What are we learning?

ELA- We have begun our non-fiction unit this week.  The students will learn about different types of non-fiction and apply strategies to comprehend texts in this genre better.  In writing, we are continuing our work on our realistic-fiction stories.  Please remind your child that they should be reading for about 25 minutes each night as part of their nightly homework.

Math- We are about halfway through our second module for math, where they have been learning how to multiply 2 and 3-digit numbers by 1-digit numbers!  They will be bringing home their Module 2 Apply books today. These are a great resource for additional practice at home. These do not need to be returned to school.  Coming home each night is their fluency page,  which we complete together at the beginning of each math lesson, as well as their exit ticket.   The exit tickets are graded on a 4-point rubric scale, similar to the grades you see on their report cards.  This will help you gauge how well they understand and are successfully applying the strategies learned in each lesson. As always, please let us know if you have any questions!

Science- We have just begun switching with Mrs. Ashkar's class!  Mrs. Ashkar will be teaching our class all about animal senses for the next month or so. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to her at sashkar@bville.org. 

WIN groups- During our WIN reading time, students work with their WIN teacher. They spend this time learning about their spelling words, as well as working in small reading groups.  This model is designed so that all students receive focused instruction that best meets their reading and spelling needs. They do the same for WIN math.  Each math group works on concepts presented in Module 2 and is catered to the needs of that group.

Food Drive-  Fourth grade is collecting items for our annual food drive.  Please see the flyer that has been sent home in your child's backpack.

Trimesters-  As you may already know, the elementary schools have recently adopted a trimester schedule for report cards.  These will be made available in Schooltool on 12/5.  Please note that this is different than the middle and high school, which still operate on a quarter schedule.  

ELA- The students have begun their narrative unit, where they have been learning about elements of fiction writing.  Currently, they are learning about character development.   Beginning this week, they will begin writing their own realistic fiction stories! 

Math- We are about halfway through our first module for math!  As you have noticed, the students have been bringing home their fluency pages.  These have been their morning work, which we go over at the beginning of math.  Now that they are becoming more acclimated with the routines of math workshop, we will begin grading and sending home their exit tickets for each lesson.  These will be graded on a 4-point rubric scale, similar to the grades you see on their report cards.  As always, please let us know if you have any questions!

Social Studies- The students finished their first unit in geography.  They all did an amazing job on their tests!  We have begun our next unit on the Haudenosaunee. 

WIN groups- As your child may have mentioned, the fourth graders are working in small reading and math groups across the grade-level.  This provides the students an opportunity to receive additional support in both areas that target their individual needs.  We are very excited about this district-wide initiative. 

Conferences- If you have not already done so, please sign up for your child's conference this fall.   Nov 4th or Dec 10th.  If these dates/times do not work for you, please let us know, and we can accommodate a time that works better.  We are also able to schedule virtual conferences as well!  Just let us know.