Spring Creek Cardinals
4th Grade Newsletter
FEBRUARY 2018 EDITION
MATH Update
Math in February
Your children have been working hard the last few months learning how to multiply much larger numbers than they were introduced to in the third grade. They learned a variety of ways to multiply and are settling in on the method that they are most comfortable with. We learned three different methods, including “Multiplication Mat”, “Partial Products” and the traditional algorithm for multiplication. Ask your child which one they chose as their favorite method and the one they use when a problem calls for multiplication.
We have also begun learning different methods to divide larger numbers. We have talked about both “Area Model” and “Partial Quotients”. They will soon be learning the traditional algorithm for division as well. Most of us learned the traditional algorithm in school, but we called it “Long Division”. Once they learn all three methods, then just like multiplication, they will be able to choose the method they like most when solving problems involving division.
February will be a month in which the students learn a variety of math concepts. We will begin with data analysis by looking at three different types of data tables, “Frequency Tables, Dot Plots and Stem & Leaf Plots. We will discover how to create each of these different data tables from either data they are given or from data they collect themselves. They will also look at how to interpret the data contained in the tables. We will end the month by finding out about area and perimeter, both how to find it and how to interpret questions centered on area and perimeter.
Just a reminder, your child can practice their math fact fluency each weeknight. They can do this by practicing on XtraMath.org. Your child can visit the site even if they have already been on it during the school day. Being fluent with their math facts helps your child use their working memory to solve the math problem they are working on rather than trying to figure out the math facts. Your child has the login information for XtraMath in their planner. I have also introduced them to Khan Academy. They have their Khan Academy login as well as one for Education Galaxy in their planner as well. Both programs focus on concepts that are being taught in 4th grade. They are a great resource for extra practice.
READING/WRITING Update
READING
Students have just finished their projects on a novel study. We will present them with a gallery walk where students will be able to leave feedback and compliments for each other. On February 14 parents will also be able to participate in the gallery walk of student projects. Plan to take some time while you are here for the Valentine’s party to view student novel projects and leave compliments. Last month in January students analyzed nonfiction texts in class. We looked at how authors organize the text in order to provide comprehension. Some authors organize nonfiction to show cause and effect, others to show problem and solution, sequence of events, or compare and contrast. We will continue to do a little more practice with analyzing nonfiction texts and writing summaries of nonfiction text.
WRITING
Students are continuing essay writing. This form of writing will be used throughout their school career and it is important they learn the structure and development of essays. Based on two essays written in January I am excited to say most students already have a basic understanding of an essay structure. In class we will focus on developing our introductions, body, and conclusion to include more detail, examples, evidence, and opinion. Elaboration is key to developing student voice within their writing. Students will also spend a lot of time this month understanding the structure of sentences and how to combine thoughts into compound or complex sentences. Comma usage will be a main focus in grammar.
POETRY
If you would like to participate in Poetry Friday, I would love to have you join us in class to write poems, or to submit a favorite poem or original poem that I can share with students. The kids love Poetry Friday and their creativity and confidence is strong. Be sure to read student poems at https://mrsdungansclass.weebly.com/poetry This link is also a great resource for you and your child. On the right are all the sights that host Poetry Friday. These are fun to visit and read other authors poems.
HOMEWORK
During February, students will be asked to read 100 minutes a week their book of choice. Reading is so important to grow a students vocabulary, spelling, and understanding of words. Please make time each day to read. By this time of year, most students are enjoying reading and will make time for it on their own. If your child is still resistant to reading for fun, let me know and maybe I can help them find some titles of interest.
PARENT OPPORTUNITIES
PARENT HOMEWORK - Write an essay telling about a special person in your life and explain why they are important to you. (Many of us parents haven’t written an essay in years! I really would like to see a lot of parents write this essay and turn the homework in. Parent essays will also be set out for a gallery walk in the classroom so students can give you feedback. This is a great opportunity for you to experience what your child experiences in class, while providing a model for our class to learn from.)
PENCILS NEED SHARPENED - Please let me know if you would be willing to sharpen some pencils at home or school.
FLUENCY COACH - Looking for a parent that can consistently come one time per week to read with students from 1:30-2:00. This task consists of having a student read a passage for one minute, recording the numbers of words read in a minute. Then timing them as they reread for another minute and record their growth.
DISPLAYING NOVEL PROJECTS for the Gallery Walk - This would be about an hour of work stapling student (and hopefully parent) work to the wall sometime before February 13th.
SCIENCE/SOCIAL STUDIES Update
In Social Studies:
During the next three weeks we will look at the development of the Republic of Texas, the important leaders, and the impact of the Mexican-American War on Texas. Each week students read a section of the newspaper and answer 2-3 critical reading questions. Students answer the questions independently and then they discuss answers within their team, then we discuss answers as a class. When students participate in the discussions, they increase their learning and understanding. We will also work on finding the main idea and supporting details in the articles. This is a great carry over from what they are learning with Mrs. Dungan. I will be incorporating this concept in our weekly quizzes.
**WEEKLY QUIZZES** - encourage your student to participate in class and review the key vocabulary that is on the webpage.
In Science,
We will look at soil more closely and then on to our resources on Earth and conservation of them along with the patterns of change in the moon and sun and the effects they have on the Earth.
As a reminder, Encourage your child to review the vocabulary on the website.
Looking Ahead...
February 7 - 100th Day of School
February 12 - Enrichment Day & Sing A Long
February 13 - Family Folk Dance Night
February 14 - Valentine's Party Day
February 19 - Student Holiday
Spring Creek Elementary
Website: http://sc.csisd.org/
Location: 2450 Brewster, College Station, TX
Phone: 979-694-5838
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CSISDSpringCreek
Twitter: @sc_elementary