Fourth Grade News

In reading, we began the novel called, Sarah Plain and Tall. To introduce the novel, the students worked together to complete an activity in which they had to answer several questions regarding life on a farm in the 1800’s vs. today’s lifestyle. After discussing these questions, we read and discussed chapters 1 and 2. While reading, we will focus on comprehension and looking back in the story to find details that support the answers to discussion questions. The students will be working in literature circles to complete the job rotations of Cause and Effect Finder, Super Summarizer, Awesome Artist, and Clever Connector. Each student will also be required to complete reading response activities for each chapter.

The Word Masters challenge will be given on Tuesday, February 7. In class, the students were each assigned one or two words to illustrate and write words or phrases that teach the meaning of the word. Students then took turns teaching the class about the words. Please set aside time each night to review these words with your child. Additional online practice can be found on our 4th grade page at http://www.ikeepbookmarks.com/browse.asp?folder=1434005. This page can also be accessed through Conway's website.

We have finished our addition and subtraction unit in math. Students have taken the final test. Please look for these scores in your child’s homework folder soon. Our next unit focuses on decimals and fractions. In this unit, we will be working on decimal place value; comparing and ordering decimals; fractional parts of a region and set; the relationship between fractions and decimals; fractions, length, and the number line; and identifying equivalent fractions.

We have been working on writing a persuasive essay promoting an event. The students are working on writing a strong opinion statement, along with three good topic sentences, details, and a call to action in the ending paragraph.

In science, we began our study of ecosystems and the interaction of living things. As a class, we went outside and took a nature walk. The students made a list of living and non-living things that were found in our schoolyard ecosystem. The students were introduced to the terms organism, population, community, and ecosystem. Ask your child to explain how each is related!

Looking Ahead
Wednesday, February 1 – Homework Club in Mrs. Garner’s Room
Friday, February 3 – No School – Professional Development Day
Tuesday, February 7 – Word Masters Challenge
Tuesday, February 28 – Book Report Due

Oral Book Report

Chartwells Order Form

www.wordlywise3000.com

The Ladue School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, socioeconomic status, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age or any other characteristic protected by law in its programs or activities. Inquiries related to district programs may be directed to Title IX coordinator, 9703 Conway Road, St. Louis, MO 63124; telephone number 314-994-7080.