Classroom News for the Week of February 22nd

News and Upcoming Events:

• Congratulations to all the Spelling Bee Participants! We had forty 4th graders participate. Kudos to room 12 winners: Sumi, Lucia, and Jimmy!
• Thank you to Renee and all the volunteers for making last Tuesday's Garden Feast happen! The students loved the fresh lettuces and sweet carrots.
• Thank you for all the donations of paper towels and cleaning cloths!
• 2/24 The science quiz will be on Wednesday (not Tuesday). Please study your notes.
• Student authored Book Project 2/25 -3/3 Students will be typing their tall tale stories at home in place of language arts homework. Typed stories will be due on March 4. Now is a good time to make sure your printer has ink, is working, etc. A detailed instruction letter will be sent home this week. Please be sure to read it and email me with any questions.
• 3/3 Wolf Pack Run
• 3/4 Report Card #2 will be sent home
  

What's Going On This Week In Class:

Math:

Math- Fractions - Using an area model and division to show equivalence; Reasoning- using benchmarks to compare fractions

Accelerated Math (Self-paced practice)

Multiplication Madness (Fact Practice) 

Reading:

 Reading in Science: Electricity and Magnetism

"Genre Genius" for the 2nd reporting period.

Writing:

Great Depression Inquiry Project continues. Projects are due March 4th. All work is done in class, but please talk with your child about his/her topic selection and progress.

Drafting original tall tales for the student authored book project continues...

Social Studies/Science:

SS: California Statehood & The Beginning of the Gold Rush
Science: End of unit quiz; Life Science unit begins

Visual Arts:

Creating captivating book covers for the student authored book project.

Reminders:

Tardies:

 Please make sure your child is at school and in line by the 8:06 bell. We try to start the school day at 8:11 promptly. Thank you for your help!

Homework:

Please check your child's Homework Log nightly and sign or initial after the work has been completed. Remind your child that completed homework and the HW log are due in class daily.

Classroom News for the Week of February 8th

News and Upcoming Events:

• Orchestra is on Monday- Don't forget your instrument.
• Friday, February 12 - Valentine's Day Celebration 1:30 pm Students may bring valentines for their classmates. They will bring home a class list on Monday for those who want to personalize their cards. Students may attach small treats to their valentines, but please do not send any additional cupcakes, cookies, donuts, etc. Thank you!
• Thursday, February 11- Students entering the Fairy Tale contest - bring any part of your draft on Thursday to get feedback.
• Thursday, February 18 - Grade 4 Spelling Bee. 
• * Please view the following link to donate items for the upcoming  Design Challenge. Mission Solar System SignUp!

What's Going On This Week In Class:

Math:

Math- Fractions - Decomposing fractions; Using an area model to show equivalence

Accelerated Math (Self-paced practice)

Multiplication Madness (Fact Practice) 

Reading:

Chapters 17-19 of Bud, Not Buddy; Exploring Theme; Music of the era

Figurative language review: Metaphor, simile, hyperbole, personification

Characteristics of Tall Tales - We will be reading "Sally Ann Thunderstorm", "Pecos Bill", and "Paul Bunyan".

 "Genre Genius" for the 2nd reporting period.

Writing:

Student Inquiry Project continues: Taking notes, Sharing and discussing information in small groups

Writing original tall tales

Social Studies/Science:

California Statehood/ "Edison and Light"

Visual Art:

Creating the illusion of space through overlapping shapes and placement on the page.

Reminders:

Tardies:

 Please make sure your child is at school and in line by the 8:06 bell. We try to start the school day at 8:11 promptly. Thank you for your help!

Homework:

Please check your child's Homework Log nightly and sign or initial after the work has been completed. Remind your child that completed homework and the HW log are due in class daily.