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"It always seems impossible until it is done."
Nelson Mandela
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Reading:
This week, we will continue our first unit in Reading Workshop called Interpreting Characters: The Heart of the Story (fiction). Comprehension strategies will be modeled while I read The Tiger Rising aloud to the class during our mini lessons. We are going to dig deep and get to know our characters in this unit. We will put ourselves into their shoes, so we can connect with their struggles, emotions, experiences, and relationships with other characters. We will also learn to lose ourselves in our books and discuss our ideas with our classmates. This unit also has an emphasis on growing significant, text-based ideas about characters. Towards the end of the unit, the focus will shift to help readers think in more complex ways about characters by drawing evidence-based conclusions and tweaking their ideas so they are grounded in the text and defensible. We will also learn that the details authors emphasize are not accidental. Simpy asking, "Why might the author have included these details?" can help readers grow significant ideas about the text.
Writing:
This week, we will continue our writing workshop unit called The Arc of the Story: Writing Realistic Fiction. The first bend entails creating realistic fiction by generating ideas by rereading old entries in our notebooks, observing the world around us, creating stories we wish existed, and/or thinking of something important to us that we have been struggling with. It also includes developing believable characters that have struggles and motivations. The second bend entails feeling and drafting the heart of your story by revising leads, settings, and endings. Students will also be focusing on elaborating. The final bend entails preparing for publication by revising and editing. Students will have to bring all their years of writing experience into this brand-new unit and connect their fiction plans with their previous narrative work.
Wordly Wise Vocabulary:
Wordly Wise is a dynamic and interactive program that helps students master the academic vocabulary they encounter in school every day.
Students will have fifteen vocabulary words from Wordly Wise Lesson 4 next week. We will be learning and reviewing these words in class for two weeks. The tests will take place every other Friday.
* There will be a vocabulary test on these words on Friday, October 18th. You will find a link to these words on the helpful websites tab labeled Quizlet Wordly Wise lesson
We will test on lesson 4 on Friday, October 18th.
Words Their Way Spelling:
The Words Their Way "Word Study in Action" Program will help to teach students spelling, phonics, phonemic awareness and vocabulary skills. Based upon the concept of a "sort," the process of grouping sounds, words, and pictures that represent words, into specific categories, Words Their Way encourages a close examination of the regularities and conventions of reading and spelling English.
This week in Words Their Way we will be working on Sort 8 (see your child's WTW workbook or Spelling City for the words). Students are tested on these words every other falling on all odd # sorts.
* There will not be a test on sort 8, as it is not an odd number sort. You will find a link to these words on the helpful websites tab labeled Spelling City.
Sort 9 test will be on Friday, October 25th.
Spelling tests will alternate each week with Wordly Wise tests.
Grammar:
This week, we will complete Lesson 8: Common and Proper Nouns
The Grammar Workshop curriculum is a research-based grammar program that provides instruction in the conventions of standard English along with abundant practice. The units and lessons are simple and systematic. They clearly explain and model the rules and principles of grammar, usage, and mechanics skills. This curriculum provides scaffolded exercise sets that give students practice in the skills themselves and application of those skills to writing.
Math:
Chapter 3: Divide by 1-Digit Numbers
Test Friday, October 25th
Math workbook and check off sheet are due on the day of the test!
This year, we are excited to implement Cognitively Guided Instruction (CGI) strategies into our math program. CGI is a strategy of questioning children to learn and grow based on their unique understanding and learning styles. Click HERE for more information on CGI. We will be using these strategies with the GO! Math program, which looks different from Saxon. I think you will find a great benefit in the differences, where there are pictures and illustrations to support our students, as they are mastering mathematical concepts. One of the most major shifts in number sense will be the push toward, "Thinking in tens." As the year progresses, I believe you will see advancement in your child's mathematical thought processes, and mental math capabilities. As always, ixl.com is available for your child to practice math skills at home. I have sent IXL information to my math roster. Please let me know if you did not receive it.
We will be using our new math program, GO Math!, which was decided on and purchased by the district as another resource to support us in the teaching of the Common Core standards using the CGI method of instruction. This new program offers an engaging and interactive approach to covering the Common Core standards. The program ensures that students can access content at appropriate levels of depth and rigor. The program is focused, coherent, and rigorous. GO Math! at the elementary level combines 21st-century educational technology with modern content, dynamic interactivities, and a variety of instructional videos to engage today’s digital natives. Every student is supported through the universal access features of the program as they learn to think critically and apply their math knowledge.
I have also linked many GO Math! online resources to the class website. You will find this information by clicking resources, locating the helpful websites button, and scrolling to the bottom of the page.
ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITY: Your child is invited to join the Math Olympiad Club! This enrichment club is optional, but will provide your child with the opportunity to engage in creative problem solving activities while developing his/her ability to reason, to be logical, to be resourceful, and occasionally to be ingenious. During each session, students will complete a Math Olympiad contest consisting of 5 questions while competing against other fellow fourth grade mathematicians. In June, all participants will be celebrated and top scorers will be recognized! The goals of the Math Olympiad club are for participants to:
*After School Math Olympiad for Fourth Grade from October 7th through December 16th. Contact Sharon Mualem, on-site coordinator at smualem@verizon.net or 310-502-4629 for details. Session fees are $216 for 9 week sessions.
* We will also supplement our instruction by working on Math Olympiad practice questions and other problem solving/critical thinking activities! We will also be using the iPads for xtra math fact practice, Ten Marks, Front Row, Math Bingo, Geoboards, Brainpop lessons, and Motion Math review and enrichment. We will also be learning about and practicing the Order of Operations (PEMDAS), Mathematical Properties, and adding/subtracting/multiplying/dividing positive and negative numbers.
Please see the resources tab if you would like more math options.
Social Studies:
This week, we will continue our social studies unit on California Regions. Students will learn about the four major regions of California which include valleys, deserts, mountains, and coasts. Students will complete an iPad project on an assigned region as well!
The test for this unit will be on: Friday, October 25th
Students will receive their study guide for this unit a week before the test. We will review and complete the study guide together in class as well as go over important test taking tips. Students should review and study each night (at least 15 minutes a night) at home during the week leading up to the test. Completed study guides and note packets are due the day of the test for classwork credit.
As an additional resource, there are online interactive lesson summaries for each social studies lesson. Check them out here!
Science:
This week, we will begin our next science scope: Rock Patterns. Students will be able identify evidence from patterns in rock formations and fossils in rock layers to support an explanation for changes in a landscape over time.
Rock Patterns Test Friday, October 18th
Our district has adopted STEMscopes as a resource to teach the NGSS. We complete lessons (the 5E's) using resources provided through STEMscopes in class and in science lab. Your child has access to all of the online resources. They can log in by going to this website: https://n12005d17510.acceleratelearning.com/login and providing their username: 28lastnamefirstinitial and password: mbusd.
This year we will be implementing the new Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) are K–12 science content standards. The NGSS were developed by states to improve science education for all students. A goal for developing the NGSS was to create a set of research-based, up-to-date K–12 science standards. These standards give local educators the flexibility to design classroom learning experiences that stimulate students’ interests in science and prepares them for college, careers, and citizenship. The NGSS call for a three-dimensional approach to K–12 science instruction. This represents a significant transition from previous state standards. Thoughtful and coordinated approaches to implementation will enable educators to inspire future generations of scientifically literate students. Learn more and get resources by heading to the NGSS website: https://www.nextgenscience.org/
This year, our district has adopted STEMscopes as a resource to teach the NGSS. We complete lessons (the 5E's) using resources provided through STEMscopes in class and in science lab. Your child has access to all of the online resources. They can log in by going to this website: https://n12005d17510.acceleratelearning.com/login and providing their username: 28lastnamefirstinitial and password: panthers#### (the last 4 digits of their student id which is the same as google drive). There is also a shortcut to this website under helpful websites.
Click the "Useful Links/Resources" tab on the side for more science options and resources!
Visual and Performing Arts/Other:
On the iPads, we are practicing our typing skills using an attached keyboard. Your child has started using a website which can be accessed at home. Go to www.typingweb.com and log-in with your child's username to continue practicing. Your child's username is: 28lastnamefirstinitial@mbusdapps.org (For example, mine would be, 28cooka@mbusdapps.org). Your child's password is: panthers(4 digits). Happy typing!
This week, we will continue our first unit in Reading Workshop called Interpreting Characters: The Heart of the Story (fiction). Comprehension strategies will be modeled while I read The Tiger Rising aloud to the class during our mini lessons. We are going to dig deep and get to know our characters in this unit. We will put ourselves into their shoes, so we can connect with their struggles, emotions, experiences, and relationships with other characters. We will also learn to lose ourselves in our books and discuss our ideas with our classmates. This unit also has an emphasis on growing significant, text-based ideas about characters. Towards the end of the unit, the focus will shift to help readers think in more complex ways about characters by drawing evidence-based conclusions and tweaking their ideas so they are grounded in the text and defensible. We will also learn that the details authors emphasize are not accidental. Simpy asking, "Why might the author have included these details?" can help readers grow significant ideas about the text.
Writing:
This week, we will continue our writing workshop unit called The Arc of the Story: Writing Realistic Fiction. The first bend entails creating realistic fiction by generating ideas by rereading old entries in our notebooks, observing the world around us, creating stories we wish existed, and/or thinking of something important to us that we have been struggling with. It also includes developing believable characters that have struggles and motivations. The second bend entails feeling and drafting the heart of your story by revising leads, settings, and endings. Students will also be focusing on elaborating. The final bend entails preparing for publication by revising and editing. Students will have to bring all their years of writing experience into this brand-new unit and connect their fiction plans with their previous narrative work.
Wordly Wise Vocabulary:
Wordly Wise is a dynamic and interactive program that helps students master the academic vocabulary they encounter in school every day.
Students will have fifteen vocabulary words from Wordly Wise Lesson 4 next week. We will be learning and reviewing these words in class for two weeks. The tests will take place every other Friday.
* There will be a vocabulary test on these words on Friday, October 18th. You will find a link to these words on the helpful websites tab labeled Quizlet Wordly Wise lesson
We will test on lesson 4 on Friday, October 18th.
Words Their Way Spelling:
The Words Their Way "Word Study in Action" Program will help to teach students spelling, phonics, phonemic awareness and vocabulary skills. Based upon the concept of a "sort," the process of grouping sounds, words, and pictures that represent words, into specific categories, Words Their Way encourages a close examination of the regularities and conventions of reading and spelling English.
This week in Words Their Way we will be working on Sort 8 (see your child's WTW workbook or Spelling City for the words). Students are tested on these words every other falling on all odd # sorts.
* There will not be a test on sort 8, as it is not an odd number sort. You will find a link to these words on the helpful websites tab labeled Spelling City.
Sort 9 test will be on Friday, October 25th.
Spelling tests will alternate each week with Wordly Wise tests.
Grammar:
This week, we will complete Lesson 8: Common and Proper Nouns
The Grammar Workshop curriculum is a research-based grammar program that provides instruction in the conventions of standard English along with abundant practice. The units and lessons are simple and systematic. They clearly explain and model the rules and principles of grammar, usage, and mechanics skills. This curriculum provides scaffolded exercise sets that give students practice in the skills themselves and application of those skills to writing.
Math:
Chapter 3: Divide by 1-Digit Numbers
Test Friday, October 25th
Math workbook and check off sheet are due on the day of the test!
This year, we are excited to implement Cognitively Guided Instruction (CGI) strategies into our math program. CGI is a strategy of questioning children to learn and grow based on their unique understanding and learning styles. Click HERE for more information on CGI. We will be using these strategies with the GO! Math program, which looks different from Saxon. I think you will find a great benefit in the differences, where there are pictures and illustrations to support our students, as they are mastering mathematical concepts. One of the most major shifts in number sense will be the push toward, "Thinking in tens." As the year progresses, I believe you will see advancement in your child's mathematical thought processes, and mental math capabilities. As always, ixl.com is available for your child to practice math skills at home. I have sent IXL information to my math roster. Please let me know if you did not receive it.
We will be using our new math program, GO Math!, which was decided on and purchased by the district as another resource to support us in the teaching of the Common Core standards using the CGI method of instruction. This new program offers an engaging and interactive approach to covering the Common Core standards. The program ensures that students can access content at appropriate levels of depth and rigor. The program is focused, coherent, and rigorous. GO Math! at the elementary level combines 21st-century educational technology with modern content, dynamic interactivities, and a variety of instructional videos to engage today’s digital natives. Every student is supported through the universal access features of the program as they learn to think critically and apply their math knowledge.
I have also linked many GO Math! online resources to the class website. You will find this information by clicking resources, locating the helpful websites button, and scrolling to the bottom of the page.
ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITY: Your child is invited to join the Math Olympiad Club! This enrichment club is optional, but will provide your child with the opportunity to engage in creative problem solving activities while developing his/her ability to reason, to be logical, to be resourceful, and occasionally to be ingenious. During each session, students will complete a Math Olympiad contest consisting of 5 questions while competing against other fellow fourth grade mathematicians. In June, all participants will be celebrated and top scorers will be recognized! The goals of the Math Olympiad club are for participants to:
- develop enthusiasm for problem solving and mathematics
- deepen the understanding of mathematical concepts and strengthen ability to use these concepts
- consider concepts that they might not otherwise encounter
- enrich experiences in intellectually stimulating and significant mental activities
- build a stronger foundation for assessments and for future mathematics studies
*After School Math Olympiad for Fourth Grade from October 7th through December 16th. Contact Sharon Mualem, on-site coordinator at smualem@verizon.net or 310-502-4629 for details. Session fees are $216 for 9 week sessions.
* We will also supplement our instruction by working on Math Olympiad practice questions and other problem solving/critical thinking activities! We will also be using the iPads for xtra math fact practice, Ten Marks, Front Row, Math Bingo, Geoboards, Brainpop lessons, and Motion Math review and enrichment. We will also be learning about and practicing the Order of Operations (PEMDAS), Mathematical Properties, and adding/subtracting/multiplying/dividing positive and negative numbers.
Please see the resources tab if you would like more math options.
Social Studies:
This week, we will continue our social studies unit on California Regions. Students will learn about the four major regions of California which include valleys, deserts, mountains, and coasts. Students will complete an iPad project on an assigned region as well!
The test for this unit will be on: Friday, October 25th
Students will receive their study guide for this unit a week before the test. We will review and complete the study guide together in class as well as go over important test taking tips. Students should review and study each night (at least 15 minutes a night) at home during the week leading up to the test. Completed study guides and note packets are due the day of the test for classwork credit.
As an additional resource, there are online interactive lesson summaries for each social studies lesson. Check them out here!
Science:
This week, we will begin our next science scope: Rock Patterns. Students will be able identify evidence from patterns in rock formations and fossils in rock layers to support an explanation for changes in a landscape over time.
Rock Patterns Test Friday, October 18th
Our district has adopted STEMscopes as a resource to teach the NGSS. We complete lessons (the 5E's) using resources provided through STEMscopes in class and in science lab. Your child has access to all of the online resources. They can log in by going to this website: https://n12005d17510.acceleratelearning.com/login and providing their username: 28lastnamefirstinitial and password: mbusd.
This year we will be implementing the new Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) are K–12 science content standards. The NGSS were developed by states to improve science education for all students. A goal for developing the NGSS was to create a set of research-based, up-to-date K–12 science standards. These standards give local educators the flexibility to design classroom learning experiences that stimulate students’ interests in science and prepares them for college, careers, and citizenship. The NGSS call for a three-dimensional approach to K–12 science instruction. This represents a significant transition from previous state standards. Thoughtful and coordinated approaches to implementation will enable educators to inspire future generations of scientifically literate students. Learn more and get resources by heading to the NGSS website: https://www.nextgenscience.org/
This year, our district has adopted STEMscopes as a resource to teach the NGSS. We complete lessons (the 5E's) using resources provided through STEMscopes in class and in science lab. Your child has access to all of the online resources. They can log in by going to this website: https://n12005d17510.acceleratelearning.com/login and providing their username: 28lastnamefirstinitial and password: panthers#### (the last 4 digits of their student id which is the same as google drive). There is also a shortcut to this website under helpful websites.
Click the "Useful Links/Resources" tab on the side for more science options and resources!
Visual and Performing Arts/Other:
On the iPads, we are practicing our typing skills using an attached keyboard. Your child has started using a website which can be accessed at home. Go to www.typingweb.com and log-in with your child's username to continue practicing. Your child's username is: 28lastnamefirstinitial@mbusdapps.org (For example, mine would be, 28cooka@mbusdapps.org). Your child's password is: panthers(4 digits). Happy typing!
