Ms. Fitzgerald & Mrs. Vaughan
April Monthly Newsletter
Superheroes Unite!
We thank you for helping to keep the cape making a secret, and ask that you continue to send in the oversized t-shirts for our parents to cut tomorrow morning. We want to remind you to label and send in any fabric markers you might have by cape making day --Monday!
Language Arts
Our essay focus shifted from informative to persuasive. We learned that persuasive doesn't JUST state an opinion, but it also has reasons and evidence that supports the opinion. You may have heard of the 'Oreo Song.' Well, this catchy tune reinforces the pattern of persuasion - Opinion, Reason, Evidence, Opinion. The students selected a persuasion topic of their choice, researched some evidence to support their reasons, and will be sharing their essays with you in the upcoming week, I'm sure!
Math
This month we will be studying types of lines and the concept of angles. This understanding is fundamental to the study of geometry. Some of the performance tasks required of your child this month will be to;
- · measure and draw angles using a protractor
- · use a protractor to draw parallel and perpendicular line segments
- · identify different types of angle
- · understand the concept of an angle as a turn
Science
Our scientists have been busy this month, continuing our study of ecosystems! We recently dissected owl pellets, which provided us with the chance to learn more about adaptations of the barn owl. They were apprehensive at first, but after they realized that they had permission to dig for bones, they were ok! It was cool to see students reconstruct skeletons to discover what the owl ate. Students picked through the pellets to find vole, mole, rodent, and even bird remains! Students did a great job taking on the role of biologists and had fun with this real world lab experience!
Social Studies
In the upcoming weeks we will be reviewing key concepts from social studies this year. Fourth graders get tested on Ohio social studies standards, so we will be refreshing our memory with regard to government, Ohio's geography, map skills, prehistoric people. conflict/cooperation, the road to independence, and so much more!