ELA: The fourth graders are working through our Review and Routines to "set the stage" for our reading instruction moving forward. We will also be working on fluency and reading skills through monthly activities that will be posted to Seesaw. Check out your fourth grader's work in the Seesaw app and feel free to leave them some kudos and encouragement for their hard work in reading.
Fourth graders will also continue learning skills utilizing our Schoolwide writing curriculum this year. "How Writer's Work" starts us off with practices that foster good writing using mentor texts (books) that model methods we want students using themselves. We also discuss the importance of using a Writer's Notebook and personalize their own. Writers will compose a personal narrative about a special memory they hold close to their heart. Talk to your fourth grader about what cherished memory they will choose to honor in this special writing piece.
4th Grade Math: Our fourth grade mathematicians will start with Bridges in Mathematics Unit 1: Multiplicative Thinking. Topics covered through our Modules include Models for Multiplication & Division, Primes & Composites, Multiplicative Comparisons and Equations and Measurement Experiences. Students can begin working on increasing fluency of basic multiplication facts to help gain a better understanding of these concepts. Please visit your child's Math Google Classroom to find useful math resources coming soon.
Students in 4th grade math will be using their 3 dark pink Bridges in Mathematics books (Student Book, Number Corner and Home Connections), a whiteboard, and math manipulatives (provided in class) They will also utilize the Bridges in Mathematics apps provided in class as well as Google Classroom and Seesaw to complete their tasks and assignments on their iPad.
Students will regularly have math homework from either their Student Book, Home Connections Book, or perhaps a separate activity on paper or through Seesaw.
Feel free to reach out to Mrs. Andorf (aandorf@dg58.org) to find out what students are working on in Accelerated (5th grade) Math Their 3 books have the same titles, but are red in color!
Science: Student scientists begin fourth grade with our first unit, "Plant and Animal Structures" from TCI: Bring Science Alive! It starts by covering plant topics including what structures are used for support and growth, protection, reproduction and how plants respond to their environment. The second part of the unit includes animal topics including what structures are used for circulation, digestion, support, movement, protection, and reproduction as well as how animals sense and respond to their environment.
Students will be accessing their science textbook through the TCI app in Clever. They will also take their notes within the app. Students will also use Google Classroom to utilize more science resources and complete activities on Seesaw.
Previewing and reviewing the text and completing notes regularly will help to gain understanding of the science concepts presented each day as well as taking an active role in our in-class science investigations. Students will have a Read at Home sheet to check off assignments they are assigned to read before discussing in class. They will also review vocabulary word cards for this assignment as well. Keep a look-out for this sheet in your child's Take Home Folder. Students will also have the opportunity to conduct simple investigations at home if they choose to do so for a more first-hand science experience.
Social Studies: We embark on our journey through the United States Regions in Social Studies this year with "my World" from SAVVAS. Fourth graders begin with investigating the land, resources, weather & climate and the people in our first Geography chapter. Students will review vocabulary and answer questions to guide their learning along the way. They have access to their text and other interactive features on the SAVVAS app by going through the Clever app on their iPads.
Social Emotional Learning (SEL): Our SEL instruction during this initial phase of the year pairs building community with the fourth graders and with discussion of topics including mental health, self care, managing emotions, worries, making mistakes, growth mindset and conflicts. Extended conversations of these topics with loved ones at home can help students navigate this challenging time for them. We utilize the Second Step SEL curriculum to deliver useful lessons to help your fourth grader face the year ahead of them and beyond. We will also be implementing the Zones of Regulation curriculum, which focuses on acknowledgement and regulation of emotions in order to maximize your well-being. In addition, our ORANGE FROG INITIATIVE will include SEL lessons to promote happiness and positivity among the staff and students to create an environment that leads to success. Please know I am always available should you need to discuss any emotional or social concerns you may have about your fourth grader.
Technology: The students come to fourth grade quite tech-savvy from their previous experiences at school and home with technology. I am impressed with the ease of iPad use the students show with the utilization of many apps. Students will continue to have the opportunity to showcase their technological skills and knowledge. We will be creating, communicating, and learning using the tools they have learned. I am excited to see what the students produce using all the technological skills they have refined and mastered over the years. Apps fourth graders will be using are (but not limited to): Google Drive/Docs/Slides, Seesaw, Google Classroom, TCI, Benchmark, Notability, IXL, and Chatterkid, to name a few. If you should have any issues with your child's iPad (nonworking or broken charger, keyboard, or cracked screen) please contact the Technology Help Desk using this LINK.
Reach out if you have any questions!