4th Grade
Mrs. Burns, Mrs. Conley, Mrs. Marcks & Ms. Matze
Friday, January 12th, 2018
Learner Profile
Language & Reading Workshop
Readers have been introduced to our new unit - Investigation, and have started digging into the essential question; How do you solve a mystery? Teachers are modeling how to look for elements of a mystery and what to do with that information. Readers are discovering that mysteries need to be read with a careful eye in order to recognize and analyze these elements. Literature Discussion Groups are also reading mysteries this month.
Writing Workshop
Writers are taking initial steps to develop a fictional narrative story. Students are currently creating a “bank” of FAB 5 organizers for possible stories. The elements of FAB 5 are (1) Somebody (2) Wanted something (3) But… (4) So… and (5) Then… This gives the students an opportunity to think about the story in smaller parts that will be put together to develop a well written story that has a strong beginning, middle, and end.
Talking Points in ELA:
What mystery book have you picked out for your independent reading time?
Tell about one or two of your FAB 5 organizers for writing.
Math Workshop
Mathematicians have returned to the concept of adding fractions. Rather than simply adding fractions with like and unlike denominators, however, we have moved into what a mixed number is and how to add mixed numbers. Sharpen up on your mixed number subtraction because that is beginning next week.
Talking Points regarding math:
How do you add fractions with unlike denominators?
How do you change an improper fraction into a mixed number?
Social Studies/Science
After break, we finished researching our countries in Africa and presented them to our class. Then we started a new unit on Force and Motion. This week, we learned about:
What happens to balls on ramps?
What variables might affect the speed of a ball rolling down a ramp?
What happens when objects collide?
We will continue this unit next week as we learn about Energy, Force, and Momentum.
Talking Points for Science:
What happened to the ball on the ramp?
What did you learn about the ball size and speed of the balls?
What happens when objects collide?
What is potential energy?
What is kinetic energy?
Important Dates
Friday, January 19th - Class Colors Day - Wear ORANGE!
Monday, January 22nd-January 23rd - No School - Teachers have Professional Development
Thursday, February 15th - Parent/Teacher Conferences - 4:30-8 pm
Wednesday, February 21st - Parent/Teacher Conferences - 4:30-8 pm
Thursday, February 22nd - Early Release Day - Students released at 1:40 pm
Thursday, February 22nd - Mismatch Day
Friday, February 23rd - No School
Wednesday, March 7th - End of second trimester
Friday, March 16th - Wear Green today!
Tuesday, March 20th - 2:30 Dress Rehearsal for Grades 3 and 4 Concerts
Wednesday, March 21st - Showcase of Excellence/followed by concert for Grade 4 - 6:00
Monday, May 21st - Field Trip to Madison, WI