Reading

What are we learning?

The fourth grade students are off and running with reading and writing activities.  We are in an interesting transition from learning to read to reading to learn.  We begin to apply our knowledge of words and text and apply it to an understanding of character, plot, and author’s message.  To move toward this goal, students are learning to engage one another in thoughtful discussions in which they share their ideas and perspectives.  They use these discussions to understand other perspectives and to shape their own ideas.  During class and small group discussions, students learn to uncover layers of meaning in the books, articles, and passages they read.  Readers are also challenged to set goals for themselves.  We want them to reflect on their habits and needs and plan ways to increase their engagement.

Home/School Connection

• How would you describe the characters you are reading about in your books?
• What are you learning from reading the book you are reading? (author’s message)
• What is the most interesting part of the book you are reading?
• What goals have you set for yourself for reading and writing this year?
• How would you describe the characters in your book?  Why would you describe them like that?

Writing

What are we learning?

Writers are beginning to explore and blossom.  They are challenged to reach into their hearts for ideas and topics.  We want them to connect to memories about their families, friends, and special moments.  They will connect with classmates to discuss their ideas and how they present those ideas with words.  This community of writers will help them to reflect upon and improve their work.  During this first quarter of school, students are developing lists of important people in their lives, special events they have experienced, memorable places they have visited, and things they enjoy doing.  From these lists, they pick certain topics to brainstorm and develop ideas for writing.  It is a fascinating process to watch.

Home/School Connection

• What are you writing about right now?
• What are some of your most memorable moments that you are writing about?
• Who is somebody in your life that is special to you and has had a positive impact on who you are?

Language Arts Resources

We do have some very important resources to develop the reading and writing skills of our students.  Imagine Language and Literacy is a fantastic program that helps students to build skills in all areas of language: listening, speaking, fluency, comprehension, composition.  They should schedule 60 minutes per week to work on this program.  It can easily be accessed through the Terraset Student Links.

• How much time have you spent this week on Imagine Language and Literacy?
• Have you had any challenges while working on Imagine Language?
• How have you scheduled your 60 minutes of Imagine Language this week?

Math

What are we learning?

• Students will learn to read, write, illustrate, and round  9 digit numbers.
• We will also learn how to create and increase number patterns 0,3,6,9,12.

Home/School Connection

• While grocery shopping or using a store ad, have your student pick 2 things to buy and first estimate then solve for the total. 
• Create a pattern using the digits in your phone number, address, license plate.
• How is the math you are learning a “life skill”?

Science

What are we learning?

• We are covering Virginia’s ecosystems; learning about how living (plants and animals) and nonliving things (water and rocks) work. together in their habitat.
• Discussing the different ecosystems we find in Virginia’s five regions.

Home/School Connection

• What living things do you see in the ecosystem outside your door?
• What nonliving things do you see in our ecosystem?
• What are some living and nonliving things in other ecosystems (ex. rainforest, desert, & swamp) around the world?

Social Studies

What are we learning?

• We are continuing to discuss the Geography of Virginia. 
• We will discuss the three American Indian Language Groups and where they were located in Virginia.
• We will explore how American Indians related to their climate and environment.
• We will compare the lives of American Indians to life today.

Home/School Connection

• What are the bordering states of Virginia? How can you remember them? 
• What are the regions of Virginia? How do you remember them?
• What are the major rivers in Virginia? How can you remember them?
• Which region would you want to live in? Why?
• How is life in Virginia different now, than hundreds of years ago?

Positivity Project

These next two weeks, we will be working to understand and notice two character strengths in ourselves and others. Next week our focus will be on open-mindedness. In two weeks, we will be focusing on Other People Matter, being present and appreciating the good in others.

In morning meetings and throughout our academic classes, we will be touching on these character strengths through interactive activities. 

Online Learning Tip!

Brain breaks are important all the time, but especially during online learning. Brain breaks are built into our lessons. A student may also take a brain break while working independently if they need one. This brain break can be used when they are frustrated, when they need a break from the screen, or if they are having difficulty focusing their attention on their work. Some examples of a brain break are: 

• Getting a glass of water
• Going to the bathroom
• Dancing to one favorite song 
• Spending a few minutes with a pet

Talk to your student and try to identify a few good brain breaks that will work for them and that they can use in their learning space!

Click here to see what students are learning in Specials!