Hello Parents!!
Hopefully your family has enjoyed the snow as much as we have!!
Following, please find a curriculum update for January.
Math: We are working on Fraction Computation--adding and subtracting fractions and mixed numbers (with and without regrouping!), multiplying fractions and whole numbers. The next test will not be until January 30 or 31 due to the snow days and delayed openings that we've had. A study guide will be given out, it is no longer an "assignment", but it will be written in their agenda. However, if the student does not do the study guide and turn it in the morning of the test, they will not be allowed to correct the test for a higher grade. I encourage you to have your child redo Friday Folder papers--turning in the D and F papers to receive a higher credit. When checking parent portal, if you do not see the math papers in the Friday Folder, please ask your child about them. We have found many graded papers stuffed in the desks or other folders. Questions should be directed to Ms. Ruotolo.
Reading: PLEASE make sure your child is reading a little bit every night. The ONLY way to become a better reader is to READ. Just like the only way to become better at basketball, football, soccer, piano, violin, dance, etc. is to PRACTICE. The Reading SOL is at the end of April this year--that is just three months away. In addition to reading nightly, please ask your child to bring home his/her reading notebook to study. Studying 5-10 minutes each evening for three months is way more beneficial than cramming in April. Remember--reading is a life skill, not just something to be tested. We are currently finishing up with character traits. You don't have to read a passage to discuss character traits with your child. You can discuss character traits of a character in a TV show or movie you are watching with your child. We have discovered throughout this unit, that the students can identify character traits, but what they need help with is widening their vocabulary. They can tell me someone is nice and provide the evidence as to why, but they need a richer vocabulary for "nice". Practice this at home by using pleasant, agreeable, or delightful instead. Next up is Figurative Language. There will be LOTS in the reading notebooks to help guide the students through this. Please take a look! Questions should be directed to Mrs. Lint.
Science: The students did a great job with their Periscope presentations. This was the culminating activity for our light unit and not only incorporated STEAM but also oral speaking. The students, in three person teams, researched, made electronic presentations, and built their own periscopes. We then invited all fourth grade classes to come and hear our presentations in round robin style. The kids did great: the 4th grade teachers couldn't believe the growth the kids had made since having them last year. We are now continuing our wave energy studies with sound energy. Kids love this unit. We have also transitioned to 5th grade THUNKS for our daily SOL review. Questions should be directed to Mrs. Rhodes.
Writing and Social Studies: We are currently working on increasing our knowledge of prefixes, suffixes, and roots through practice with IXL. We are also in the beginning stages of learning to research by locating resources that will help us compose our research essays. Finally, inspired by the snow, we will begin a short story about "snowmen at night" that will be featured in the hallway! In social studies, we are still working through the southeast region of the United States, this will be followed by the midwest region. Questions should be directed to Mrs. Ross.
As always, thank you for your continued support at home.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Lint
Mrs. Rhodes
Mrs. Ross
Ms. Ruotolo