October Parent Update

Dear Families, 

I hope this finds you all well!  

In class, we have been working on the following:

• Reading:  We are finishing up our DRA testing and have been working on writing reading responses to our text.  Additionally, we have introduced Time for Kids magazine. Issues cover a wide range of real-world topics kids love to learn about  and it's a wonderful example of nonfiction text. TFK(Time for Kids)builds reading and writing skills and is easily integrated across our curriculum, including social studies, science and math. We will conclude this month with our Mystery Box presentations(More details to follow).
• Writing: We have continued to work on generating ideas in our writing journal and building story arcs.  Soon we will begin essay writing for our work with John O’ Flahavan. Students will be given the opportunity to compare two things such as books, or characters and write an essay sample. We will then look at these samples with Dr. O’ Flahavan and see how we can foster our kids to become better writers.

·         Math:  We are continuing to work on 2x1 and 2x2-digit multiplication.  We will begin long division soon. We are building and reinforcing our problem solving skills through the SBISD Problem Solving Model and Mountain Math.  Please remember to study multiplication and division math facts each night.  We have also started sending Lone Star Problem Solving each Monday for homework. These are due on Friday unless you hear otherwise.

• Social Studies:  We continue to study Texas regions, and have been learning about map skills such as latitude and longitude, cardinal directions, scale, compass rose, legends and keys. We will conclude regions and move on to Native American tribes present in early Texas.
• Science: We are studying the phases of the moon, and discussing tides which will conclude our unit on Space.  The next unit of study will be weather: what it is, how to measure it, types of clouds, air masses, and reading weather maps.  Keep track of the weather daily on www.weather.com. 

Reminders: 

• Columbus Day is Monday, October 10^th: NO SCHOOL
• Carnival: October 15^th
• Early dismissal days are October 20^th and 21^st. 
• Don’t forget to sign up for a conference.
• Report cards go home October 24^th if they are not picked up at the conference.

What to do if you forget your homework:

• Come back to school if it is before 3:30. Teachers’ day ends and you might not be able to get back in the pod. No one should be in the pod unsupervised. It is for your safety.
• Call a friend. See if they can fax you a copy or maybe you can borrow and make a copy.
• Accept the consequences and receive a check in your behavior folder. Bring your teacher the homework the following day.

 Thanks so much,

Fourth Grade Teachers