Thursday, May 1, 2014

May Newsletter

Dear Families,

We hope that this finds you all well!  In class, we will be working on the following:
·       Reading:  We will conduct DRA testing to assess your child’s end-of-year independent reading level. For the remainder of the school year, we will continue to read novels and Time for Kids to strengthen the students’ comprehension skills.

  • WritingStudents will focus on reading and critiquing narratives and essays using class-generated criteria charts.

·       Math:  We recently completed a review of all of the concepts that were introduced throughout 4th grade to prepare for the STAAR test. We will continue to review over concepts from the school year. A preview of some fifth grade math skills will be taught as well! We will complete a few fun projects that will have the students use different math skills.

·       Science:  Our fourth grade scientists just finished learning about mixtures and solutions- how to separate them and how scientists incorporate this information every day in their labs. We also learned about the four major forms of energy. Ask your child about the center of gravity games we played! They were real balancing acts!  Until the end of the year, we will concentrate on electricity: how it travels and makes different types of circuits. Finally, we will investigate ecosystems and their importance in our ever-changing world! GO GREEN!

·       Social Studies:  We will learn about the Republic of Texas and Texas becoming a state. We will evaluate the reasons why some Texans wanted to remain an independent nation versus Texans who wanted to join the U.S. Students will be responsible for learning the locations of 40 of the 50 United States and labeling them on a map. 

Reminders
·       May 3: International Festival
·       May 20: 4th grade Portfolio Share- 8:15-9:00 am
·       May 23: Field Day
·       May 26: Memorial Day- school holiday

·       June 5: Last day of school-early dismissal

April Newsletter

Dear Families,

Spring is officially here!  In class, we have been working on the following:

  • Reading: Students continue to read for deeper meaning during independent reading and in book clubs.  We will be working on STAAR objectives and strategies for tackling Reading STAAR questions.
  • Writing:  Students have been writing stories from their lives and essays. 
  • Math:  We recently completed units on geometry and probability.  We are currently reviewing all of the concepts that have been introduced throughout the year in order to prepare for the upcoming STAAR test.  Please help your child by reminding them to show his/her work and use strategies on the math homework. 
·       Science:  Our fourth grade scientists just finished learning about mixtures and solutions- how to separate them and how scientists incorporate this information every day in their labs. We also learned about the four major forms of energy. Ask your child about the center of gravity games we played! They were real balancing acts!  Until the end of the year, we will concentrate on electricity: how it travels and makes different types of circuits. Finally, we will investigate ecosystems and their importance in our ever-changing world! GO GREEN!
  • Social Studies: After finishing the Texas Revolution, we will learn about the Republic of Texas and Texas becoming a state.  We will also be evaluating the reasons that some Texans wanted to remain an independent nation versus Texans who wanted to join the U.S.

Reminders: 
  • April 11th: Ride, Bike or Scoot to school
  • April 14th & 15th: Talk with Mrs. Musgrove during Health Fitness
  • April 16th: Earth Day Parade
  • April 18th: HOLIDAY
  • April 22nd: 4th Grade Math STAAR Test
  • April 23rd: 4th Grade Reading STAAR Test
  • April 28th – 30th : GREAT with Officer Miller
  • April 29th: International Day Parade
·       April 30th: Progress Reports go home
·       May 3rd: Running for the Arts
·       May 3rd: International Festival


Thanks so much,

4th Grade Teachers