The Importance of Regular Study Habits in 4th Grade
Just as we would never expect to improve at playing the cello between weekly music lessons or become more proficient at making football receptions without regular catching between practices, we should not expect daily learning to be solidified without regular practice and review at home. Homework is sometimes one way for scholars to practice and rehearse what they have learned, but homework alone is often not enough to fully reinforce new learning.
Fourth grade is an important year for building the strong study habits that prepare scholars for middle school and beyond. One of the best ways to support your child’s learning is to make sure they study regularly throughout the quarter, not just right before a test. Consistent practice and review help scholars strengthen their understanding, build confidence, and develop greater mastery over time.
Here are some key areas of study for 4th graders:
1. Math Facts
Students should practice all four operations—addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division—on a regular basis. Flashcards are a simple and effective tool, especially for multiplication facts. Missed problems from Rocket Math tests should be reviewed carefully until they are mastered. Strong math fact fluency allows students to focus on problem-solving without being slowed down by basic calculations. Knowing all 4 operations of math facts fluently helps all Math homework take less time.
2. History
Each chapter we read in class should be reviewed at home. Re-reading key sections or looking over notes helps students remember important people, events, and timelines. This type of review makes later quizzes and unit tests much more manageable.
3. Science
Students should spend time looking over their Science spiral notes each week. This keeps vocabulary and key concepts fresh, rather than trying to memorize everything right before a test.
4. Roots Definitions
Root words are studied weekly, and students should use flashcards to review their definitions and meanings. Repetition with these cards builds a strong vocabulary foundation.
5. Reading & Journaling
Students are expected to read 6–8 books (150 pages or more each) during each quarter. They record this in their agendas. This practice strengthens comprehension, fluency, and develops a love of literature.
6. Poem Memorization
Memorizing poetry is a regular part of the curriculum. Steady practice—reading aloud each night or practicing a few lines at a time—helps students succeed without stress when reciting in class.
--There is always something from the curriculum to study. Whether it’s reviewing math facts, rereading history chapters, or practicing a poem, small amounts of regular study make a big difference. By building these habits now, scholars learn responsibility, develop perseverance, and grow in their confidence as learners. Please refer to the blue sheet in the yellow folder with study strategies for more ideas.
A Reminder From the Family Handbook:
Attendance and Absences at ACA
Attendance MattersConsistent attendance is one of the most important factors in a student’s success. Our school’s handbook outlines clear expectations for being present and on time so that every child can fully benefit from classroom learning and community activities. Regular attendance and arriving on time are essential for every ACA student’s success.
Excused Absences
According to Arizona law, excused absences include:
Illness or medical appointments
Mental or behavioral health
Bereavement or family emergencies
Homelessness
Military processing
Out-of-school suspensions
Parents/guardians must call or email the school before 8:00 a.m. to report an absence. Without a message, the absence is recorded as unexcused. Students with chronic illness should contact the office for a Chronic Illness form.
After an excused absence, it is the student’s responsibility to make up missed work. Each teacher will share their own policy and deadlines for completing assignments.
Unexcused Absences & Vacations
All other absences are considered unexcused under state law, including vacations. Please schedule family trips during school breaks.
⚠️ Important: Teachers will not provide homework or classwork in advance for unexcused absences such as vacations. Students are also not guaranteed make-up work for these absences.
State Requirements
Five or more unexcused absences = “habitually truant”
Missing more than 10% of school days (excused + unexcused) may result in a citation
Ten consecutive unexcused absences will result in withdrawal from ACA
Key Takeaways for Families
Always call/email before 8:00 a.m. to report absences
Excused absences = work can be made up
Vacations/unexcused absences = no work provided ahead of time
Consistent attendance is critical to your child’s academic success
Expect student grades to lower if a trip is taken during a quarter due to missed content and work
Hello!
We are into the final stretch for our first quarter. Already we are only 2 weeks from marking the year as a quarter done. This means students need to ensure that they are finishing out the quarter strong, which means taking proper notes, double checking submitted work, and studying for assessments. If they show such dedication, they are guaranteed to succeed in fourth grade. So please check in with your student to see how they feel about school and to see if they are taking the steps to thrive.
NEWS:
-Monday, 9/21 History Comprehension Check- Scholars should be studying the guide they made in class and be able to write about the events that led to the Fall of Rome, why it was a time considered "dark", and what Monks and monasteries contributed to the era.
-Wednesday, 9/23 No Clubs due to Great Hearts Teacher In-Service
-Friday, 9/25 First part of Chapter 3 Math test. We will take the cumulative test in Quarter 2, but scholars will take a preliminary test of the first units covered in Chapter 3 this Friday. As always, scholars should make corrections to their blue math books to prepare.
-Poetry Recitation of Ozymandias is due on 9/25 (FRIDAY)
-In Quarter 2, all scholars will need a correct copy of our literature book- "Robin Hood". It is worth mentioning that it is only sold by the Core Knowledge website and may take longer to receive your copy. You may even want to have one parent order a large order to save on shipping/ensure order arrival. The link is: Robin Hood
Fall Conference Sign-Up:
CURRICULUM:
ELA:
We have a new poem for POETRY RECITATION. Students will be memorizing the poem "Ozymandias" by Percy B. Shelley and will recite it in front of the class Friday, September 25th.
LITERATURE continues book, Princess and the Goblin, so please ensure your student has their copy at school. This story is an engaging one that we will use to explore the genre of fantasy and analyze how written voice can help with characterization.
We continue our COMPOSITION program, which will culminate our first step in the 5 Paragraph Essay writing program by making an Introductory Paragraph about St. Benedict of Nursia. We use information from Chapter 4 in our History books and use our notes about the correct parts of the Intro Paragraph (H, GS, TS, 3PT sentences). This is a classwork project this entire week and is an essential piece in the steps of writing essays. It will be assessed for an ELA grade.
In GRAMMAR, we begin Chapter 4 in WOL cover the Direct Objects in sentences. Direct Objects are always nouns and receive the action of the predicate.
In LATIN AND GREEK ROOTS, we will be learning our next three roots; cir-, and trans-. With them we will learn the definition and spelling of the following: circuit, circumference, circle, circulate, circumvent, transcribe, translate, transfer, transparent, and transport.
For PHILOSOPHY, we discuss the question: "How do you know who your friends are?"
Math:
In math, we continue on Multiplication and Division, focusing on key concepts and practicing the operation of multiplication. Such concepts include further practicing multiplication of greater numerical value. This includes three-digit numbers, four digit numbers, and multiple multi-digit numbers. It is key that students are practicing their math facts for this unit. We will be assessing students for a final time in math for the quarter before we transition to division. This means students need to be practicing all avenues of multiplication, ranging from factor, multiples, and the operation itself.
Lessons on Double Digit Multiplication
History: This week, scholars will continue our study of Medieval Europe by learning about Charlemagne and the feudal system. We will explore Charlemagne’s rise to power, his efforts to strengthen and unify medieval Europe, and his influence on education, Christianity, and culture. Scholars will also learn how feudalism organized medieval society and examine the relationships between kings, lords, vassals, and knights.
In class, scholars will complete a cumulative comprehension check covering the first four chapters of the unit, study Chapter 5 on Charlemagne, and create a Charlemagne foldable. We will then begin Chapter 6, exploring feudalism and creating a colorful feudalism hierarchy drawing featuring our own heraldic symbols. Scholars will also continue building their knowledge of the geography of Europe.
Homework: Scholars will complete their Feudalism Hierarchy Drawing, which is due Monday, September 28.
The Two Churches of Eastern and Western Rome
Science:
In science this week, scholars are exploring the history of illumination before stepping into the shoes of engineers.
Wednesday (Thomas Edison): We will study his perfection of the incandescent lightbulb and the phonograph and debate his most impactful invention.
Thursday (Lewis Latimer): We will study this brilliant, often-forgotten draftsman who created the longer-lasting carbon filament and helped patent the telephone.
Friday (Engineering Design): Scholars will work in collaborative groups to design a device that uses an energy transformation to solve a real-world problem, drafting a detailed, labeled blueprint of their solution. This in-class project will translate as a test grade.
Homework & Reminders
Wednesday: Thomas Edison HW Reader & Questions
Note: Science Spirals will be collected for review and grading this week.
Remember, the blog is updated weekly. Be sure to come back frequently to see any upcoming events or changes in fourth grade.