Happy Friday fourth grade families!
Math:We completed Chapter 1 this week! Great job, 4th grade! After completing all lessons, we spent time reviewing the concepts we learned and took our Chapter 1 assessment on Friday. Next week, we will begin Chapter 5, adding and subtracting decimals.
ELA: This week we continued reading Night of the Spadefoot Toads (chapters 4-5) and analyzing the author’s craft by focusing on sensory details and vivid descriptions. We took a closer look at the author’s use of figurative language within the text, specifically focusing on similes, metaphors, and idioms, and how they contribute to the reader’s understanding of the story. We wrapped up the week learning about the different points of view (first person, second person, third person limited, third person omniscient). Next we will continue reading with an emphasis on point of view.
Additionally, I have passed back tests from last week. Student grades are written on their test, as well as posted on ParentVUE. To retest, a student must correct their incorrect test questions, fill out the Request to Retest form (attached), and complete 2 additional activities to show that they have reviewed and understand the skill of Comparing & Contrasting Characters, Settings, and Events.
Social Studies:
This week we began our unit discussing the Aztec Empire. We began by taking a look at the capital city of Tenochtitlan. Students examined the physical features and natural resources that gave the Aztecs a geographical advantage. Students used multiple sources to complete this activity including text, images, and maps.
Science:
In Science, we dug into our unit on energy. Students were able to explain that energy is the ability to do work and without it no movement or change could occur. We also discussed the seven forms of energy and how they differ from one another. Students were able to identify mechanical (both kinetic and potential), electrical, radiant/electromagnetic, thermal, sound, chemical, and nuclear forms of energy. Students also determined how human senses can detect the different forms of energy.
ParentVUE: Friendly reminder to please check ParentVUE regularly for updates on students’ academic progress. Please check assignment descriptions and individual assignment comments for feedback as well.
Face Coverings at School: Friendly reminder that masks will continue to be mandatory next week, unless you have completed and turned the Opt-Out form into the front office.
Virtual Book Fair:The Scholastic book fair is ongoing and runs through September 5th. It is virtual only. The Vista Book Fair website is here. Books can be purchased online and then shipped directly to the student’s home. There is free shipping with $25 in book purchases, but other items are shipped separately and don’t count toward the shipping minimum. eWallet money that is unused at the end of the fair will stay in their Scholastic account and can still be used to purchase items, though the school will receive fewer or none of the proceeds after September 5th.
DOJO: Reminder to please check Dojo often, as we will be using this to communicate student behaviors throughout each day by giving students positives, warnings, and infractions based on their behavior.
Looking Ahead:
August 30 – September 5 virtual Scholastic Book Fair
August 31: optional Scholastic book orders due (Class Code: Q98FV)
September 8– Progress Reports
Have a great weekend!