4C News
Friday, April 26, 2019
NYS Math Test
On Thursday, the kids will answer 30 multiple choice questions. Just like the ELA, the math test will be taken on their chromebooks. The will also have access to scrap paper so they can make calculations or drawings to figure out the answers.
On Friday, they will have 8 multiple choice questions and 7 short answer questions. The short answer questions are those that require the student to show their work for full credit. New this year......kids can actually use their sharpened pencil like a stylus and write directly on their screen in the provided work space! An awesome option for some kids!
Kids should come to school prepared with gum and a board/card game to play after testing!
Math
Ms. Gleason's Class ~ We are working on the last few lessons of Module 5. The students are adding and subtracting mixed numbers. Next week they will be multiplying a whole number and a fraction and a whole number and a mixed number. During our math time, we are also working on review for the upcoming state test. The students completed multiplication questions from a previous exam. In small groups we are working on the multi-step questions where the children have to show their work. We will continue with review next week as well.
Mr. Hart's Class ~ This week we have been working on adding and subtracting fractions with like denominators and mixed numbers. We have also been working on converting improper fractions to mixed numbers and mixed numbers to improper fractions. Today we worked on solving word problems with fractions and mixed numbers. This week we have also been working on review for the state math test, and have practiced using the drawing tools on the Questar website, which the kids will use on the day of the test. I stress with the kids the importance of working out the answers and not doing mental math. Perhaps, you can remind your child to do this as well.
Science
We are also in the process of reviewing content for the NYS Science assessment. This past week we focused on the life cycle of butterfly. The kids also created a model of the cycle. These kids are so talented!
ELA
Picture Book Friday ~ Angelina finished up reading to us on Monday. She was cut short on the Friday before break because of swimming and music ensembles. Alex is planning to entertain us on next Friday!
Hero's Journey Narrative ~ Oh boy, the kids are loving this! Most kids have completed their plan and written the introduction. We spent time this week working on strong leads using dialogue, onomatopoeia, action, and establishing the setting. More work to come!
PAWS ~ I have decided to make a major modification to this work. For several months now the kids have had adult support from me and from you. It's time now for them to write on demand, check their own work, and submit! I will analyze their writing as it compares to 4th grade standards and then set a personal goal for each child. This goal should drive the next assignment.
SS ~ This week we spent time analyzing the two sides and how prepared each was for war. Be sure to ask your 4th grader about that conversation!
Instruments
Important Dates
May 2&3 ~ NYS Math Assessment
May 21 ~ Genesee Country Museum Trip
May 27 ~ Memorial Day - No School
June 24 ~ Onanda Park
From the Teacher's Perspective.......
- how so many kids begged for read aloud!
- when a student said that choosing the best words for writing introductions is important. Even Thomas Jefferson wrote many drafts of the Declaration of Independence to be sure he used just the right words.
- watching the kids create the stages of the butterfly development.
- listening to kids' excitement during small book groups.....especially those kids who barely say a word!
- the debate; were the British better equipped for war?
- when the kids told me to enjoy my break when they went to recess. :)