The Scoop on 4th Grade
with Miss Lejsner, Mrs. Napoleoni & Mrs. Smith
FEBRUARY 15th, 2019
Dear 4th grade parents,
Thank you for all of the sweet and generous donations to make our Valentine's day party such a success! The kids had a blast! We also appreciate the parent helpers who organized the crafts and games! Everyone sure felt loved including us teachers! THANK YOU!
Curriculum Corner
Reading
A traditional tale is a story that gets passed along through the years by word of mouth. A myth is one kind of traditional tale. Myths include gods, goddesses, heroes and monsters. Students had exposure to another myth this week called Theseus and Minotaur where they had the opportunity to rewrite the myth from a character's point of view. We also taught allusions and then looked for references in everyday products and brands that we see. Guided reading groups have practiced reading all types of mythology as well.
Writing
This week we explored different ways to organize our thoughts and ideas on story maps and graphic organizers. The students have been working hard on a writing a variety of modes.
Math
WOW! We were so impressed by how well our 4th graders remembered their metric and customary conversions. Your hard work and studying for the Unit #5 test was very evident, way to go! The next two math units will be working on fractions. Please continue to encourage your children to seek extra help and practice during lunch recess, especially if the homework assignment is challenging. The 4th graders are going to add, subtract, and multiply fractions. There will be plenty of ways to challenge our thinking as we apply fractions to our real world situations.
Science/Social Studies
Can you light a bulb using just a battery and two wires? All of your children can, ask them about it! We completed our first experiment on circuits. We are so proud of the responsibility and safety procedures they followed when working in groups. The unit will continue next week as we build more circuits and compare and contrast parallel and series circuits.
IAR Test (PARCC replacement)
Students will begin taking the IAR test on April 3rd, and the testing will continue through April 9th. They will be taking one test a day from 10:50-12:45, for 5 straight days, electronically via computer. All students will be exposed to sample items and practice tests prior to the testing window in their classrooms. Please try not to schedule doctor, dentist, and orthodontist appointments during those dates and times.
Books We've Read
- Louisiana's Way (Dr. Marks is reading this novel to us)
- Theseus & Minotaur
- Hercules' Quest
- 68 Rooms
- Various Guided Reading Texts
DATES TO REMEMBER
Monday, February 18 - No School (President's Day)
Tuesday, February 19 - Board of Education Meeting at 7pm
Wednesday, February 20 - Fourth grade field trip to see Newsies at CLS
Thursday, February 21 - PTO board meeting
Saturday, February 23 - Winter Carnival 10am-2pm
Wednesday, February 27 - Early Release for Students - dismissal at 2pm
Friday, March 1- School Spirit
Thursday, March 14 - Shamrock Shuffle Dance
Enjoy the extra time with your family over the long-weekend!
-Miss Lejsner, Mrs. Napoleoni & Mrs. Smith-