October Parent News Letter

Dear Families,

I hope this finds you all well! 

In class, we have been working on the following:

• Reading:  We are finishing up DRA testing and have been discussing and responding to fictional stories with a focus on story elements such as characterization, plot, point of view, setting, story arc, etc.  Students are reading independently for sustained periods of time in class and working hard to choose books that are appropriate for their reading level.  We will conclude this month with our Mystery Box presentations.  Details to follow.
• Writing: We have continued to work on generating ideas in our writing journal and building story arcs.  This month we will continue to read and write stories from our lives. 

·         Math:  We are continuing to work on 2x1 multiplication, and are beginning 2x2 digit. We will begin measuring length, perimeter, and area soon. We are always 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 are finishing regions and have learned the symbols of Texas. After concluding regions, we will move on to Native American tribes present in early Texas.
• Science: We are beginning to study the phases of the moon, as well as 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.  After studying the weather unit, your student will become a meteorologist and give a weather report presentation as a culminating  weather activity.

Reminders: 

• Columbus Day is Monday, October 8^th: NO SCHOOL
• Carnival: October 27^th @ Bunker Hill
• Early dismissal days are October 25^th and 26^th 
• Look for conference sign-ups shortly via email
• Report cards go home October 29^th if they are not picked up at the conference.

Thanks so much,

Fourth Grade Teachers