October Update
Happy October - I hope you are enjoying this beautiful time of year!
Students are beginning a new book in literacy class - most are reading Something Upstairs by Avi. A small group of 5th graders who read this book previously are reading The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle, also by Avi. During the next 6 weeks, we will prepare for literature circles by completing role sheets for six different lit. circle roles and sharing them in small discussion groups.
Word Study continues with weekly focus words and lessons. Tests are every Friday. Students should review and practice their focus words on Thursday night. Also, students must study and prepare for Friday Scholastic News quizzes as well. Informational reading is an important skill that we cover in class and students should use the review questions and focus on highlighted key points in their SN to prepare for the quiz.
This month, Writers Workshop will focus on developing informational summary paragraphs for our Native American projects. A minimum of three paragraphs - thorough, thoughtful, and in finished final form will be due each of the next three weeks. We will work on these each day in class, but some students may need additional time at home to meet this requirement.
We are continuing our study of energy in science class. Be sure to ask your child about our boat launching in the science lab! They should be able to explain how energy was transferred to make their boat work!
In math class, we have completed two units in Everyday Math. Many of the 4th graders still do not know +/- facts, unfortunately. This has been problematic as they have been working with 4-digit subtraction problems, using "trades-first" (borrowing, as we knew it) or "partial differences" methods taught in class. Please set aside practice time for memorizing these facts each night as successful subtraction skills is a secure skill at grade 4. Nightly practice must continue in unit 3 with multiplication facts through 10's. There will be many practice opportunities in class but nightly flash cards, or writing difficult facts numerous times, or reciting them orally to you will benefit the memorization process. There will be many X facts quizzes in the coming weeks, with 100% of the math class knowing 50 facts in three minutes the goal by Feb. vacation. Please help your child master these multiplication facts - they are so proud when they finally have them down cold!
Thank you for supporting your child with the research for the Native American project. I am impressed with how much the kids are learning as they complete the initial research phase.
Enjoy the upcoming long week-end with your family! Go Sox!