Classroom Update
March 21, 2016
Happy Spring!
Hi everyone! Here are a few notes and reminders for this week.
Reading
We are continuing with summarizing in Reader's Workshop this week. When reading at home, please ask your child to summarize the text they have just read. Verbal responses or short, written responses are fine. The strategy I teach them is:
Somebody = Who is the main character?
Wanted = What did the character want?
But = What was the problem?
So = How did the character try to solve the problem?
Then = What was the resolution?
Math
Unit 7: Fractions and Their Uses; Chance and Probability is well underway. Based on my observations, students need the most practice with reducing fractions to simplest form and converting fraction to/from improper fractions. This unit is a good reminder of the importance of strong basic fact recall in multiplication and division. Extra practice is always beneficial to your child!
Writing
We are working on draft one of our persuasive writing piece this week. Today we began a prewriting worksheet so students can begin to organize their thoughts. Your child has selected the topic and will begin to gather supporting details this week. Ask your child about his/her topic and how they play to approach the topic.
Other 4th Grade News
Science and Social Studies
We plan to wrap up our current science and social studies units this week. Classes will be reviewing and testing before Thursday. We will be starting new topics when we return from Spring Break on April 4.
Forward Exam
Students will be taking the Wisconsin Forward Exam when we return from break. Social Studies and Science will be tested the week of April 4. Math and Reading will be assessed in May. All 4th grade classes will spend time this week looking at the Forward Exam practice website. Kids will learn how to navigate the test and fill it out appropriately so the actual test is not an issue for them. We will be practicing during SOAR this week.
Spring Break
I hope everyone has a relaxing Spring Break! We do not have school Friday, March 25 through Sunday, April 3. Classes resume on April 4.
Dates to Remember
March 25- April 1 Spring Break
April 4 Classes Resume
April 21 Early Release
May 12 Tentative date for State Fair
May 19 Early Release