4th Grade December Update
Miss Fowler's Class
Reading Workshop
This month students will continue strengthening their reading skills in independent reading and classroom Read Alouds. We will begin our unit on Navigating Non-Fiction. Students will begin by using the table of contents, glossary and index to locate information. They will create mental fact files to sort information they read. Additionally, they will practice skills such as asking critical questions, prediction and identifying big ideas. Students will use graphic organizers to organize their thoughts and ideas as they prepare to apply their knowledge. They will gain an understanding of fact vs. opinion and how information fits together.
Writing Workshop
This month we begin our unit on Persuasive Essays. Students have already completed writing their first realistic fiction pieces and will build upon that practice by focusing on crafting strong thesis statements and strengthening arguments. Through self and peer editing students will also work to integrate new vocabulary into their stories. They will apply corrections marks they have learned as they locate errors and work on omitting the "fluff"; details and sentences that do not move their argument along.
Math
This month we will continue our study of fractions. Students will convert mixed numbers (whole numbers with a fraction) into improper fractions. We have been working on note-taking and identifying formulas or "recipes" that can be used to solve problems involving fractions. Students are encouraged to take their Math Composition Notebooks home to assist during homework and further strengthen their understanding. By the end of the month, students will be able to find the number of objects in a fraction of a set and express a part as a fraction of the whole. Lastly, we will continue reinforcing our multiplication facts and doing our daily mental math and word problems.
Social Studies
After spending time becoming experts on the geography of Pennsylvania this month we will branch out to explore the Northeast Region. First, students will give presentations on the different aspects of Pennsylvania. Then we will look at various maps and gain an understanding of state boundaries in the Northeast. We will also learn about natural resources in the Northeast. This will help us to begin learning about people and how they lived in the past compared to present day. Exploration of major industries, landmarks and culture will give students a diverse and enriching experience.
Upcoming Events
Wednesday, December 2 - Buddy Meeting for Worship
Friday, December 18 - Holiday Meeting for Worship
Friday, December 18 - Classroom Holiday Parties
Friday, December 18- Sunday, January 3- School Closed: Winter Break