I (Mrs. Shroll) am sitting in my backyard looking upon my rich, green winter lawn and listening to chirping birds while my two labs and Siamese kitten lay nearby. What a beautiful, cool, fall morning it is! Last night, I went to Safford to watch my senior son play football. He plays defense and had a great game, but sadly Tempe Prep lost 7-54. They are 3-1 overall now. Thankfully no one was hurt and that is a positive! I can’t help but reflect on all the many positives in my life. I’m so grateful for this change in weather, grateful for my family, and grateful to be working with such dedicated teachers and administration. I’m grateful that each eager fourth grader is learning many wonderful things and growing in virtue. It is fun to watch minds light up with new discoveries and listen to your child share about their lives. Family life is a beautiful thing and each day is precious. Thank you for being a part of my life! Below you will find an overview of each subject we have carefully planned for our upcoming school week:
Math - We will learn how to multiply a 3-digit number by a 2-digit number. Students also learn how to estimate the value of multiplying by a 2-digit number and setting up word problems involving this skill. Division math facts are very important to master and students should be working daily with their facts in order to make higher level math easier.
Language Arts:
Literature – In Robin Hood, we continue summarizing and paraphrasing key details as we read Chapters 9-13. Students have worked with a story map already and will use a different model this week. A challenge for fourth graders is to recall the main ideas in sequential order.
Grammar – There is a quiz on Wednesday where students will be expected to classifying and diagramming sentences with direct objects, indirect objects and prepositional phrases. Later in the week we work with narrative points of view. Language Arts spirals will be checked this week to make sure students are taking good notes.
Composition – Students will complete their Charlemagne paragraphs (introductory and conclusion) and work on AZ Merit writing.
Latin/Greek Roots – Words this week have the suffix –or and –ian. Monday's homework will involve a parent or sibling to read the definition of a word while the student says and writes their word.
Poetry - Beowulf is due by Wednesday, Nov 4th. Distance Learners may recite to their teachers during tutoring Zooms or may submit a video of their poem recitation. We will provide a post for the video submission the week of Nov 2nd so please hold off on emailing us a video.
Science – The children really enjoyed exploring how to light up bulbs and powering fans last week. They will be conducting experiments using electromagnetism this week and students will have a final comprehension check on Friday.
History – We will explore the social system in medieval Europe and the loyalty and obligations of each class. Students will learn how the feudal system held people, communities, and kingdoms together and learn about the different kinds of jobs that serfs were required to do on the manor estates. We will prepare for a history comprehension check.
Parent volunteers are welcome on campus now. Please check to see what the requirements are and watch for emails from your teacher or parent helper asking for volunteers (reading groups, prep, parties, etc.) Classical Character Day is postponed to Quarter 3 or 4 when we hope to have more of our community in the building.
Have a great weekend and make the most of every present minute!