4th Grade Update – November 22, 2019

Hello Families!  We have been very busy in fourth grade over the past few weeks.

Please be sure to check the Homework and Wish List links for additional information and classroom needs.  

There are also helpful and fun websites on the classroom link for 4^th graders to visit to help enhance their learning.

Please be sure to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.  My email is annettecrimmins@dogrschools.org.

Math:

We are working through chapter 5 covering factors, multiples and patterning.  Some of the 4^th graders still do not know their basic multiplication facts.  This is key for success in math for the rest of this year and beyond.  Please encourage your child to practice their multiplication facts daily in any form that he/she wishes…flash cards, etc.

Language Arts:

We have just finished our first novel study, Because of Winn Dixie, by Kate DiCamillo. We also have been working hard on our weekly Scholastic News magazine. The comprehension questions on the back page can sometimes prove challenging, but we are working on strategies to help us reread and prove the answers.  Reading fiction and non-fiction helps us develop the important skills needed to be successful readers, writers, speakers, and learners.

Vocabulary:

We are on unit 7. There will not be a spelling test next week because of Thanksgiving break.  As a reminder, each unit spans a two-week period, with the spelling test on the first Friday of the two weeks, and the vocabulary test on the second Friday.  Vocabulary homework is due the Thursday of the week that we have the vocabulary test. Your child should be studying the spelling words and working on the vocabulary homework a little at a time each night, so he/she completes it on time and is prepared for each Friday’s test. Additionally, the 4^th graders can visit sadlierconnect.com (orange) for online activities and games that correspond to each vocabulary unit.

Read Aloud:

We are now reading Hatchet by Gary Paulsen.  This is quite a different novel compared to Echo, our last novel.  We now have only one main character, Brian, who is trying to survive on his own in the Canadian wilderness after a plane crash that killed the pilot. Brian learns how to use the hatchet that his mom gave him before he left to help him survive many challenging situations.

The 4^th graders love our daily read aloud time.  They get very excited about how the plot is unfolding and how their favorite characters are developing.  Studies have shown that it is very important for children to hear expressive and fluent oral reading to help enhance their vocabulary and to help them become expressive readers as well.

Science:

Mrs. Day works with us each week for our science lessons.  We are beginning our earth science unit, studying different types of rocks and minerals.

Social Studies:

We continue through our study of the United States and its regions. We have started chapter 2 which covers local, state and federal government.

Religion:

We are beginning Unit 2: Conscience: God’s Voice in Our Hearts.”  We will explore sacred art, God’s gift of conscience and mercy, making good moral choices, and how to develop well-formed consciences.

Additionally, on Monday mornings we spend time in the chapel in adoration, prayer, bible study and reciting a decade of the rosary.  On Fridays, we study the upcoming Sunday’s gospel reading and answer focus questions connected to the reading and how it applies to our daily lives.

Thank you for your continued support and prayers as we work together to make this year one of the best!! 😀