Fourth Grade
Want to know when we have art, music, pe, lunch etc.? Check out our class schedules.
 Math
4th grade
We are continuing to work on Unit 2 in Math: Number Computation, Patterns, and Relationships. We are working on getting faster at solving our basic multiplication and division facts. This is helping us to solve equations and expressions with variables and parentheses. Also, we are working hard on strategies to solve word problems. The Unit 2 review packet will be coming home a week before the assessment. The unit assessment test will be on December 18th and 19th.
5th grade
We will be taking our Unit 2 Math Assessment on Tuesday, December 2nd and Wednesday, December 3rd. We have worked very hard on geometry. Once we finish our Unit 2 assessment we will start unit three. Unit three is a very heavy unit. There is a lot of important information. Unit 3 deals with decimals, fractions and percents.
Brush up on your math skills with the websites below:
Fact
Practice
Math Practice
Math flashcards
Multiplication.com
That’s a Fact
 Reading
We have completed our study of fantasy. We are beginning to read realistic fiction novels based on our reading levels. We will begin Literature Circles and focus on what makes a good “book talk”. In listening, we will begin Bud, Not Buddy, which is a historical fiction book set during the Great Depression. We are also reading many different forms of informational text in Social Studies and Science.
Writing
In writing, we are focusing on the 6 traits of Writing (Organization, Ideas, Conventions, Sentence Fluency, Voice, and Word Choice). We will be reading picture books that display these traits and compare and study how we can use the traits better in our own writing. Also, we will be Writing to Inform. We will be researching and writing informational pieces. This will tie into our study of the Chesapeake Bay and Native Americans.
 Spelling
We have begun our new spelling program. Every 2 weeks we will be focusing on a pattern or rule. Your child has 15 affix spelling words, 3 content words, and 2 “special words” chosen from their writing. Every 2 weeks there will be a packet to complete and a spelling test on Friday. Additionally, students will be responsible for spelling and using these words in their writing. Please remember your child’s spelling grade is based on both their spelling assessments and their writing.
Science
In science this month we will be continuing our Chesapeake Bay animal research project. We are using online resources as well as print resources for our research. This project is a great way to learn about an important ecosystem in our area while integrating technology and research skills. Attached is a project outline. As of now the due date is flexible, but we anticipate we will be finished before the holiday break. Our next science unit will be Earth Materials, which we will begin in the near future.
 Social Studies
Students will be introduced to the past cultures of the Native Americans of Maryland. Students will use primary source documents, pictures, and expository texts to learn about the cultures distinct to Maryland. A graphic organizer, based on geographic characteristics, helps students record what they learn, and sets them up for their study of Native Americans across the United States.
 Field Trips
Stay tuned to find out about the fun field trips we will take this year!
 Other Important Information
- We enjoyed meeting with you during Parent Conferences. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.
- We have Adventure Theater coming on Tuesday, December 9th to perform the play of The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. Students have just finished listening to the story on tape and we are very excited to have Adventure Theater come in and perform!
 Birthdays
We have a very packed academic schedule. Please limit the birthday celebration to a small store bought treat, so we are able to clearly identify the ingredients via the label. Because there are children throughout the grade that have nuts and chocolate allergies, please be prepared to provide an alternative treat as well.
 Other Instructional Learning Sites
The following websites have lots of ways to practice at home:
Fact Practice: We are using this site in class to practice our basic facts.
Math Practice: Use this site to practice what we learn in class!
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Ms.
Julie Battle
Ms. Mary Droggitis |
