Dear fourth grade families,
Please enjoy these updates from our classroom.
Reading
We continue to read Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor and Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis. Students are discussing issues of race and justice as they arise in the texts. We are also focusing on stamina in independent reading, helping students read longer and faster through goal setting.
Math
We have just completed our unit on fractions and decimals. Grocery stores and restaurants are great places to practice adding and subtracting fractions. How much would it cost to buy the peanut butter and the jelly? How much more expensive is the coffee than the tea? This week, students will take a practice math test in anticipation of the state math test, which is approaching from April 25th to 27th. When we return from camp, we'll begin preparing for the test, starting with questions about geometry. Students will be encouraged to think critically about test questions justifying their answers and debating their solutions with others.
ELA Test Prep
We have already begun to study for the ELA test, which will happen from April 17th to 19th. Students are learning various strategies for reading different kinds of passages and answering different types of questions. We are also studying general test prep strategies like eliminating the answers that are least correct, reading questions before looking at the passage, and scanning for specific information.
Word Study
Our latest word study activities centered around conjunctions. We learned when conjunctions need commas and when they do not, which conjunctions come in pairs, like neither and nor, and some conjunctions students tend not to use as often, like thus and therefore.
Social Studies
We continue to work on our two social studies projects on West African kingdoms and West African stories. Students have been so excited about their projects that they often ask to stay in from recess to continue their work. As we proceed with both of these projects, we'll decide on a date to share them and invite you to join us.
Theater
We are very excited to begin our theater workshop on Monday. Students will be playing improv games games and making their own improvised skits. We'll be focusing on showing different emotions through facial expressions and actions, self control, and projecting voices.
Camp Ashokan
We are very excited about our trip this Wednesday to Friday. Please send in all permission slips, forms, and payment directly to us as soon as possible. We are happy to answer any last minute questions about the trip via email.
Thank you
As you may have heard, Stephanie recently became engaged to her partner, David. Students threw a wonderful party in their honor on Friday. Many students participated by making centerpieces and artwork, delivering a speech, singing a song, helping with food, or toasting over apple juice and lemonade. Stephanie sends a warm thank you to all of you for raising such lovely children.
Best,
Nancy and Stephanie
