Bridges 4th Grade Welcome Letter and Unit Overviews 

We are almost at the end of Unit 1.  Our first assessment will be on Thursday, October 9.  

Our focus for this unit has been on multiplication and division.  We used models such as open number lines, arrays and ratio tables to represent and solve multiplication and division expressions and story problems.  We used area models to investigate factors and multiples and prime and composite numbers.  We reviewed strategies for finding basic multiplication facts.  This week we will conclude the unit by learning how to use multiplication to represent comparative situations.  (Unit 1 overview)

We are almost at the end of Unit 2.  Our second assessment will be on Thursday, November 13.  

Our focus for this unit has been on multi-digit multiplication and early division.  We used base-ten area pieces to model single and double-digit multiplication problems.  We then learned how to sketch arrays on grid paper and then moved to "quick sketching" frames for each multiplication problem.  We have also learned to use place value relationships to find missing values.  This week we will conclude the unit by focusing on strategies for solving division problems with remainders and then interpreting remainders based on context.  (Unit 2 overview)

We are almost at the end of Unit 3.  Our third assessment will be on Thursday, December 18.  

Our focus for this unit has been on fractions and decimals.  We used a variety of tools such as folded paper strips, egg cartons, geoboards, number lines and base ten pieces to model, read, write, compare, order, compose and decompose fractions and decimals.  We explored the relationship between improper fractions and mixed numbers and investigated equivalent fractions using egg cartons.  We used geoboards to compare fractions with unlike denominators and to describe parts in relation to other parts.  We used base ten mats to introduce decimal notation and to investigate the relationship between tenths and hundredths.  This week we have explored the relationship between decimals and fractions (including halves, fourths, fifths, and twentieths).   (Unit 3 Overview)

We are almost at the end of Unit 4.  Our third assessment will be on Thursday, January 29.  

Our focus for this unit has been on addition, subtraction and measurement.  We focused on place value to 1,000,000 and multi-digit addition strategies.  We learned the standard algorithm for addition and compared it to other strategies, such as Give & Take, Split It Up, and using an open number line.  We also learned the standard algorithm for subtraction and discovered that other strategies such as Constant Difference and Removal are sometimes more efficient.  Finally, we explored benchmarks and relative sizes for length, time, liquid volume, mass and weight, and used ratio tables and place value skills to convert measurements.  (Unit 4 Overview)

We are at the end of Unit 5.  Our third assessment will be on Thursday, February 26.  

Our focus for this unit has been on geometric concepts, including angles and angle measure, parallel and perpendicular lines, and reflective symmetry.  Students learned to compare, analyze, classify, and measure angles.  Students learned that angles turn around a fixed point and are additive in nature.  Students investigated parallel and perpendicular lines as well as lines of symmetry and used these terms to sort and classify polygons.  Students used formulas to calculated both the area and perimeter of rectangles and complex figures.  (Unit 5 Overview)