Q4W8
Hello!
Only 3 weeks of school left! That is 15 days or merely 12 days if you count half days as, well, half a day. Whereas there is a lot left to conquer (as seen by the “news” portion of this week’s blog), it does mark the final week before our year begins to wind down. This week encompasses our final Science and Math tests as well as begins our final writing assignment. Afterwards, we will be able to move into more activity based learning that allows students to let out a deep breath, but for now it is time for them to buckle down and prove themselves worthy of the title “fifth grader.”
News:
Singapore Math Test on May 9th- May 12th. This is a cumulative test that encompasses the entire year, spanning 45 questions and a math fact speed check. It is vital that students are reviewing the math material as we go over it in class, ensuring that they are prepared for this long form test.
Science Comprehension Check on May 11th. This will be quizzing students on the Respiratory System, its components and the role each one has. Students will have to label a diagram that names each part as well as write a detailed explanation that explains the Respiratory System in our standard paragraph form.
Spring Concert on May 17th. The students have been practicing hard to put on a wonderful show and you are invited to see it. As with other concerts, this will be an after school activity in which students will dress the part and amaze us with all of their dedicated work.
“If” Poem Due on Friday, May 19th. It is a long one, so ensure that your scholar is spending time studying it each day. I’d recommend that they memorize the first 3 stanzas by the end of this week.
Carry On, Mr. Bowditch Party on May 25th. This is our end of year party celebrating all that the fourth graders have overcome with a fun nautical theme to spice it up. Be sure to check for opportunities to volunteer as it is a big event to finish off a big year.
Comedy Show on May 26th. Thanks to the creative minds of two students in 4B, Mrs. Thompson and I are organizing our first ever 4th-grade comedy show. This will be a fun activity to further create lasting memories on the last day of the school year.
Curriculum:
ELA:
In GRAMMAR, we will be utilizing the time to get a head start on our final writing project of the year; a five-paragraph essay with choice of prompt.
LITERATURE is continuing with Carry On, Mr. Bowditch, and we will be reading chapters 17-19 throughout the week, using them as an excellent springboard for discussions about foreshadowing, and the many virtues displayed by Nat Bowditch. Students must have their copy of Carry On, Mr. Bowditch if they do not already.
For our POETRY, we are officially onto our final poem for the year; “If” by Rudyard Kipling. It is a long poem that will be due on Friday, May 19th, so ensure that your student is preparing for this final recitation trail.
In WWE, we are working on our final writing project; a five-paragraph essay with different choices for the prompt. There will be two options: (1) to write about the virtues of Nathaniel Bowditch, or (2) to describe the significance of the firebrands of the American Revolution.
In LATIN AND GREEK ROOTS, we will learn our FINAL roots:
dia = through, between, across
- di ag o nal (n) line between two non-adjacent corners in a figure of four or more sides (gony=knee)
- di a mond (n) a shape with four straight sides, forming two obtuse angles and two acute angles
- di a gram (n) a cross section drawing (graph-write draw) di ag no sis (n) thorough knowledge (gnosis-knowledge)
- di a bol i cal (adj) shot through, so evil like the Devil (shot through – to show a quality in a noticeable way all the way through
- di a logue (n) conversation between two or more people as a feature of a book, play, or movie
discipulus = student
- dis ci ple (n) someone who believes and helps to spread the doctrine of another
- dis ci pline (v) develop (children's) behavior by instruction and practice
- dis ci pli nar y (adj) enforcing discipline
- un dis ci plined (adj) lacking in discipline; uncontrolled in behavior
- dis ci pli nar i an (n) a person who believes in firm discipline (ian=one who)
For PHILOSOPHY, we will utilize the time for more writing.
Math:
In math, we are finishing our cumulative review with one final day before we move into the long and important Singapore Math Test. This test will take four days to administer, involve many multiple choice and short answer questions, and will be accompanied by a math facts quiz each day. This test is about material from the entire year.
History:
In history, we will delve into the revolutionary war itself, trudging to several key battles that help shape the war. This time should also grant students a better perspective on what the war entailed and how it affected the daily lives of those who participated. It will also introduce key persons that we have not yet discussed.
Science:
In science, we will review our understanding of the Respiratory System to prepare for the Comprehension Check about it on Thursday. Students should be able to trace the path that air takes and describe the function of each component that it passes. Students will also have to label a diagram, naming each part of the Respiratory System. Afterwards, we will be able to transition to our final science unit; important scientists of our time.
Remember, the blog is updated weekly. Be sure to come back frequently to see any upcoming events or changes in fourth grade.