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.
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
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?
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?
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
Students will add and subtract story problems.
Students can also work on ST Math for 20 minutes daily. They can access the site through Terraset Student Links
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.
Find differences in real life situations.
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 adapted 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?
