Math: This week we will officially begin Unit 4, which consists of geometry, measurement conversions, and area/perimeter. We begin the week by estimating measurements of objects in the classroom to become familiar with different units of measure. Then we get into converting some measurements and understanding what happens to the number if we convert from a larger unit (meters) to a smaller unit (centimeters). Next, we will be introduced to perimeter by measuring the perimeter of some objects in the classroom and then strategies for finding the perimeter of rectangles. Along the way, the students will also be dealing with measurement while solving story problems. Information on the Unit 4 Project will be coming home on Monday. There are two options from which the students can choose. The due date will not be until near the end of January.

Social Studies: We have finished researching and gathering information about Ohio's prehistoric American Indians groups. Next, we will learn about the historic American Indian tribes that lived in Ohio, like the Shawnee, Miami, Wyandot, Ottawa, and Delaware. Our goal is to learn how those tribes interacted with the Europeans that moved into this area and how those interactions led to conflict and cooperation. Finally, your child will choose one of the historic Ohio tribes to learn more about. They will research and gather information about their tribe by using internet links that I have saved on a webquest.

Language Arts:

• Reading-This week we will continue poetry stations in our reading class. We are identifying structural elements of poetry in small reading groups. You can find my Poetry Symbaloo below for your child to have extra practice exploring the world of poetry. Our future trimester 2 units include comparing poetry/drama/prose, point of view vs. perspective, character traits, and nonfiction text features.
• Writing-Students will choose topics from our Earth Science unit and compose three different paragraphs based on 3 different author's purposes. For example, if your child chooses the topic of water, they will then write a PERSUASIVE paragraph about water, an INFORMATIONAL paragraph about water, and an ENTERTAINING paragraph about water. Check out your child's work so far and chosen topics on Google Classroom ELA. We will also continue our writing poetry unit over the next two weeks.
  • Poetry Symbaloo: Poetry Symbaloo
• Language-Below are links of our Units 5-7 spelling words on Spelling City. We are continuing our verb unit and the practice links are already on our ELA Google Classroom. Students will have a combined dictation test on Friday including words from both all units.
  • Unit 5 Spelling City Links
  • Unit 6/7 Spelling City
  • Grammar Symbaloo

Science-We will continue CREATING our Earth Science projects this week. Students will finish working on their project IN CLASS this week, and the projects will be due next Monday 12/17. Next week is reserved for project presentations. Students were given flashcards on Wednesday of last week and should continue reviewing them for the test on Wednesday 12/12.

*REMINDER: STUDENTS WERE NOT REQUIRED TO PURCHASE MATERIALS FOR THIS PROJECT. I HAVE OFFERED MATERIALS TO STUDENTS IN NEED INCLUDING: CONSTRUCTION PAPER, POSTER BOARD, CARDBOARD, etc. ANY OTHER MATERIALS YOUR CHILD MIGHT WANT FOR THEIR PROJECT IS OPTIONAL.*

• Earth Science Project Choices
• Science Symbaloo

Math: We have wrapped up Unit 3. The students will take a post test on the material on Monday to help see what they need to work on before the unit test. We will play a review game on Tuesday with the help of our favorite game show host, Sparky Winkerbean. We will take the Unit 3 test on Wednesday. Our next unit is #4 which focuses on geometry, measurement conversions, and area/perimeter. The students will take a pretest on Unit 4 on Thursday. Don't forget the Unit 3 Math Project is due Monday, December 3 and the Unit 3 TEST will be Wednesday, December 5.

Social Studies: The students will have a short test on our Government unit on Friday. Look for a study guide to come home on Monday. At the beginning of the week we will begin diving into our next unit of study which is Ohio history. We begin by learning about Ohio's first people. They will practice researching and gathering information by using their textbooks to find information about Ohio's prehistoric American Indians groups.

Language Arts:

• Reading-This week we will begin poetry stations in our reading class. You can find my Poetry Symbaloo below for your child to have extra practice exploring literary devices and poetic structures. Our next few units include point of view, nonfiction text features, and the differences between poetry, drama, and prose.
• Writing-Students will choose topics from our Earth Science unit and compose three different paragraphs based on 3 different author's purposes. For example, if your child chooses the topic of water, they will then write a PERSUASIVE paragraph about water, an INFORMATIONAL paragraph about water, and an ENTERTAINING paragraph about water. Check out your child's work so far and chosen topics on Google Classroom ELA. We are also beginning our poetry unit and will explore poetic devices and poetic structures over the next four weeks.
  • Poetry Symbaloo: Poetry Symbaloo
• Language-Below are links of our Unit 5 spelling words on Spelling City. We are continuing our verb unit and the practice links are already on our ELA Google Classroom.
  • Unit 5 Spelling City Links
  • Grammar Symbaloo

Science-We will begin CREATING our Earth Science projects this week! Students will be working on their project IN CLASS for the next two weeks, and the projects will be due Monday 12/17. That last week will be reserved for project presentations. Students will be given flashcards this week to begin reviewing for the test on Wednesday 12/12.*TO CLARIFY: STUDENTS WERE NOT REQUIRED TO PURCHASE MATERIALS FOR THIS PROJECT. I HAVE OFFERED CONSTRUCTION PAPER, POSTER BOARD, CARDBOARD, etc. ANY OTHER MATERIALS YOUR CHILD MIGHT WANT IS OPTIONAL*

• Earth Science Project Choices
• Science Symbaloo

Math: We will switch back to working on multiplication this week. Now we are focusing on 2-digit by 2-digit multiplication, but our numbers will both be in the teens or a multiple of 10 like last week. For example, 16 x 12 can be solved by breaking apart one of the numbers. So we can do 10 x 12 and 6 x 12 to get the answer. The Unit 3 TEST will be Wednesday, December 5. Look for information to come home this Wednesday about preparing for the test. The Unit 3 Math Project is due Monday, December 3.

Social Studies: This week we will focus on the three branches of government. Students will need to know the three branches (executive, legislative, and judicial), what their jobs are, and what we call the people that work in those branches. If your child receives any responses to the letters they sent out a couple of weeks ago to their elected official have them bring it in so we can share the information with the entire class.

Language Arts:

• Reading-We will finish up Theme 9 this week and students will be assessed on finding the main idea and details in a nonfiction text and summarizing a nonfiction text. Our next few units include point of view, nonfiction text features, and the differences between poetry, drama, and prose.
• Writing-Students will choose topics from our Earth Science unit and compose three different paragraphs based on 3 different author's purposes. For example, if your child chooses the topic of water, they will then write a PERSUASIVE paragraph about water, an INFORMATIONAL paragraph about water, and an ENTERTAINING paragraph about water. Check out your child's work so far and chosen topics on Google Classroom ELA. We are also beginning our poetry unit and will explore poetic devices and poetic structures over the next four weeks.
  • Poetry Symbaloo: Poetry Symbaloo
• Language-Below are links of our Unit 5 spelling words on Spelling City. We are also beginning a new verb unit and the practice links are already on our ELA Google Classroom.
  • Unit 5 Spelling City Links
  • Grammar Symbaloo

Science-We will finally begin our Earth Science projects this week! Students will be working on their project IN CLASS for the next three weeks, and the projects will be due the last Monday before Winter break (Monday 12/17). That last week will be reserved for project presentations. We will spend this week researching our project topics, and all project materials are due by next Monday 12/3. I will also be sending home flashcards for students to begin studying for their Earth Science unit test. I plan on giving the test on Monday 12/10.

• Science Symbaloo

Math: We will continue working on division this week. However, to get them ready for 3-digit by 1-digit division we will practice multiplying by multiples of 10. For example, if they know 6 x 5 = 30, then it will be easy to multiply 60 x 5 to get 300. Keep practicing those division facts to be ready for our Mad Minute on Friday.

Social Studies: This week we will review the five freedoms from the First Amendment before exercising our right to petition the government. The students will be writing a letter to an elected official. As a class we will brainstorm ideas (issues or questions) to write about in our letters. Then they will decide who would be best to write to based on that idea. We may have some letters going to the mayor of Loveland, lawmakers in Columbus or Washington D.C., the governor of Ohio, or even the president. The students will be anxious to hear back I'm sure.

Language Arts:

• Reading-This week we will continue summarizing nonfiction texts and exploring content from Theme 9 (Native Americans).
  • Theme 9 Symbaloo
    • https://www.symbaloo.com/mix/theme9
• Writing-Students will begin their first opinion writing piece this week (issues of water found on Earth). Check out your child's work so far and chosen topics on Google Classroom ELA.
• Language-We are taking a break from spelling units this week, however students will begin their new language unit (verbs). There is a practice link below and practice links already on our ELA Google Classroom for your child to practice.
  • Grammar Symbaloo

Science-We will begin our mini landforms unit this week in our new science stations.

• Science Symbaloo

Math: This week we turn our attention to division. We begin with mostly 2-digit numbers divided by a 1-digit number, though we dabble in 3-digit by 1-digit too. The students will treat these as multiplication problems with a missing factor for the most part. For example, 84 divided by 6 we think of ? x 6 = 84. They will start with what they know, like 11 x 6 = 66 (we call that taking a giant leap for mathkind) and count up from there. They will learn division strategies later in the year. And since we are starting division, our fact fluency Fridays will now be division facts. So instead of 5 x 7 = 35, it will now be 35 divided by 7 = ?. Don't forget there is a link to a Mad Minute practice site on the math page of this blog.

Social Studies: We will finish typing our opinion paragraph on Issue 33 on Monday. Then we will dive into learning about the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The students will need to know the 5 freedoms that are contained in the First Amendment (freedoms of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition the government) and what they mean.

Language Arts:

• Reading-This week we will finish identifying main idea and details in nonfiction texts/summarizing information. We will also begin Theme 9 (Native Americans).
  • Themes 9 Symbaloo
    • https://www.symbaloo.com/mix/theme9
• Writing-Students will finish writing their passion paragraphs this week and begin their first opinion piece (issues of water found on Earth). Check out your child's work so far and chosen topics on Google Classroom ELA.
• Language-This week we will continue working through Unit 4 (alternate "o" and plural review). See our added Unit 4 Spelling City link below. We will also finish up our Comma Unit this week. There are practice links already on our Google Classroom for your child to practice.
  • Grammar Symbaloo
  • Spelling City Links:
    • Unit 4:
      • Alternate "o" and Plural Review

Science-We will begin discussing slow changes of the Earth's surface (weathering, erosion, deposition) this week and landforms.

• Science Symbaloo

Math: This week we jump into Unit 3 by learning how to solve 2-digit by 1-digit multiplication problems by breaking the 2-digit number into two smaller parts in order to solve the problem. For example, we can take 27 x 4 and turn it into (20 x 4) + (7 x 4). We should be ready for some division by the end of the week.

Social Studies: This week we will be experiencing the importance of being an informed voter by discussing Issue 33, which affects voters in Symmes Township. We will discuss both sides of the argument before the students will decide if they are in favor of Issue 33 or not. To practice their writing skills, we will turn their choice into an opinion writing piece which they will be bringing home on Thursday for you to proofread. So look for that to come home. They will type their final copy in class on Friday.

Language Arts:

• Reading-This week we I will pull texts for students to read relating to Earth Science and slow changes of the Earth (weathering, erosion, deposition). Content covered this week includes: main idea and details (nonfiction) and summarizing nonfiction texts. The following week we will begin Themes 9 and 10 (Native Americans).
• Writing-Students will finish writing their passion paragraphs and beginning their Halloween Candy Paragraph. Check out your child's work so far and chosen topics on Google Classroom ELA.
• Language-This week we will begin Unit 4 (alternate "o" and plural review). See our added Unit 4 Spelling City link below. We have also completed our Prepositions Unit and will begin our Comma Unit this week. There are practice links already on our Google Classroom for your child to practice.
  • Grammar Symbaloo
  • Spelling City Links:
    • Unit 4:
      • Alternate "o" and Plural Review

Science-We will begin discussing slow changes of the Earth's surface (weathering, erosion, deposition) this week and landforms.

• Science Symbaloo

Math: Don't forget the Unit 1 Math Project is due on Monday. The Unit 1 TEST will be Tuesday. To get ready for the test, we will play a review game on Monday. Students can be preparing for the test by completing the three assignments out on Freckle. The next unit we will dive into next is Unit 3, which consists of multiplication (2-digit by 1-digit and 2-digit by 2-digit) and division (2-digit by 1-digit), so keep working on those multiplication facts!

Social Studies: To wrap up our study of geography (map skills, natural resources, transportation, changes to the environment, and changing populations) students will take a short assessment on Friday. A study guide will come home on Monday to help them prepare. Please don't worry about the assessment too much because it only consists of 8 questions. So don't expect your child to memorize every fact on the study guide word for word. However, this will be a good chance for them to learn how to prepare for a test. In between we will begin focusing on our government unit. We will first learn about the rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizens followed by a discussion about how to make an informed decision when it comes to voting. The students will actually get the chance to vote on some issues on Thursday. You'll have to ask them what they learned about voting after that.

Language Arts:

• Reading-This week we will wrap up Theme 2. Below you can find two links. One link is an outline of Theme 1 content and the second link is my Theme 1/Theme 2 Symbaloo for students to check out ahead of time. Content covered this week includes: main idea and details (nonfiction) and summarizing both fiction and nonfiction texts.
  • Theme 1/Theme 2 Content: http://www.livebinders.com/media/get_centered/Mjk4MzcyOA==
  • Theme 1/Theme 2 Symbaloo: https://www.symbaloo.com/mix/themes121
• Independent Reading Project: Projects are due THIS Friday 10/26 (Trading Cards OR Bio Bag + written or typed paragraphs).
• Writing-Students will turn in their scribble narratives this Wednesday. Students will also finish writing their passion paragraphs. Check out your child's work so far and chosen passion paragraph topic on Google Classroom ELA.
• Language-This week we will begin Unit 4 (alternate "o" and plural review). See our added Unit 4 Spelling City link below.
  • Parts of Speech Link: http://interactivesites.weebly.com/parts-of-speech.html
    • Grammar Symbaloo
  • Spelling City Links:
    • Unit 4:
      • Alternate "o" and Plural Review

Science-We will wrap up our Water Unit and begin discussing slow changes of the Earth's surface (weathering, erosion, deposition).

• Science Symbaloo

Math: We will be wrapping up Unit 1 this week. To close it out we will focus on finding factors of some really big numbers. The Unit 1 TEST will be next Tuesday, October 23rd. Look for information to come home Monday on how to review for the test using Freckle. We will take the Unit 1 Post Test on Friday to see if we are ready and will play a review game next Monday. Also, don't forget the Unit 1 Math Project is due on Monday, October 22.

Social Studies: We will be finishing our group posters about how Ohio's population has changed over time and has become more diverse. The groups will share their posters this week to show the rest of the class what they learned about the time period they chose.

Language Arts:

• Reading-This week we will continue working our way through Theme 2. Students will start exploring what immigrants accomplished and struggles they faced once they made it to America. Below you can find two links. One link is an outline of Theme 1 content and the second link is my Theme 1/Theme 2 Symbaloo for students to check out ahead of time. Content covered this week includes: main idea and details (nonfiction) and summarizing both fiction and nonfiction texts.
  • Theme 1/Theme 2 Content: http://www.livebinders.com/media/get_centered/Mjk4MzcyOA==
  • Theme 1/Theme 2 Symbaloo: https://www.symbaloo.com/mix/themes121
• Independent Reading Project: Please talk with your child about which project (BIO Bag OR Character Trading Cards) they have chosen. Students will have some time in class to read through their book and to continue working on their projects. Projects are due Friday 10/26.
• Writing-This week we will finish our typed draft of our scribble drawing narratives, peer editing and students will be meeting with me before publishing their piece. Ask your child about their scribble drawing and where they are in the writing process. Students have also started writing passion paragraphs including their own bold beginnings, a topic sentence, supporting details and a conclusion sentence. Check out your child's work so far on Google Classroom ELA.
• Language-This week we will begin Unit 3 (contractions). See our added Unit 3 Spelling City link below.
  • Your child took a Language Checkpoint this week. Ask them about their score (out of 20 points) and the biggest area they can work on. Below your child can find resources to strengthen their skills:
    • Parts of Speech Link: http://interactivesites.weebly.com/parts-of-speech.html
    • Grammar Symbaloo
    • Spelling City Links:
      • Intro Words (America, understand, government):
        • https://www.spellingcity.com/view-spelling-list.html?listId=56587035
      • Unit 1 Words:
        • https://www.spellingcity.com/view-spelling-list.html?listId=56587066
      • Unit 2 Words:
        • https://www.spellingcity.com/view-spelling-list.html?listId=56653304
      • Unit 3 Contractions:
        • https://www.spellingcity.com/view-spelling-list.html?listId=57288433

Science-We will continue through our Water unit and discussing how we use water in our daily lives and its impact on Earth Science.

• Science Symbaloo

Math: We will spend this week reviewing the difference between prime and composite numbers, how to find all of the factors of any number between 1-100, and determining if one number is a multiple of another given number. To do this, we will be mixing in some games! One is called "Prime Number Hunt" and another is called "Multiple Turnover". Your child will be able to play "Multiple Turnover" at home on their Pearson account through the Game Center. The favorite, though, is of course "Factor/Multiple BINGO"! It should be fun!

Social Studies: Due to the fact that presentations last week were so well done, we are just now getting to the point of learning about how Ohio's population has changed over time and has become more diverse. Students will pair up to focus on one time period in Ohio's history and will discover who immigrated to Ohio during that time and why they came here. The groups will make a poster to display their findings which will be shared with the class by the end of the week.

Language Arts:

• Reading-This week we will finish Theme 1 of our Literacy by Design texts and begin Theme 2. Below you can find two links. One link is an outline of Theme 1 content and the second link is my Theme 1/Theme 2 Symbaloo for students to check out ahead of time. Content covered this week includes: main idea and details (fiction and nonfiction), reviewing story elements and analyzing characters in a text.
  • Theme 1/Theme 2 Content: http://www.livebinders.com/media/get_centered/Mjk4MzcyOA==
  • Theme 1/Theme 2 Symbaloo: https://www.symbaloo.com/mix/themes121
• Independent Reading Project: Please talk with your child about which project (BIO Bag OR Character Trading Cards) they have chosen. Students will have some time in class to read through their book and to begin working on their projects. Projects are due Friday 10/26.
• Writing-This week we will finish our typed draft of our scribble drawing narratives, peer editing and students will be meeting with me before publishing their piece. Ask your child about their scribble drawing and where they are in the writing process.
• Language-We will finish reviewing the first three intro words from our fourth grade phonics list (understand, America, government), Unit 1 words (turn, particular, perhaps, separate, surprise) and our Unit 2 words this week (definite, license, design, category, believe). I will give students an impromptu dictation assessment at some point this week to review their understanding before moving onto the next unit. Below you can find Spelling City links for each unit for your child to practice spelling each word.
  • Check out my Grammar/Language Symbaloo and extra for your child to explore this year:
    • Parts of Speech Link: http://interactivesites.weebly.com/parts-of-speech.html
    • Grammar Symbaloo
    • Spelling City Links:
      • Intro Words:
        • https://www.spellingcity.com/view-spelling-list.html?listId=56587035
      • Unit 1 Words:
        • https://www.spellingcity.com/view-spelling-list.html?listId=56587066
      • Unit 2 Words:
        • https://www.spellingcity.com/view-spelling-list.html?listId=56653304

Science-We will continue through our Water unit and discussing how we use water in our daily lives and its impact on Earth Science.

• Science Symbaloo

Math: First of all, don't forget that the Unit 5 Project is due on Monday, October 1. This week we will be working on finding all of the factors of a given number. The students will also be introduced to prime numbers (numbers with only 2 factors, 1 and itself) and composite numbers (numbers with more than 2 factors). We then move into multiplicative comparisons. For example, Darlene picked 7 apples and Juan picked 3 times as many apples. How many apples did Juan pick? We will finish out the week getting into determining if a given number is a multiple of another number. For example, is 7 a multiple of 44?

Social Studies: We will be wrapping up the in-class project that we started last week. Then we will have the groups present to the rest of the class. Most of them will like the opportunity to be the teacher for a change. We will finish out the week by learning about how Ohio's population has changed over time and has become more diverse.

Language Arts:

• Reading-This week we will finish working our way through Theme 1 of our Literacy by Design texts. Below you can find two links. One link is an outline of Theme 1 content and the second link is my Theme 1 Symbaloo for students to check out ahead of time. Content covered this week includes: main idea and details (fiction and nonfiction), reviewing story elements and analyzing characters in a text.
  • Theme 1 Content: http://www.livebinders.com/media/get_centered/Mjk4MzcyOA==
  • Theme 1 Symbaloo: https://www.symbaloo.com/mix/themes121
• Independent Reading Project: Project packets were given to students last Wednesday. Students will be focusing on the main character(s) of their chosen novel for this project. Please talk with your child about which project (BIO Bag OR Character Trading Cards) they have chosen. Students will have some time in class to read through their book and to begin working on their projects. Projects are due Friday 10/26.
• Writing-This week we will finish our rough draft for our scribble drawing narrative. We will focus in on the 6+1 writing traits: Conventions before we begin peer editing. Ask your child about their scribble drawing and where they are in the writing process.
• Language-We will continue reviewing the first three intro words from our fourth grade phonics list (understand, America, government), Unit 1 words (turn, particular, perhaps, separate, surprise) and blend in our Unit 2 words this week (definite, license, design, category, believe). Below you can find Spelling City links for each unit.
  • Check out my Grammar/Language Symbaloo and extra for your child to explore this year:
    • Parts of Speech Link: http://interactivesites.weebly.com/parts-of-speech.html
    • Grammar Symbaloo
    • Spelling City Links:
      • Intro Words:
        • https://www.spellingcity.com/view-spelling-list.html?listId=56587035
      • Unit 1 Words:
        • https://www.spellingcity.com/view-spelling-list.html?listId=56587066
      • Unit 2 Words:
        • https://www.spellingcity.com/view-spelling-list.html?listId=56653304

Science-This week we will conduct our third classroom experiment-The Color Lab! We will also begin our Water/Earth Science unit starting on Wednesday.

• Science Symbaloo

Math: On Monday we will review for the Unit 5 test by playing Math Jeopardy. The Unit 5 test will be on Tuesday. There are three assignments out on Freckle that the students can do to practice for the test. We then venture into the world of Unit 1. At the end of the week we will be looking at arrays of numbers and will begin working on finding all of the factors of a given number less than 100. Also, don't forget that the Unit 5 Project is due on Monday, October 1.

Social Studies: This week we will begin an in-class project that the students will work on with a partner. They will either be learning about Ohio's Land Regions, Ohio's Natural Resources, Modifications to the Environment in Ohio, or Early Transportation in Ohio. Their goal is to read details from our textbook and create a Google Slides presentation that they will then teach to the class. It should be fun!

Language Arts:

• Reading-This week we will continue working through Theme 1 of our Literacy by Design texts. Below you can find two links. One link is an outline of Theme 1 content and the second link is my Theme 1 Symbaloo for students to check out ahead of time. Content covered this week includes: main idea and details (fiction and nonfiction), reviewing story elements, author's purpose and exploring different genres.
  • Theme 1 Content: http://www.livebinders.com/media/get_centered/Mjk4MzcyOA==
  • Theme 1 Symbaloo: https://www.symbaloo.com/mix/themes121
• Independent Reading Project: Students chose fiction chapter books (they have NOT read yet) this past Friday. I will be conferencing with students, discussing their reading level with them and making sure their book is just right for this project. Project packets and details will be coming home by Wednesday of this week.
• Writing-This week we will finish our rough draft for our scribble drawing narrative. We will focus in on the 6+1 writing traits of Voice, Sentence Fluency and Conventions. Ask your child about their scribble drawing and where they are in the writing process.
• Language-We will continue reviewing parts of speech and "dissecting sentences" this week. Below are links for your child to review the parts of speech. We will continue to review the first three intro words from our fourth grade phonics list (understand, America, government) and begin discussing Unit 1: Open/Closed syllables and R-controlled vowels this week.
  • Check out my Grammar/Language Symbaloo and extra for your child to explore this year:
    • Parts of Speech Link: http://interactivesites.weebly.com/parts-of-speech.html
    • Grammar Symbaloo

Science-This week we will begin discussing and applying the Scientific Method and conduct our second classroom experiment-The Color Lab!

• Science Symbaloo

Parent Volunteers Needed: Perkinson Homeroom ONLY:

We will be tie dying our class shirts this year during one of our upcoming Art classes. I need 4-5 parent volunteers to help with this during school hours. The time frame would be 9:20-10:00. Please let me know if you'd like to help out via email. I will choose our tie dying date once the shirts have been delivered.

Thanks,

Mrs. Perkinson

perkinjo@lovelandschools.org

Math: This week we will be wrapping up Unit 5 by reviewing number forms (word form, expanded form), rounding, adding, and subtracting, but this time with numbers up to the 100,000 place. The end of unit test for Unit 5 will be next Tuesday, September 25th. Look for information to come home this Tuesday about how your child can prepare for the test using Freckle Math at home.

Social Studies: Constitution Day is Monday, September 17! So on Monday we will begin to learn a little bit about the United States Constitution. Throughout the rest of the week students will be using an interactive version of the Constitution on their computer to complete a scavenger hunt that will take them deep inside the details of the U.S. Constitution. By the end of the week you'll have to ask your child what they learned about their constitution.

Language Arts:

• Reading-This week we will begin applying all of the skills we learned last week (identifying story elements) as we head into Theme 1 of our Literacy by Design texts. Below you can find two links. One link is an outline of Theme 1 content and the second link is my Theme 1 Symbaloo for students to check out ahead of time.
  • Theme 1 Content: http://www.livebinders.com/media/get_centered/Mjk4MzcyOA==
  • Theme 1 Symbaloo: https://www.symbaloo.com/mix/themes121
• Writing-This week we will begin writing our rough draft for our scribble drawing narrative. We will focus in on the 6+1 writing traits of Ideas, Organization and adding Voice to our writing. Ask your child about their scribble drawing and the ideas they've already come up with!
• Language-We will continue reviewing parts of speech and "dissecting sentences" this week. Below are links for your child to review the parts of speech. I will also introduce our first three words from our fourth grade phonics list (understand, America, government). We will focus on proper nouns, parts of speech, syllabication and word meaning.
  • Check out my Grammar/Language Symbaloo and extra for your child to explore this year:
    • Parts of Speech Link: http://interactivesites.weebly.com/parts-of-speech.html
    • Grammar Symbaloo

Science-This week we will explore observations vs. inferences more in-depth and begin discussing/applying the Scientific Method.

• Process Skills Quizlet:
  • https://quizlet.com/152532240/4th-gradescientific-terms-flash-cards/
• Science Symbaloo

Math: The focus for this week is the subtraction of 3-digit and 4-digit numbers. Our goal is to be able to use the standard algorithm for solving subtraction problems. We will also continue to review numbers in word form and expanded form as well as rounding. On Friday we will take our third multiplication timed test, so keep working on those facts.

Social Studies: We will wrap up our map skills unit this week. At the end of the week, the students will begin creating a Google Slides presentation called, "Me on the Map." It is a fun way to learn some computer skills while also incorporating some geography concepts.

Language Arts:

• Reading-This week we will continue analyzing fiction texts and specific story elements (characters, setting, plot, conflict/resolution, theme).
  • Check out my Reading Symbaloo and extra resources for your child to explore this year:
    • Reading Symbaloo
• Writing-This week we will begin writing our rough draft for our scribble drawing narrative. We will focus in on the 6+1 writing trait of organizing and developing bold beginning, mighty middles and excellent endings. Ask your child about their scribble drawing and the ideas they've already come up with!
• Language-We will continue reviewing parts of speech and "dissecting sentences" this week. Students will come home with flashcards to review the parts of speech. There will be a short quiz given next Friday 9/21 to assess their understanding. I will also introduce our first three words from our fourth grade phonics list (understand, America, government). We will focus on proper nouns, parts of speech, syllabication and word meaning.
  • Check out my Grammar/Language Symbaloo and extra for your child to explore this year:
    • Grammar Symbaloo

Science-This week we will finish our posters representing the six process skills (observing, communicating, inferring, measuring, predicting and classification). We will also explore observations vs. inferences more in-depth this week. Students will be assessed on their understanding of the six process skills this Friday. Below is a Quizlet link to help them study. They will also have flashcards sent home on Monday.

• Process Skills Quizlet:
  • https://quizlet.com/152532240/4th-gradescientific-terms-flash-cards/
• Science Symbaloo

Math: The focus for this week is the subtraction of 3-digit and 4-digit numbers. Our goal is to be able to use the standard algorithm for solving subtraction problems. We will also continue to review numbers in word form and expanded form as well as rounding. On Friday we will take our third multiplication timed test, so keep working on those facts.

Social Studies: We will wrap up our map skills unit this week. At the end of the week, the students will begin creating a Google Slides presentation called, "Me on the Map." It is a fun way to learn some computer skills while also incorporating some geography concepts.

Language Arts:

• Reading-This week we will continue analyzing fiction texts and specific story elements (characters, setting, plot, conflict/resolution, theme).
  • Check out my Reading Symbaloo and extra resources for your child to explore this year:
    • Reading Symbaloo
• Writing-This week we will begin writing our rough draft for our scribble drawing narrative. We will focus in on the 6+1 writing trait of organizing and developing bold beginning, mighty middles and excellent endings. Ask your child about their scribble drawing and the ideas they've already come up with!
• Language-We will continue reviewing parts of speech and "dissecting sentences" this week. Students will come home with flashcards to review the parts of speech. There will be a short quiz given next Friday 9/21 to assess their understanding. I will also introduce our first three words from our fourth grade phonics list (understand, America, government). We will focus on proper nouns, parts of speech, syllabication and word meaning.
  • Check out my Grammar/Language Symbaloo and extra for your child to explore this year:
    • Grammar Symbaloo

Science-This week we will finish our posters representing the six process skills (observing, communicating, inferring, measuring, predicting and classification). We will also explore observations vs. inferences more in-depth this week. Students will be assessed on their understanding of the six process skills this Friday. Below is a Quizlet link to help them study. They will also have flashcards sent home on Monday.

• Process Skills Quizlet:
  • https://quizlet.com/152532240/4th-gradescientific-terms-flash-cards/
• Science Symbaloo

Math: This week we continue to focus on addition of 3-digit numbers. On Wednesday, the students will get to play their first math game of the year called Close to 1,000. By Friday we will be switching over to subtraction of 3-digit numbers to round out the week. Also, on Friday they will take their second Multiplication Mad Minute, so continue to work on those math facts. Your child should be bringing home directions for a math project for Unit 5. We went over the directions in class, but I wanted to remind parents that it is not due until the end of September. So try to help them budget their time and work on it a little at a time.

Social Studies: We will continue to work on our geography map skills as we work through a map activity this week. The students will be learning about their cardinal directions (north, south, east, west), intermediate directions (northeast, southeast, northwest, southwest), and finding distances on a map by using the map scale. Ask your child if they know the difference between cardinal and intermediate directions.

Language Arts:

• Reading-This week we are heading into the world of story elements. We are going to analyze character, setting, plot, theme and conflict in several different fiction texts.
  • Check out my Reading Symbaloo and extra resources for your child to explore this year:
    • Reading Symbaloo
• Writing-This week we will continue exploring the 6+1 Traits of Writing (ideas, organization, word choice, voice, sentence fluency, conventions, presentation). We will mainly practice how to develop strong ideas for our current scribble drawing writing piece. Ask your child about their scribble drawing and the ideas they've already come up with!
• Language-We will spend this week reviewing parts of speech and I will introduce our first three words from our fourth grade phonics list (understand, America, government).
  • Check out my Grammar Symbaloo and extra for your child to explore this year:
    • Grammar Symbaloo

Science-This week we will discuss observations vs. inferences and the six process skills we will use throughout the year (observing, communicating, inferring, measuring, predicting and classification).

• Science Symbaloo

Math: This week we will begin our first unit of the year, which happens to be Unit 5. On Monday the students will take a pretest on the skills covered in Unit 5. The topics covered this week will include place value, rounding, numbers in word form, numbers in expanded form, and addition of 3-digit numbers. On Friday I will introduce a math project for Unit 5 that the students will complete at home. It is not due until the end of the unit, which will be sometime around the end of September. Also on Friday students will take their first "Mad Minute", which is a multiplication fact fluency assessment. They will have 3 minutes to complete as many multiplication facts as they can. We will continue to do this each Friday to keep their skills sharp. You can find information on how to practice math facts at home on the computer if you go to my MATH page on the blog.

Social Studies: We begin the year studying geography and students are expected to know their continents and oceans at fourth grade. They will be bringing home a color coded study guide by Tuesday or Wednesday to help them prepare for our first quiz of the year on Friday. They will not be required to know how to spell all of the continents and oceans on the quiz. They just need to be able to find them on a map.

Language Arts:

• Reading-We will begin looking at fiction vs. nonfiction this week, how to pick "just right" books for ourselves and the five elements of fiction.
  • Check out my Reading Symbaloo and extra resources for your child to explore this year:
    • Reading Symbaloo
• Writing-This week we will begin exploring the 6+1 Traits of Writing (ideas, organization, word choice, voice, sentence fluency, conventions, presentation). We will mainly practice how to develop strong ideas before composing written pieces.
• Language-We will spend most of this week and next week reviewing parts of speech.
  • Check out my Grammar Symbaloo and extra for your child to explore this year:
    • Grammar Symbaloo

Science-This week we will take a look at science safety skills, tools we will use in science class and how we envision ourselves as scientists on a daily basis.

• Science Symbaloo