In Math…
     This month the fourth grade is working on reviewing addition and subtraction and solving multiplication problems with 2 digit numbers.  We are focusing on using arrays to help the students form a good base for using the standard algorithm.  Students will be working toward understanding and using the relationship between multiplication and division to solve division problems, while understanding the meaning and structure of multiplication and division.

     During this unit we ask that parents practice fluency with their child.  We are pushing our students to think muliplicatively rather than additively (ex:  5 groups of 2 is equal to 5x2, instead of 2+2+2+2+2)

In Science…

     The fourth grade scientists have been making all types of observations with the walking sticks.  We are placing the walking sticks in a food chain where we are learning about the roles of living things.  At the end of this unit, students will be able to explain how living things depend on each and how they help keep the balance in an ecosystem.

In Technology...    

     During the month of November, 4th graders will continue their first project to review what they learned last year about Microsoft Word.  Students will also continue to develop their typing skills using their Keyboarding Without Tears account as a beginning of class "warm up." 

     If you child has access to a device with a keyboard at home, encourage them to visit program.kwtears.com to access their account.  If your child practices at home, remind them to apply what they are learning about finger placement using the "home row."  It is recommended that your child work on Keyboarding Without Tears for no more than 10 minutes per day outside the classroom.  Spped, fluency and accuracy will develop with regular practice over a sustained period of time.

Questions to Ask Your Child While Reading:

• What is the main idea of the text you are reading?
• Is there anything new that you learned?
• What kind of nonfiction text structures are you seeing in your books?
• How can we use this information to form opinions about the topic?
• What do the words in bold mean?
• How can we use pictures and captions to help us understand the meaning of the text?
• How do the different sections come together to help you understand the main idea?

Practice at Home:

• Read every night for at least 35 minutes.
• Read nonfiction books
• Practice multiplication facts every night.
• Read out loud for 10 minutes.
• Do some exercise every day.
• Eat a healthy breakfast and dinner.
• Get lots of sleep.
• Do your homework.

In Art…
     Artists often use everyday objects for their inspiration.  Students will be creating paper sculptures of their favorite foods.  Critical thinking is used to take a flat piece of paper and make it 3-D.  They have to figure out to fold it and make it stand up when opened.  This is what they do at MIT to create Lunar Landing Modules.

In Gym…
     Fitnessgram - We are practicing for the upcoming PACER test which tests for endurance.  We are building up our stamina through aerobic activities utilizing many of our gross motor abilities.

November 2018

11/6 

Election Day (No School for Students)

11/12 

Veterans Day (No School for Students)

11/13 - 11/15 

Scholastic Book Fair

11/15 

Parent Teacher Conferences

Afternoon and Evening Sessions (Half Day for students - 11:40 am Dismissal)

11/22-11/23 

Thanksgiving (School Closed)

11/30

Movie Night  5:30 - 8:00 pm

12/2 

Barnes and Noble Book Fair (All Day Event)

Activities from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm