Fourth grade has been quite a busy place, lately! We wrapped up our Unit 6 in Math (which mostly focused on long division and measuring angles), and have launched into Unit 7, which focuses on the many features of fractions. Even though division won't be in the spotlight for this unit, it still needs to be practiced and not forgotten (as well as other learned math skills from previous units: such as using parentheses in equations, rounding whole numbers to a specific place value, etc.). Students have an opportunity to revisit some of these in class through their daily "Math Box" activities. At home, they can visit EM Games, and replay a game to review certain skills and concepts, too. I've also created a Math website files resource down at the bottom of our PKY 4th grade webpage. There are links organized into categories such as - division, fractions, etc. - which can also help your child reinforce those particular skills and concepts.
In Reading/S.S., we are in are final phase of our Westward Expansion diary projects. Your child should have already completed his/her 3 diary entries, and this week will be revising and polishing those entries so that they will be ready to publish next week. We try to have everyone do as much as they can in class, but if your child is behind the deadline, then he/she will need to take his/her diary entries home to work on them. Our Westward Expansion project pacing calendar and the rubric is available for you to see in the Parent Files section of our 4th grade page.
The move to the portables is approaching quickly, as well! Our tentative 1st day with the students in our new classrooms will be next Monday, February 14th. There is a Parent Open House scheduled for this Tuesday, Februrary 8th, from 6-7pm in the PAC which will provide you with information about our learning communities and the to-be new building. We look forward to seeing you there!
Also, we have some important dates to announce:
- Our 4th grade Spring Scholastic Book Fair will be held April 5-8 (Tuesday-Friday, the week after Spring Break). The money raised at this book fair will help pay for your child's Kennedy Space Center field trip costs.
- Our overnight Kennedy Space Center field trip will be May 26-27 (Thursday-Friday). FYI - This is a trip which does not have a specific chaperone limit. More information will come in the weeks to follow. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. A at aadimoolah@pky.ufl.edu .
Finally, but most importantly, the FCAT Florida Writes exam is just around the corner - Tuesday, March 1st. Several students still need much practice with their writing, including - responding to narrative and expository prompts (especially given the limited 45 minute time frame), organizing their writing into a clear beginning, middle and ending (in paragraph formation), keeping their writing focused on the topic; and using details and rich language (strong verbs, adjectives, specific nouns, etc.) to enhance their writing. I have attached some writing resources into the Parent files section which you can use to help your child at home. I also recommend taking a look at some of the specific prompts used in years past, and simply talking about them with your child about how they could respond to them. 4th grade will be sending home a sample writing resource packet by the end of the week for you, as well.
As always, if you have any questions, feel free to contact one of us. Thank you for your continued support!
The Fourth Grade Team
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