Q4W4
Hello!
Isn’t it wild that we are rapidly approaching the halfway point of the final quarter? Anyway, AASA Testing is this week, but students have made it past the hardest one. What is left is two Math/ELA tests that reflect the Galileo Testing that students are used to. That being said, it is still vital for students to not only be prepared, but eager to tackle these tests as it is an opportunity to demonstrate their growth throughout fourth grade. I get to see their achievements everyday, but students should be able to show them off.
News:
Science Comprehension Check on the Cardiovascular System on Thursday 4/13. This test will be on the functions of the cardiovascular system, its components (including the breakdown of blood), and the pathway of blood.
AASA Testing Dates Remaining: April 14th, and 21st. Please do not schedule any absences for these dates. These are important tests in which we spend a lot of time preparing. The first ELA/Math test is this Friday.
Please donate tall plastic bottles! In the first weeks of the fourth quarter, each student will be making lung models using such bottles. They should not be too wide, easy to cut through, and tall. A perfect example is a 16 oz “SmartWater” bottle.
NO SMART WATCHES! Fitbits are fine. If there are any questions about what constitutes a smart watch, let us know. Students can keep them powered off in their backpack for after school use, but not on them. This is for many reasons, one of which being that certain tests can be completely invalidated by the presence of such a device.
Curriculum:
ELA:
In grammar, we are learning about comparatives and superlatives in preparation for the AASA test on Friday. We also review comma splices and how to use a dictionary. During this whole time we practice standardized testing with a review packet.
Literature is continuing with Carry On, Mr. Bowditch, and we will be reading chapters 7-9 throughout the week, using them as an excellent springboard for discussions about self-advocacy in education and perspective. Students must have their copy of Carry On, Mr. Bowditch if they do not already.
We finally have a new poem; George Washington by Stephen Vincent Benet. It will be due April 24th, where students will be reciting in pairs. Additionally, we will soon have a grade level recital for “Paul revere’s Ride” for parents to see on an to-be-decided date.
In WWE, we are continuing writing practice with more essay writing practice and test prep packets.
In Latin and Greek Roots, we will learn the following roots:
pes/pedis – foot
ped es tal (n) foot of a column
ped es tri an (n) walker, on foot
im ped i ment (n) an obstruction in doing something
tri pod (n) a three-legged stand or support
ped i cure (n) care for the feet (curo, curatum=care)
dens/dentis – tooth
dent (n) tooth like notch in gears, locks, etc
den tist (n) tooth doctor
den tal (adj) pertaining to teeth
den ture (n) set of false teeth
in dent (v) set a line of print in from the margin
For philosophy, we will spend the time practicing testing, as this is a week of AASA Testing.
Math:
In math, we are done with new content! What this means is we are transitioning into a period of reviewing and mastering former content. This is done in preparation for a final singapore math test at the end of the year.
History:
In history, we see lines in the sand being drawn. We will learn about the Boston Tea Party, review the outcomes of different acts of parliament, and see the creation of the First Continental Congress. This shows that defiance can no longer be hypothetical, but inevitable.
School House Rock Boston Tea Party
Science:
In science, we will be continuing our unit on the circulatory system. We further discuss blood types, Charles Drew, and prepare for the Comprehension Check on Thursday, 4/13. This test will be on the functions of the cardiovascular system, its components (including the breakdown of blood), and the pathway of blood.
Remember, the blog is updated weekly. Be sure to come back frequently to see any upcoming events or changes in fourth grade.