Friday, August 25, 2017

August 21-25, 2017-Welcome to the first Week of 4th Grade!

Great First Week of School!!!
Dear Parents,
We have had a great first week of school! I have enjoyed getting to know the students and am looking forward to a wonderful year. Just a reminder…Curriculum Night is Wednesday, August 30th at 6:30 at Prairieview. I look forward to seeing all of you!





Building Classroom Community with Group Work
Who did I work with this week?  Ask your child about his/her "study buddy."  



















Move If... Activity Outside







Back to School Welcome Assembly
Theme:  Spread KINDNESS like Confetti

How will your child spread kindness this year?
What are some examples of being kind?
How will you spread kindness at home?

Author, Amy Logan, helped spread the message with her book:  
A Girl with a Cape














M&M Activity
Tell your parents one thing you learned about someone!







Coming up next:

Dates:
MAP testing will take place on Tuesday and Thursday this week.

Important Dates:
August 29-- Reading MAP test
August 30-- Curriculum Night  6:30-8:00
August 31-- Math MAP test
Sept. 4--Labor Day. No School



Reading: Close Reading
We will start reading next week with learning about close reading.  The students will learn about text marking and reading deeper to help with understanding of complex texts.  We will read the poem, "Casey at the Bat". The students will read and reread this poem, dissecting it to gain an understanding of the author's words. They will also compare it to other texts  and try to understand the author's perspective.

It you want to know how to help your child with doing a close read, take a look at this website.

http://mhreadingwonders.com/wp-content/themes/readingwonders/docs/9430_Fisher_Author_9-4.pdf

video clip:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adXdTXEzmzE

Have fun learning with your children!



Writing: 6 Traits
 In English, we will begin a writing activity.  The students will choose  3 summer memories to write about. We will review writing in complete sentences and using correct punctuation. We will also start discussing what the 6-Traits of writing are and have mini-lessons to help us strengthen our skills.  To learn more about the six traits watch the following video clip:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2CVYBEg_BU


Spelling:  This week's spelling unit focuses on spelling rules for words that begin with the prefixes
"-un", "-non", and "-dis". We will also study word roots and how the prefixes change the meanings of the words. In addition to the spelling list, students will learn several vocabulary words that follow the same prefix pattern. The test is scheduled for Friday, 9/1.



Social Studies: Chapter 4-"Land and Water in the Northeast"
We will begin with chapter 4 this year of the Northeast. There will  be a quiz of the Northeast States on Thursday. The students will be given a blank map and will need to  label the states and water areas. I will be sending home a study guide and practice one on Friday.  This first quiz will have a word bank for the students to use.

Lesson 1-The Beautiful Northeast-incredible scenery and magnificent natural formations

Lesson 2-Resources of the Northeast-products for the world
Lesson 3-The Plentiful Sea-Chesapeake Bay and other bays in the NE


Science: Science Inquiry

In science we will start with the first section about "Getting Ready for Science."
Lesson 1-What Tools Do Scientists Use?
Lesson 2-What Inquiry Skills Do Scientists Use
Lesson 3-What is the Scientific Method?


Mrs. Spakausky's Math Class:  Unit 1:  Expressions, Equations and Volume
We start math on Monday, August 28th :)
There will be a nightly homework assignment.

Module 1-Models for Multiplication and Division-The students will  learn how to interpret products of whole numbers using number lines, ratio tables, and rectangular rays.  
Module 2-Primes and Composites
Module 3-Multiplicative Comparisons and Equations
Module 4-Measurement Experiences (linear measurement, mass/weight, volume and capacity)

Have a great weekend!


Spakausky's Scoop Oct. 16th

To see more pictures go to our Google Pic link; https://photos.app.goo.gl/GqsU1Pz2ytZoHicb6 SEL Update: There will not be a formal Second St...