Our Week in Review
Highlights from Mrs. Ezzell's Fabulous Fourth Grade
Word Work
Your student is bringing the words they worked with this week home in an envelope. Ask your student to sort the words for you and explain what they learned this week. Some students are working on vowel sounds in the middle of words. Some students are working on the meanings of prefixes and suffixes. Everyone is improving their understanding of words and spelling in ways that fit their development.
Reader's Workshop
We have worked so hard in reading this week! To finish up our study of stories, each student created their own story arc based on a book they read independently. Their story arc included all parts of the plot as well as an analysis of the main character and a determination of the theme, all supported with text evidence. Ask your student about their book! We also read a text online in Google classroom and practiced answering questions on characters and theme in a digital format.
Writer's Workshop
We have been publishing our fiction stories. Most students have opted to type their pieces. As we wrap up this process we will celebrate the end of our narrative writing unit by holding a "writing museum" on Monday. Ask your student about their story, their character's motivation, and how they created problems and solutions for the character!
Science
We spent time this week reading more about ecosystems and animal adaptations. Then we summarized our learning in our study guide by working independently, in small groups, and then checking our work together. As you know, your student had their study guides at home two nights to study. We took our test Thursday. Next the students will be creating Google Presentations on their proposal for a zoo exhibit for their chosen animal.
Math
We finished up Topic 3 this week on place value, and we took the post-test on Friday. We always review for our post-tests the day before, but after reflecting more on our process I also opted to send home a copy of the review questions Thursday night. This review is an accurate example of the types of questions that will be on the test. I will plan on continuing to send home the review the night before each Topic Test in addition to the other math homework that we have.
Leader in Me
We are loving our new board of Compliments. Each student has a pocket where their "secret buddy" and others can write them messages of positive things they have noticed about them. This is part of our Synergy Month. Synergy is all about recognizing each other's strengths and working together to achieve more. We also had our first Leadership Assembly Thursday morning. Afterwards, we met our first grade buddies and created "Habit Hands." Ask your student about their hand art work and their buddies!
Specials This Week
Monday—Library/Counselor
Tuesday—PE (wear tennis shoes!)
Wednesday—Art
Thursday—Music
Friday—Library/Counselor
Upcoming Events
October 15 PTA Family Night at Yogurtini & End 1st Quarter
October 16 No School for students
October 20 Trunk or Treat
October 23 Fall Class Parties
October 28-29 Parent-Teacher Conferences (call the office to sign up if you haven't already!)