Q1W1
Hello!
The first full week is upon us! How exciting! We have cherished getting to know each and every scholar, but this is where the work begins. We delve into each of our advanced subjects with the intent of academic discovery and growth. This week starts the process of evolving once 3rd graders into aspiring 5th graders.
News:
-Picture day on 8/12. Be sure to send in scholar looking their best on this day, as these picture are the ones that will find their way into the yearbook (unless scholars are ordered retakes later on in the year).
Curriculum:
ELA:
In GRAMMAR, we will be reviewing our knowledge of key parts of speech and practice identifying them. Such parts of speech include nouns, pronouns, and verbs. 8 Parts of Speech Song
LITERATURE is beginning Wizard of Oz, so please ensure your scholar has their copy at school. With it, we will be exploring the role of setting, genre, and characterization and how they influence narratives like that of Dorothy's trip to Oz.
In LATIN AND GREEK ROOTS, we will be learning our first two roots; pre and post. With them we will learn the definition and spelling of the following: postpone, posthumously, postscript, posterity, posterior, predict, precede, prevent, prefix, and precaution.
Summary of Roots Assessment Approach:
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Weekly Practice: Students write each root word three times as spelling practice. Scholars should do additional practice for the test by studying the root meanings and the derivative spellings.
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Test Format: The roots test functions like a spelling test, including both word spelling and definitions. Teachers say the word, use it in a sentence, and students write it.
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Definitions: Students are expected to know the meanings of the Roots each week. The root derivatives are only memorized to play the review game Razzle, Dazzle, Drop on Fridays before the test. There is a cumulative effect throughout the year with over 70 Roots by Q4.
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Commonly Misspelled Words: Tests also include homophones and frequently confused words (e.g., their/there/they're, which/witch). Students hear the word in a sentence and spell it.
Math:
In math, we are reviewing and solidifying our number sense. This means we are practicing place value, number order, number comparison, and different patterns that emerge. We also will encourage students to use www.mathplayground.com for at-home practice.
History:
In history, we begin our geography unit and with maps, which acts as a good place to start. We will practice identifying components on a map, such as lines of latitude and longitude, and will learn how to read specific maps.
Read the pages from the History book at home pages 1-5 and 12-18. Link to History.
Science:
This week in Science, students will explore how scientists ask questions, test ideas, and record their thinking using an organized science journal and CER writing. They will also begin learning about energy—what it is, how it can cause change or motion, and how it transfers from one thing to another through hands-on activities and a collaborative experiment.
How to Write a Scientific Explanation Using CER
Guide to the Energy of the Earth TedEd
Remember, the blog is updated weekly. Be sure to come back frequently to see any upcoming events or changes in fourth grade.