Spring Creek Cardinals
4th Grade Newsletter
DECEMBER 2017 EDITION
December is an exciting time at school! We have lots of things going on.
Check out the events & dates at the end of the newsletter!
Here is our latest Podcast!
MATH Update
Math in December
We are on our way to learn how to multiply bigger numbers using various methods. Soon they will learn how to multiply using a “Multiplication Mat” and “Partial Products”. These methods for multiplying help the children see where the numbers are coming from when they multiply so that they have a better understanding of the math behind the algorithm. It will help them gain confidence in their understanding of math and how it works. After we have learned these two steps toward the traditional algorithm of multiplying, we will learn the way most of you have learned. I’m sure more of you would be familiar with that method of multiplication. I have told the children that once I teach them all three methods, they are welcome to choose any of the methods to figure out the answer to a multiplication problem, using whichever one is most comfortable for them. Therefore, if your child has chosen another method that you aren’t familiar with, please contact me with any questions you have regarding how to use that method, so you can help your child. Please don’t try to “correct” them by making them do it the way you know. They will be much more successful with multiplication if they can choose the way that makes the most sense to them.
The students are doing really well on their multiplication fluency. I’ve had several of them move from mastering all of their multiplication facts in under 6 seconds to trying to master all of them in under 3 seconds! It’s very exciting to see their progress! Please allow them to continue to practice this over the holidays whenever possible by doing ExtraMath online. They have their login information in the front of their planners. If you have any questions, please email me at jeberle@csisd.org.
READING/WRITING Update
I have just finished reading precepts written by all my students. They did an amazing job sharing mottos from which to live life. In the movie Wonder, the students homeroom teacher gave his class a precept each month to learn about and discuss. Then at the end of the month, students wrote Mr. Browne a letter explaining what the precept means, why it is important and how it can be applied to life. After watching the movie your child chose or created their own precept that they wrote to Mr. Browne. They mentioned so many thoughtful and heartfelt ways to live life. They will be posted this week in the hall for others to read.
This month we will be beginning to learn how to write a personal essay. This form of writing will be used throughout their school career and it is important they learn the structure and development of essays. A personal essay allows students to make a claim about a topic and explain why they believe this way. It requires a lot of explanation and detail to support the central idea or thesis. We will spend a lot of time on revision in order to add the types of details that support the thesis.
In reading we are exploring the familiar genre of traditional tales. We will review the characteristics of fairy tales, folktales, and fables. We will read some drama, in order to understand the unique format of a play. Then we will write a traditional tale as a drama to be acted out. It should be a lot of fun!
SCIENCE/SOCIAL STUDIES Update
In Social Studies:
In the month of December, we will look at the threats to Spain's control in Texas, Moses Austin, settlement and colonization of Texas and the impact of Mexico's independence from Spain on Texas.
In Science,
The week of December 11-15, students will apply their writing skills to science and create their own non fiction book based on science vocabulary that we have studied this semester. We have "easy to read" books from the library to use as mentor text and special guests who will drop in throughout the week to help in the writing process. My goal is to have the books complete and ready to read to head start, kindergarten and first grade students at Spring Creek the following week.
As a reminder, Encourage your child to review the vocabulary on the website.
What's Happening This Month!
December 5 - is our Family night from 6:30 to 7:30 featuring Author Eric Litwin
December 14- 4th Grade Musical Performance at 2:00 and 6:30
December 20- Spelling Bee
December 22 - Sing-a-long at 2:00, Holiday Party, Polar Express, Early Release @ 12:45
**More information will be coming soon about our Holiday breakfast party!
December 23- January = 7 Winter Break
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