October Newsletter Grade 4 Mrs. O’Rourke
We have 1 month of 4th grade under our belts. I have been enjoying our days together and hopefully, so has your child. Here is an update on what we’ve been doing in the classroom.
English Language Arts (ELA)
We have read one story as a whole class in our new HM texts.
It was Akiak, a story of an Alaskan sled dog. Last week we worked on a personal narrative, which we haven’t quite finished. We are focusing on telling a story in correct sequence and writing with voice. We look forward to sharing finished pieces with the class soon.
Social Studies
The geography of New York has been our focus. We’ve laid the groundwork for the rest of the year as far as location of significant landforms, waters, and the region we live in. We took our map test last week and did the chapter test today.
Science
We will start our plant unit on Wednesday. It will involve experiments, hands on activities and hopefully a trip to the woods behind the school. I will send home a study guide before the test, but the best way to REALLY learn the material is to go over and review things we’ve already done. Have your child spend some time with corrected past assignments, or homework. Index cards with a vocabulary word on one side and the definition or picture on the other are great tool for review.
Reading Block
In the afternoon, the students are divided into leveled groups according to their ability and reading level. Spelling is also done in reading block. Ask your child who their reading teacher is and what they’ve been reading.
Math
We have been reviewing multiplication facts and working on problem solving skills. We have been testing fluency of facts, which means that an answer can be given in about 3 seconds. (This is the expected speed for all 4th graders) We are also working with vocabulary, factors, multiples, and division. We will take a test on this unit next week.
Reading Forms
Please make sure your child is reading for at least 20 minutes each night. They should be returning a reading form, signed by you each week. (preferably Thursday, but Friday is ok too) I would like everybody to have a book at school that can be read at free reading time.
Other
I sent home some book order forms last week. They will be due on October 11. You may use 1 check to pay for the entire order, even if you order out of different catalogs. There are some very good deals to be found. J
If you ever want to volunteer in the room, please let me know.
Never hesitate to contact me if you have a question, concern or comment. 564-9955 ext 1202 or send in a note J
Happy October!!