework will be assigned the week of Dec. 18.

*Continue to study and review multiplication and division facts to develop and maintain fact fluency.

Science/Health:

Our lessons include the study of sound waves and how they are used for animal communication.  This week, students will do a mini research project by creating a slide-show to share information about an animal presented in one of our science resource books.

Social Studies:

Students are learning about the Eastern region of the United States by studying the states and capitals, climate, land forms, economy, and history of this region.  Students will have a test on the Eastern states and capitals Tuesday, Dec. 19.  (Students will bring home a study guide to help them learn the states and capitals.  There are also links on this blog to assist students with studying.)

ART:

Our winter wonderland decorations are on display in our classroom along with winter lights to brighten the dark days. 

This week, students will create a winter family surprise, and students will bring these home before break.  

                                     

Students have completed their first trimester in 4th grade with tremendous success!  We are ready for the 2nd trimester to continue our great growth in 4th grade.   This week, we look forward to the Maple Grove Firefighters visiting us on Tuesday afternoon to announce the fire safety poster contest winners.

Other learning and activities for the week will include the following:  

READING:

- This week, students will take the Unit 2 Benchmark test that focuses on sequencing and personal narratives.  The next unit will focus on inference skills and historical fiction.

- Word Work - The vocabulary for this week includes words using the Latin root "sect". Students will receive a study guide for the quiz on the "sect" words on Monday.  The quiz will be on Friday, Dec. 8

-We continue to read daily for our 40 book challenge.   Students should be at 17 to 20 books by the end of December to be in line with the 40 book challenge.  If students are able to read and document one book per week, they will be able to reach the 40 book goal.

*Remember to read for 20 to 40 minutes each day at home for daily reading homework.

WRITING:

Students have completed their"How To" story using sequencing words.   This week, students will write in response to December writing prompts using the four square planning method to organize  and complete writing.

*Students have access to Typing Club to develop and hone their keyboarding skills, and they continue reviewing cursive to develop their handwriting skills.

MATH:

- We continue to develop our understanding of fractions including working with mixed numbers and improper fractions.  This week, we will study equivalent fractions along with comparing, adding, and subtracting fractions.

- Many students have demonstrated mastery of multiplication facts by passing the 5 minute timed test with 95% accuracy or better.  We continue taking a one minute and five minute timed tests to develop speed and efficiency with multiplication.  

*Math HOMEWORK: 
Dec. 4 to Dec. 8
Homework will come home on Monday and will be due on Wednesday.
Homework will come home on Wednesday and will be due on Friday.

Science:
We continue to study transverse and longitudinal waves and how animals use sounds to communicate.  Students will work with a sound simulator to study waves and change the pitch and volume to create different types of waves.

ART:
Students will create winter folk art trees using water colors and back markers during Friday´s art lesson.