Hello Families,
We are wrapping up the Trimester this week. Report cards will go home next week. It was exciting getting the Chromebooks last week and it will be much easier to push out assignments through Google Classroom now. Last week we worked diligently on more technology training with the new Chromebooks. We reviewed how to take care of the devices, Digital Citizenship, how to comprise an email, and Google Classroom. If you have time and have any questions please review the SJPS Digital Passport (click link). This is also in Google Classroom in the topic Technology Support for students as well. We also signed up for Khan Mappers which allows math practice on 4th grade standards based off of their NWEA math score. I also went over some more programs we will use on a regular basis for face-to-face or remote learning. As you may know, I sent home with students on Thursday all school books and supplies if they need them in case we go remote. Please make sure your child brings back all of those items tomorrow-Monday, November 16th. Thank you. I am trying my best to be prepared and diligent for both face-to-face or remote learning. I have worked all weekend for both sets of plans so we can have a smooth transition either way. I'm sure there will be a learning curve, but I'm confident in our system and students. They are resilient and smart! This Friday we are having a "Read-In" in our pajamas! Students can bring in all of their favorite books, blanket or pillow, snacks, and a clear drink. Have a safe week!
Here's what is going on in the classroom:
Reading: We will begin teaching strategies on making an inference in the text using Jan Richardson's Green and Red questioning strategies.
Writing: We are wrapping up Narrative Writing this week. After this week we will be introducing persuasive writing. Our direction in writing will shift. However, the writing process is ongoing throughout the year. We will continue to work on sentence structure and lessons on how to write personal narratives. Students will still write narrative writing prompts with a focus on the topic sentence, details with complete sentences (subject/predicate) including capitals as well as using "million-dollar" words instead of "trash can" words.
Math: The multiplicative, area, and perimeter math test went well. Those went home last week. This week we will work on more geometry by classifying triangle and quadrilateral. Many students are improving their fluency in multiplication. We are practicing daily for 10-15 minutes with games and timed activities. The data proves it's working. Multiplication and division fluency is not a 4th grade standard on the report card. However, it's still VERY important and I encourage 4th graders to practice multiplication facts at home with flashcards, IXL, etc. for extra practice. Students can continue to practice IXL Diagnostic and now Khan Mappers.
Science: We are continuing the Sound Waves Science Unit and finish this week. This unit helps students develop the idea that sound is an actual thing, a wave of vibrations traveling through the air. Equipped with this understanding, students can begin to make sense of how sound and music work.
Social Studies: Will will continue to focus on five themes of geography, the earth, and the way people interact with it this week.
Positivity Project: We are delighted to announce that our SJPS elementary schools are beginning a new journey as Positivity Project (or P2) partner schools thanks to the generosity of our St. Joseph Public Schools Foundation. This amazing character-building program will be infused into our daily class meetings and will be supported district-wide throughout the school year. All classrooms will begin our implementation on November 23rd with the character strength "gratitude". Even though the program doesn't launch until Nov. 23rd, some classes have been using parts of the program. It's been very impactful for our class meetings and discussions. This week we will focus on Gratitude.
Important Dates
READ-IN: 11/20
Late Starts: 11/18, 12/2, 12/9, 12/16
Half Days: 11/20
No School Thanksgiving break: 11/25-11/27
Mrs. Abbott, thank you for all your work and preparation this weekend for any learning scenario! That must have taken a lot of extra time, and we want you to know how much we appreciate all you do to teach!
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