The fourth graders at Longfellow were very busy last week. We enjoyed a spectacular Halloween afternoon and had our first successful book talks of the year. Thank you to all of our parent volunteers who planned and executed a wonderful Halloween Party.
Here is a peak at the next 2 1/2 weeks:
Reading
We have finished our main lessons on author's purpose and perspective but will continue to use this
skills during the year as we read different types of texts.
We will not start a new focus skill for the next 2 weeks since our main focus will be on writing. (see information
about writing below)
Additionally, we will start our new list of spelling and vocabulary words on Monday and finish introducing the
words on Tuesday. The list for home will go home on Monday and the assessments will be on November 16.
Below are the words for Lesson 5.
I was very impressed on the first book talk! I loved the wonderful eye contact that so many students showed. This month's book talk is on the genre of fantasy. Many students have already chosen their book. If your child still does not have a book, the local libraries (and Longfellow's) are wonderful resources. Here is a helpful list from Indian Trails Public Library. Please help your child pick a "good fit" book. We continue to use the IPICK strategy to help us find a good fit book. Also refer to the lexile levels I will share with you at conferences. The procedure will be identical to the first book talk. Hopefully, the students will not be as anxious as they know what to expect and improve upon. The book talk organizer will be sent home this week.
In writing, students are working on developing realistic fiction stories. The students are learning how to develop believable characters by giving and showing the struggles and motivations of the characters. We also hope to plot out our stories with a story arc. A story arc will help students brainstorm ideas for the beginning, middle, and end of the story. It will also have them think about the main problem and resolution to the realistic story.
Math
The students were very successful on the Unit 2 Math test. They showed a good understanding of the concepts
presented in Unit 2. In Unit 3 they will learn about equivalent fractions through fraction circles and number lines.
They will also be comparing fractions and ordering fractions. Here is the link to Everyday Math website for your
reference (great place to download and print forgotten home links!)
In unit 3, students explore fraction equivalence and compare and order fractions using different representations. They then extend their understanding of fractions to decimals, comparing and ordering decimals using the same methods as they did for comparing fractions.
Science
We are ending our Life Science unit with the animal senses project. The students have been hard independent workers on this project and I'm proud of their work. Tomorrow the students will give a brief presentation (we completed the presentation in class already) and share their creative animal. They will then be on display in the LMC for everyone to see! Feel free to stop by during conferences to look at the animals.
On November 13 we will have Crabtree Nature Center from Barrington come for a presentation to culminate our unit on Life Science. They will bring some live animals so the students can learn more about special adaptations.
Social Studies
Later this week we are kicking off our Colonial America unit by studying the three early English settlements: Jamestown, Roanoke, and Plymouth. We will discuss the reasons for colonizing the New World, what the main outcome of the colony was, how relationships with Native Americans helped or hurt each group of settlers, and the hardships the colony faced. This is very appropriate timing with Thanksgiving around the corner!
Social Skills
During social skills, the students are learning about complex feelings and understanding different perspectives.
When discussing complex feelings we will name different feelings we might have about one situation. The goal is
to learn that people can have different perceptions about the same situation and this has the potential to lead to
conflict if not handled the correct way! We will then discuss correct ways to handle these situations.
Important Dates
November 5 and 7: Conferences-see the sign up genius for details
November 6: No School-Election Day-please get out to vote
November 13: In-house field trip: Crabtree Nature Preserve
November 16: Spelling/Vocab Assessments
November 20: Education Exploration Fair
skills during the year as we read different types of texts.
about writing below)
Additionally, we will start our new list of spelling and vocabulary words on Monday and finish introducing the
words on Tuesday. The list for home will go home on Monday and the assessments will be on November 16.
Below are the words for Lesson 5.
presented in Unit 2. In Unit 3 they will learn about equivalent fractions through fraction circles and number lines.
They will also be comparing fractions and ordering fractions. Here is the link to Everyday Math website for your
reference (great place to download and print forgotten home links!)
Science
We are ending our Life Science unit with the animal senses project. The students have been hard independent workers on this project and I'm proud of their work. Tomorrow the students will give a brief presentation (we completed the presentation in class already) and share their creative animal. They will then be on display in the LMC for everyone to see! Feel free to stop by during conferences to look at the animals.
On November 13 we will have Crabtree Nature Center from Barrington come for a presentation to culminate our unit on Life Science. They will bring some live animals so the students can learn more about special adaptations.
Social Studies
Later this week we are kicking off our Colonial America unit by studying the three early English settlements: Jamestown, Roanoke, and Plymouth. We will discuss the reasons for colonizing the New World, what the main outcome of the colony was, how relationships with Native Americans helped or hurt each group of settlers, and the hardships the colony faced. This is very appropriate timing with Thanksgiving around the corner!
When discussing complex feelings we will name different feelings we might have about one situation. The goal is
to learn that people can have different perceptions about the same situation and this has the potential to lead to
conflict if not handled the correct way! We will then discuss correct ways to handle these situations.
Important Dates
November 5 and 7: Conferences-see the sign up genius for details
November 6: No School-Election Day-please get out to vote
November 13: In-house field trip: Crabtree Nature Preserve
November 16: Spelling/Vocab Assessments
November 20: Education Exploration Fair
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