Sept. 3-7

Our 4th Grade Class!!!

Our first assembly on setting our 

"Panther Purpose" for the year!

Our class surprised all the PV Panthers with some positive messages written on the sidewalk in front of the building and the blacktop off the playground!

Building Classroom Community with a game of "Move If..."

A Beginning of the Year Meeting with Mr. Pagel!

It was great seeing you at Curriculum Night.  Here is the SEL video that wouldn't work.  Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikehX9o1JbI

Important Dates:

Sept. 3--Labor Day. No School\

Sept. 4-Math MAP test (rescheduled)

Reading:  In reading this week we will continue with the close reading of Casey At the Bat.  We will work through the vocabulary by sorting the words into categories based on the context of the sentence.  We will also write the story from a different character's perspective.

Students' first exposure to close reading in fourth grade involved "close reading" an Oreo cookie. For their "first read" they were given a cookie and were told to eat it quickly. This simulated reading text for the "gist". Then we shared words to describe the cookie. For their "second read" they took their time eating another cookie. They ate it with their eyes closed, thinking about the texture, ingredients, taste, uniqueness and other attributes of the yummy treat. This simulated what a close read of text is like. Students then listed words to describe their second read. Below is a picture of the poster we created during the activity. Please note the difference between what was observed in the first and second "read". Also included are some pictures of students close reading their Oreos...I think they enjoyed the activity!

English:- What is a Sentence?
We will begin a short unit on writing sentences. Students will review the rules for writing a complete sentence and study the four different types of sentences this week.

Our study of the sentence continues with a look at statements, questions, commands, and exclamations. Ask your child if he/she can describe the difference between these types of sentences.

Spelling:  Words that End in Suffixes "-ible" and "-able"
This week's spelling/vocabulary list will include words with the suffixes -ible & -able. We will study the word pattern and how the suffix impacts the meaning of the base word.  The final test is scheduled for Friday, 9/7.

Social Studies:  We will continue our study of the Northeast.  We will read and learn about  Niagara Falls, and the three main mountain ranges in the Appalachian Mountains.

Mrs.Spakausky's and Mrs. Nino's Math Class:  We were not able to test this week, due to some glitches.  We will complete the Math MAP test on Tuesday.

For the remaining of the week, the students will investigate the relationship between multiplication and division using a number line, ratio table, and the area model.  We will then focus on finding factors from 1-36.

August 27-31

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 29th at 6:30 at Prairieview. I look forward to seeing all of you!

Teamwork Activity during the first week!

Coming up next:

Dates:
Important Dates:
August 28-- Reading MAP test

August 29-- Curriculum Night  6:30-8:00

August 29-Picture Day-An order form was sent home with your child. If you choose to order pictures you may do so online or send payment in the envelope to school on or before 8/29.

August 30-- Math MAP test

Sept. 3--Labor Day. No School

Spelling -  Prefixes: un-, non-, dis-
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 final TEST is scheduled for Friday, 8/31.


English - What is a Sentence? / Writing a Friendly Letter
We will begin the year with a short unit on writing sentences. They will also learn the format for writing a friendly letter and write one to share with you on Curriculum Night.


Reading - Close Reading- "Casey at the Bat"
Take Me Out to the Ballgame...!!! Close reading is the careful, sustained interpretation of a piece of text, and one of the cornerstones of the Common Core State Standards. On Wednesday we will review this skill with an activity in which students will close read Oreo cookies...as you can imagine this activity has been quite popular in the past! Then, we will begin a close read of the poem, "Casey at the Bat". Students will read and reread this piece of rich text, dissecting it to gain an understanding of the author's words. They will also compare it to another text and attempt to understand the author's perspective.



Social Studies  - Chapter 4-"Land and Water in the Northeast"

Fourth grade Social Studies is the study of regions of the United States. This week, students will become familiar with our Social Studies text by working with partners on a "textbook scavenger hunt".   Then we will begin with chapter 4.  There will  be a quiz of the Northeast States on Friday. 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 Monday.  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



Mrs. Spakausky's Math Class:  Unit 1:  Expressions, Equations and Volume
In Unit 1 we will focus on :

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)

There will be a nightly homework assignment.

Have a great week!