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:
-This weekend's homework: We will not usually post homework here on the blog, but we do have some items we would like parents to help remind their children to get finished up this weekend.
1. Yellow procedures paper needs to be in the plastic sheet in the yellow folder. It should be read in its entirety and signed by both the scholar and the parent.
2. 4th graders should write one goal for themselves on page 4 of the Agenda titled "Plan Your Goal".
3. Read a chapter book (at least 150 pages) for at least 20 min.
4. Complete the blue paper called "Complete the Assignment" in complete sentences with capital letters and proper punctuation. Cursive handwriting is preferred.
5. Parents- Please fill out and return the purple Parent Survey handed out at Meet the Teacher.
6. Scholars should ask parents to sign their completed agendas every single night for Quarter 1.
-Picture day on 8/25. 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).
Uniform Guidelines from Admin:
- Athletic shoes should be black, white, or black and white. No other color on the shoes. Soles should be white or gum colored. If you have already bought shoes with black soles, that is fine. Please ensure future pairs of show do not have black soles. They mark up the MPR and gym floors.
- 2nd- 5th graders should wear a belt with shorts or pants. If your scholar sometimes forgets a belt, encourage them to take it off and place it in their desk at the end of the day.
- Please ensure that hair bows are white, navy, burgundy, ACC plaid, or black. They should be no wider than your palm.
- The only two items allowed on backpacks are hand sanitizer and Virtue Tags. The reason for this change is that many items were toys and distracting.
Curriculum:
ELA:
In GRAMMAR, we will be reviewing our knowledge of key parts of the principle elements of a sentence and the 4 Types of Sentences including: Declarative, Exclamatory, Interrogative and Imperative.
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:
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 on their Roots cards kept in their Roots pouch and the derivative spellings.
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.
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.
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 and Khanacademy videos 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. We’re also diving into the fascinating world of physics and exploring how energy moves and transforms. Here is a summary of the concepts featured in this week's highlights:
Understanding Energy Transfer: We are taking a closer look at a classic demonstration of energy in motion: the Newton’s Cradle. This experiment vividly illustrates the principles of energy conservation, showing how energy is transferred through a system rather than being lost.
Potential vs. Kinetic Energy: To further our understanding of how energy works, we are exploring the difference between potential energy (stored energy) and kinetic energy (energy in motion). These core concepts explain how objects interact with their environment and how energy changes form to create the physical world we observe every day.
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.