Q4W7

Hello!

As the horizon of fourth grade rapidly approaches, it is important to recognize that in many ways it is these last few weeks that will test the students’ character. Some have fought tooth and nail in order to secure calm waves for the rest of the school year. Others will have to sail by ash breeze, dragging themselves across to success, just like Nathaniel Bowditch had done for so many years. Either way, every scholar should take pride in how far they have come, especially now that there is less than a month left. In that month we have many storms ahead, such as the end-of-year Singapore Math Test and a final Five Paragraph Essay, but if the students’ eyes stay pressed on that horizon, focused on finishing strong, I will be wishing them farewell in no time. 

News:

History Comprehension Check on May 4th. This will be quizzing students on the role of two major works of American Literature: The Declaration of Independence and Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense”. Students will be expected to explain the impact of each and how they converted many colonists at the time from loyalists to hot-blooded patriots. 

Singapore Math Test coming up. This is a cumulative test that encompasses the entire year, spanning almost 50 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. 

“If” Poem Due on Friday, May 19th. It is a long one, so ensure that your scholar is spending time studying it each day. 

https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/46473/if--- Listen to the poem here.

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 speeding through the WOL book, confronting compound sentences and reiterating terms such as simple/complete subjects/predicates. We are winding down new content for grammar in order to make room for a final writing practice. 

LITERATURE is continuing with Carry On, Mr. Bowditch, and we will be reading chapters 15-16 throughout the week, using them as an excellent springboard for discussions about helping others and communication. 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 continuing writing practice with more summary writing practice and test prep packets. We will also practice our note taking skill through dictations. 

In LATIN AND GREEK ROOTS, we will learn the following roots:

mal/mis = bad

mal ice – (n) the intention or desire to do evil 

mal func tion (v) to fail to function normally or satisfactorily/ or (n) a failure to function 

mis spell (v) to spell incorrectly 

mis take (n) an action or judgement that is misguided or wrong 

mis be have (v) to fail to conduct oneself in a manner that is acceptable to others

bonus = good 

bo nus (n) something extra good 

boun ty (n) plenty or reward 

boon (n) a thing that is good or beneficial 

bon vo yage (adj & n) French expression to wish someone a good journey

For PHILOSOPHY, we will be exploring the idea of motivation and how we can find the will to power on through these last few weeks of school, even if they feel to be the hardest. 

Math:

In math, we are continuing to review the entire year’s worth of content. We are going chapter by chapter to review and quiz each subject that we have conquered in the past. This week includes chapter 8-10 of the Singapore Math books. This is vital to prepare for the end-of-year Singapore Math Test. 

History:

In history, students will understand the ideological impact of the “Declaration of Independence” and “Common Sense” by Thomas Paine, as well as the undeniable impact of women and black Americans during the revolutionary war. That will allow for students to successfully take a comprehension check regarding these influential documents. 

Science:

In science, we continue learning about the Respiratory System. We will learn more about the specific parts, practice using our notes to answer questions on the lungs, and navigate the overwhelming risks of smoking and how it impacts the lungs. This will prepare us for our final comprehension check in science in the coming weeks. 

https://youtu.be/B1G6JB8A6sc - How smoking damages the lungs

Remember, the blog is updated weekly. Be sure to come back frequently to see any upcoming events or changes in fourth grade.