Week of 6/3- 6/8

Dear 4th grade families,

We had an unexpected two days off due to the typhoon! I hope you are all safe and doing well.

Here is what we will be doing for our final few days of 4th grade:

Math: We will wrap up math by completing the summative check (was supposed to be 6/1) on Monday.
Bible: We will continue to learn about devotions- and what it means. We will look into God's Word about how we can grow to learn more about God.
Reading: We will read our picture books to the second grade class this week!
Spelling: no spelling
Writing: We are putting together a handwritten 4th grade memory book together! Each student is in charge of writing about an event/unit of study from this past year- and we will make a compilation of all the writings to make a book for each student!
Chapel: Monday (Awards chapel)
Japanese/Literacy: Monday and Tuesday
PE: Monday and Wednesday
Library: No more Library for this school year.

Week of 5/29- 6/2

Dear 4th grade families,

We only have 2 more weeks of 4th grade left!

Here is what we will be doing next week:

Math: We will learn about polygons and how to classify them. We will also review what we have learned in 4th grade math and take a summative assessment on Thursday.
Bible: We will continue to learn about devotions- and what it means. We will look into God's Word about how we can grow to learn more about God.
Science: We will learn about animal group behavior, and animal life cycles.
Spelling: no spelling due to a shorter week.
Music: Wednesday
Chapel: none
Art: Friday
Japanese/Literacy: Tuesday, Thursday
PE: Wednesday
Library: No more Library for this school year.

Week of 5/22- 5/26

Dear 4th grade families,

We only have three more weeks of 4th grade left!

Here is what we will be doing next week:

Math: We have been learning about measurements, area and perimeters of quadrilaterals. Next week, we will learn to identify angles, add and subtract angles, and identify types of triangles.
Bible: We will learn about devotions- and what it means. We will look into God's Word about how we can grow to learn more about God.
Science: We will learn about animal adaptations and variations in their trats and how that helps them in their survival.
Social Studies: We have been learning about Okinawan culture and history! This week we will conclude our studies by learning about the Okinawan Hogan, the language of Okinawa.
Spelling: Spelling list 33. Test is on Friday 5/26
Music: Friday
Chapel: Monday
Art: Friday
Japanese/Literacy: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
PE: Monday, Wednesday
Library: Friday

Week of 4/24- 4/28

Dear 4th grade families,

Here is what we will be doing next week:

Math: We have been learning about decimals. We will learn how to add and subtract decimals up to the hundredth's place. We will also begin our unit review.
Bible: We have been memorizing Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus' words to his disciples before he ascended back to heaven. We will have the part 3 quiz on Friday 4/28. We will also learn about being good stewards of our time, our talents/gifts, and our world.
Science: We will be doing our last investigation for the energy unit! We will be learning about light waves and energy. The students will answer the focus question, "How do light waves travel?"
Social Studies: The students have started a new project (that will be made at home) Due date is 5/1.
Spelling: No spelling this week- we will be focusing a lot on writing instead.
Music: Friday
Chapel: Monday
Art: cancelled- Field day
Japanese/Literacy: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
PE: Monday, Wednesday
Library: Friday

Week of 4/17- 4/21

Dear 4th grade families,

Here is what we will be doing next week:

Math: We will be learning about decimals and how to convert fractions of tenths and hundredths into decimal notation. (Lesson 12.1, 12.2, 12.3)
Bible: We have been memorizing Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus' words to his disciples before he ascended back to heaven. We will talk about this verse in depth by discussing what evangelism is, and how God wants us to share the good news of the gospel.
Science: We will do some demonstrations to learn about energy traveling on waves.
Social Studies: We have been learning about ancient China! Last week we learned about holidays and celebrations from ancient China, and similarities/differences with the holidays we celebrate. We also learned about some emperors as well as the Great Wall and the Terracotta Warriors. This week, we will learn about ancient Chinese inventions and explorations. We will be beginning a new Social studies project- stayed tuned for more information!
Spelling: No spelling this week. Instead, we will review 10 vocabulary words we have learned during the past 5 spelling lessons. The review sheets were sent home on Friday.
Music: Friday
Chapel: Monday
Art: Wednesday
Japanese/Literacy: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
PE: Monday, Wednesday
Library: Friday

Week of 3/20- 3/24

Dear 4th grade families,

We had a fun week of reading and the students did so well on their presentations for culture fair day!

Here is what we will be doing next week:

Math: We will review how to decompose, add and subtract mixed numbers. We will review and test this week as well on Thursday 23th.
Bible: Since this is the last week of 3rd quarter, we will review and do devotions to wrap up what we have learned in Bible class during 3rd quarter.
Science: We will not do a new science investigation this week for students to complete their country informational reports.
Social Studies: The students will complete their country research reports to conclude their country research unit.
Spelling: No spelling this week.
Grammar: We will learn and review using correct verb tenses. We will have a quiz on Friday 24th.
Music: Friday
Conference : Tuesday
Chapel: Monday
Art: Wednesday
Japanese/Literacy: Monday,Thursday
PE: Monday, Wednesday
Library: Friday

Week of 3/13- 3/17

Dear 4th grade families,

We had a wonderful time at camp together! We played fun games, hiked Mt. Ishikawa, made a lantern, sang songs together, roasted marshmallows at the campfire, and learned more about God!

Here is what we will be doing next week:

Math: We will begin unit 10. In this unit, we will learn about what mixed numbers are, and how to add and subtract mixed numbers. (Lesson 10.1-10.5)
Reading: We will continue to learn how to make inferences when reading novels. We are also doing the annual reading challenge March 1-17!
Bible: We will learn about the New Testament categories: The Gospels, Acts of the Church, Epistles (letters), and Apocalyptic literature (Revelations). We will have a quiz on this on Friday. As a bonus, students can write down the New Testament books/letters on the back of their quiz too!
Science: Investigation 4.2- We will learn about kinetic energy and potential energy by rolling down steel balls down ramps. The students will ask the question, "How does size and hight of a steel ball affect the speed of the ball?"
Social Studies: We will finish up preparing our country presentation boards so that when we return from camp, we will practice for our presentation on March 17.
Spelling: No spelling this week due preparing for culture fair and student led conferences.
Music: Friday
Art: Wednesday
Japanese/Literacy: Monday, Tuesday,Thursday
PE: Monday, Wednesday
Library: Friday

Week of 3/6- 3/10

Dear 4th grade families,

Next week is camp week! Here is what we will be doing:

Math: On Monday and Tuesday, we will take some time to review what we have learned so far.
Reading: We have been learning how to make inferences when reading novels. Using what we have learned so far, students will be reading about "Harris Burdick" and his mysterious illustrations and write a story inferring what the illustrations are about! We are also doing the annual reading challenge March 1-17!
Bible: At camp- We will do some devotions together to talk about the full picture of the Bible, and what that means for us.
Science: No science this week due to camp.
Social Studies: We will finish up preparing our country presentation boards so that when we return from camp, we can practice for our presentation on March 17.
Spelling: No spelling this week due to camp.
Music: none
Art: none
Japanese/Literacy: Monday, Tuesday
PE: Monday
Library: none

Week of 2/27- 3/3

Dear 4th grade families,

Here is what we will be doing next week:

Math: We have been learning how to decompose fractions, as well as how to add and subtract fractions with like denominators. We will do some review and have a test on Thursday 3/2.
Reading: Our current reading strategy is learning how to make inferences when reading fiction and nonfiction texts. We support our inferencing using text evidence. This week, we will look at some fun mysterious illustrations to make inferences about what is happening in the picture. Then, students will write a story based on their inferences.
Bible: We will read the Bible together to learn about what the Scriptures say about Salvation in Christ Alone.
Science: We will do investigation 3.3 this week, on the topic of telegraphs. Students will connect what they have learned so far about electromagnets and create a working telegraph that can send messages using a code system.
Social Studies: We painted our boards last week, and the students are typing their paragraphs that will be pasted onto their presentation boards. Their projects and paragraphs are due on 3/3 Friday.
Spelling: List 10 spelling words. Test is on Friday 3/3.
Music: Wednesday
Art: Friday
Japanese/Literacy: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
PE: Wednesday
Library: Friday

Week of 2/6- 2/10

Dear 4th grade families,

Here is what we will be doing next week:

Math: This week we will continue to learn how to identify equivalent fractions, as well as how to compare fractions using the benchmark fraction (1/2). The idea is, if we can identify if a fraction is larger or smaller than 1/2, we are able to estimate and compare which fractions are larger and smaller.
Reading: Our current read aloud book is "AL ong Walk to Water," a nonfiction biography about the life of Salva Dut of South Sudan. We will also continue to learn about the reading strategy of identifying the main idea and supporting details of a text.
Bible: We will read the Bible together to learn about what the Scriptures say about Jesus being the sacrifice for our sins. We will also continue to learn our 3rd quarter Bible memory verse, which is John 14:6-7. The assessment for part 2 is on Friday 2/10.
Science:We will do an assessment on investigations 1 and 2 of our energy unit. The assessment will cover electricity, magnets, conductors/insulators, circuits, types of energy, and materials that stick to magnets. Our review day will be Tuesday and Wednesday, and we will have our test on Thursday 2/9.
Social Studies: We will continue to research the 5 different African countries! Students are researching a country in groups of 4-5 students. Students are also working on their individual projects at home.
Spelling: List 9 spelling words with short i sounds. Test is on Friday 2/10.
Music: Wednesday
Art: Friday
Japanese/Literacy: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
PE: Wednesday
Library: Friday

Week of 1/30- 2/3

Dear 4th grade families,

Here is what we will be doing next week:

Math: We will begin our new math unit on fractions! The students will use math manipulatives such as fraction circles to learn and identify equivalent fractions.
Reading: Our current read aloud book is "I Survived the American Revolutionary War." We will also learn about the reading strategy of identifying the main idea and supporting details of a text.
Bible: We will read the Bible together to learn about what the Scriptures say about the consequence of sin. We will also begin learning our 3rd quarter Bible memory verse, which is John 14:6-7. The assessment for part 1 is on Friday 2/3.
Science:We will do an investigation to learn about the force of magnetism (investigation 2.3). The students will ask and answer the question, "When the distance between two magnets increases, what happens to the magnetic force?"
Social Studies: We will begin research on 5 different African countries! Students will study a country in a group of 4-5 students, and will be studying this country for the next month.
Spelling: List 8 spelling words with long i sounds. Test is on Friday 2/3.
Music: Wednesday
Art: Friday
Japanese/Literacy: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
PE: Wednesday
Library: Friday

Week of 1/23- 1/27

Dear 4th grade families,

2nd quarter has ended, and we have reached the half-way point of 4th grade! The students had a unique opportunity to be a part of a koto or biwa workshop this past week, and performed in front of parents and younger grades.

Here is what we will be doing next week:

Math: We will do a mid-year review and take a benchmark assessment to see how much we remember what we have learned so far in 4th grade. The next unit we will be all about fractions!
Reading: The students will begin 3rd quarter reflecting on their reading goals, and spend some time reading together and individually.
Bible: We will read the Bible together to learn about what the Scriptures say about sin.
Science: We will not do an investigation this week, but instead will be doing some reading about magnets. Students who were absent last week will catch up on the science investigations they missed.
Social Studies: We will finish presenting our biography reports. Then, we will begin reading about some well-known ancient African kingdoms, which is our next unit of study!
Spelling: List 7 spelling words with long i sounds. Test is on Friday 1/27.
Music: Wednesday
Art: Friday
Japanese/Literacy: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
PE: Wednesday
Library: Friday

Week of 1/16- 1/20

Dear 4th grade families,

We had a fun kite day! The wind was not blowing as much as we hoped but it was still fun to have families join us in the classroom and also on the field for kite day!

Here is what we will be doing next week:

Math: We will review on Monday-Wednesday, and on Thursday, we will have a test on Unit 7 on division.
Reading: Students have been reading books as well as online sources to continue their buigraphy research project.
Bible: We will read the Bible together to learn about what it means that we are all created in God's image.
Science: We will do investigation 2.2 on Wednesday. Students will be asking the question and answering: "What happens when two or more magnets interact? What happens when a piece of iron comes close to or touches a permanent magnet? "
Social Studies: We will write our biography reports and students will present about their person to the class.
Writing: We will be editing and drafting our final drafts of the opinion essays. Students have been working hard to put together their essay outlines.
Music: Wednesday
Art: Friday
Japanese/Literacy: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
PE: Wednesday

Week of 1/9- 1/13

Dear 4th grade families,

We had a great start to our learning in 2023! The students shared about their winter breaks, and we spent a lot of time building goals, looking to the future, and encouraging one another for the next half of fourth grade.

Here is what we will be doing next week:

Math: I am postponing the division test to the following week so I can make sure everyone has enough review time. We will continue to learn about dividing multi-digit numbers and how to interpret remainders in a word problem.
Reading: Students have chosen a biography to read (about a person from the American Revolutionary War) and will take notes about the person's early life, middle life, part in the war, and their later years. Students will also continue to read independently at home and at school to complete their reading challenge goals.
Bible: We will read the Bible together to learn about what the "Trinity" is.
Science: We will do investigation 1.2 on Monday. The investigation is on the topic of magnets. Students will be asking the question and answering: "What materials stick to magnets?"
Social Studies: Each student will start their research on a person from American Revolutionary war. Students will independently read a biography book and take notes. We will also learn about what happened in the United States after the Revolutionary War (Drafting of the Constitution, Bill of Rights, Presidency, Branches of Government, etc.) .
Writing: Before Christmas break, we began brainstorming ideas for a persuasive essay. We will revisit those ideas to begin choosing the topics to write an essay about. Students will begin drafting this essay while learning about and editing their reasons and examples, introduction, conclusion, and responses to opposing opinions.
Music: Wednesday
Art: Friday
Japanese/Literacy: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
PE: Wednesday

Happy New Year!

First week back: 1/5- 1/6

Dear 4th grade families,

Greetings! Happy Christmas Eve! I hope you are all enjoying a wonderful Christmas week. This is what we will be doing our first week back (just 1/5 and 1/6):

Here is what we will be doing:

Math: We will do a lot of review activities for dividing multi-digit numbers. The students will have a test on dividing numbers the week of 1/9-1/13.
Reading: We will complete our read aloud book " The Castle in The Attic" and will begin a new read aloud book, "I Survived the American Revolutionary War" to go along with our social studies unit on the American Revolutionary War. Students will also be choosing a biography to read (about a person from the American Revolutionary War) and will take notes about the person's early life, middle life, part in the war, and their later years. Students will also continue to read independently at home and at school to complete their reading challenge goals.
Bible: We will spend time reading God's word together to begin our new year!
Science: Due to a shorter week, we will not be doing a science investigation this week.
Social Studies: Each student will start their research on a person from American Revolutionary war. Students will independently read a biography book and take notes.
Writing: Before Christmas break, we began brainstorming ideas for a persuasive essay. We will revisit those ideas to begin choosing the topics to write an essay about.
Spelling: No spelling this week due to a short week.
Music: none
Art: Friday
Japanese/Literacy: Thursday
PE: none

Week of 12/12- 12/16

Dear 4th grade families,

Greetings! This is our last week before Christmas break! Here is what we will be doing this week:

Math: We will continue to review how to divide multi-digit numbers as well as do some Christmas-themed applied math.
Reading: This week, we will finish our novel, "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever." For each chapter that we read, the students will answer comprehension questions to deepen our comprehension skills! We will watch the movie on Friday!
Bible: We will reflect on what it meant that Jesus came to earth to be with us (Immanuel), and the reason he came.
Science: We will do investigation 1.4 on Wednesday to continue to learn about parallel and series circuits. The students will ask the question, "If you are manufacturing a long string of lights (such as Christmas lights), should you make a series circuit or a parallel circuit?"
Social Studies: We started learning about the American Revolutionary War! We will learn about the differences between a patriot soldier, and a British soldier during the war.
Writing: The students will learn about how to write good persuasive reasons for their opinion statements.
Spelling: No spelling this week due to focusing on Opinion writing.
Music: Wednesday
Japanese/Literacy: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
PE: Monday, Wednesday

Week of 12/5- 12/9

Dear 4th grade families,

Greetings! We had a wonderful Christmas concert on Friday night! The students sang beautifully and brought so much JOY to all of us. I pray that this advent season is a special time of remembering the gift that God has given us in Jesus Christ. Here is what we will be doing this week:

Math: We will learn how to do long division this week. Just like multiplication, we will learn two different ways of dividing multi-digit numbers (box method and traditional method.)
Reading: This week, the students will start a new class novel called, "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever." For each chapter that we read, the students will answer comprehension questions to deepen our comprehension skills!
Bible: We will read passages in the Old Testament as well as in the New Testament to learn about the big picture of the Christmas story- how Jesus' birth is part of a big big story written by God. Our current memory verse is Proverbs 3:5-6, and the students have a quiz part 2 on Friday 12/9.
Science: We will do investigation 1.3 on Wednesday to learn about parallel and series circuits. The students will ask the question, "How can you light two bulbs brightly with only one d-cell battery?" After trying out different circuit configurations, the students will answer the question in their notebooks.
Social Studies: We will complete the castle project, and will begin learning about the American Revolutionary War! We will first learn about the events that led to the beginning of the war.
Spelling: No spelling this week due to focusing on Opinion writing.
Music: Wednesday
Art: Friday
Library: Friday
Japanese/Literacy: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
PE: Monday, Wednesday

Week of 11/28- 12/2

Dear 4th grade families,

Greetings! I hope you are all enjoying your Thanksgiving holiday! Next week, we will have our annual Christmas program on Friday night. Here is what we will be doing next week!

Math: The students will start unit 7 in our math textbook- on Division. We will first learn about dividingmultiples of 10, 100s, and 1000s.
Reading: Our current reading focus is: identifying the cause and effect of problems that happen in stories. The students will ask: "What is an event or problem that is happening?" "What caused this event or problem to happen?" and "What is the effect of the problem or event?" Students will read on their own, in pairs, and listen to online audio stories to learn about cause and effect . Our current class read aloud book is: "The Castle in the Attic" (which connects to our Social Studies Medieval unit!)
Bible: We will learn about what the Bible has to say about God's omnipotence- That God is all-powerful. Our current memory verse is Proverbs 3:5-6.
Science: There will be no science investigation this week due to a shorter week.
Social Studies: The students will work in groups to build a medieval castle! This is a culminating project, as they will need to work together to include key features of a medieval castle (drawbridge, moat, portcullis, walls, a great hall, etc.). We will also talk about what good team work looks like and reflect on how to listen well to others' ideas as well as sharing ideas to work towards a goal together. We will continue to work on this project this week.
Spelling: No spelling this week due to a shorter week.
Music: special music practice on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday (at Yomitan hall), and Friday (at Yomitan hall).
Japanese/Literacy: none (practices for Christmas program)
PE: Monday

Week of 11/21- 11/25

Dear 4th grade families,

Greetings! We are approaching the end of November! There are many events in November and December, and I hope these events can be a time of celebration, being thankful, and enjoying time together as a community. Here is what we will be learning next week:

Math: Next week we will review and wrap up chapter 6. Students will have a math test on Tuesday 11/22. Students will be tested on multi-digit x one-digit multiplication, and two digit by two digit multiplication. (examples: 2x73= and 9x435= and 45x62=)
Reading: Our current reading focus is: identifying the cause and effect of problems that happen in stories. The students will ask: "What is an event or problem that is happening?" "What caused this event or problem to happen?" and "What is the effect of the problem or event?" Students will read on their own, in pairs, and listen to online audio stories to learn about cause and effect . Our current class read aloud book is: "The Castle in the Attic" (which connects to our Social Studies Medieval unit!)
Bible: We will learn about what the Bible has to say about being thankful. Our current memory verse is Proverbs 3:5-6.
Science: There will be no science investigation this week due to a shorter week.
Social Studies: The students will work in groups to build a medieval castle! This is a culminating project, as they will need to work together to include key features of a medieval castle (drawbridge, moat, portcullis, walls, a great hall, etc.). We will also talk about what good team work looks like and reflect on how to listen well to others' ideas as well as sharing ideas to work towards a goal together.
Spelling: No spelling this week due to a shorter week.
Writing: To kickstart our persuasive writing unit, the students will write a pursuasive piece from the perspective of a Thanksgiving turkey...!
Music: Monday and Wednesday
Library:
Japanese/Literacy: Monday, Tuesday ,
PE: Monday, Wednesday

Week of 11/14- 11/18

Dear 4th grade families,

Greetings! Here is what we will be learning next week:

Math: We have been learning about estimation when multiplying. We also learned about multiplying by 10s, 100s, and 1000s. Next week, we will learn how to multiply a one digit number by a two or three digit number (example: 2x73= and 9x435=). We will also learn how to multiply a twodigit number by a two digit number (area model method) (example: 45x62=)
Reading: Our current reading focus is: Identifying the Point of view of a story. The students will ask: "Who is telling the story?" "What clues inform me about who's perspective this story is being told from?" Students will read on their own, in pairs, and listen to online audio stories to practice identifying point-of views. Our current class read aloud book is: "Into the Book of Light" (book 1 of the Dream Traveler's Quest series).
Bible: We will learn about God being "omniscient" (God knows everything). We will look at Bible verses, answer questions, and have class discussions on this topic. The new 2nd quarter Bible verse has been sent home in the Friday Folders. Please take a look to know when the memory verse quizzes are. Our new memory verse is Proverbs 3:5-6.
Science: On Wednesday, we will do investigation 1.2 on the topic of insulators and conductors. The focus question is: "What transfers electricity?" Students will learn about conductors and insulators as we test different objects for conductivity.
Social Studies: We will continue to learn about the Middle Ages. This week, we will be learning about the church during this time, as well as discuss reasons of what caused the end of the Middle Ages.
Spelling: We will be using this week to focus on reviewing the vocabulary words we have learned so far in fourth grade. A review paper was sent home in the Friday Folders. Students will be tested on matching words to definitions, as well as writing sentences using each vocabulary word.
Art: Friday
Music: Monday and Wednesday
Library: Friday
Japanese/Literacy: Monday, Tuesday , Thursday
PE: Monday, Wednesday

Week of 11/7- 11/11

Dear 4th grade families,

Greetings!

Here is what we will be learning next week:

Math: We have been learning about estimation when multiplying. We also learned about multiplying by 10s, 100s, and 1000s. Next week, we will learn how to multiply a one digit number by a two or three digit number (example: 2x73= and 9x435=). We will also learn how to multiply a twodigit number by a two digit number (area model method) (example: 45x62=)
Reading: Our current reading focus is: Identifying the Point of view of a story. The students will ask: "Who is telling the story?" "What clues inform me about who's perspective this story is being told from?" Students will read on their own, in pairs, and listen to online audio stories to practice identifying point-of views. Our current class read aloud book is: "Into the Book of Light" (book 1 of the Dream Traveler's Quest series).
Bible: We will learn about God being "omnipresent" (Always everywhere, always with us). We will look at Bible verses, answer questions, and have class discussions on this topic. The new 2nd quarter Bible verse has been sent home in the Friday Folders. Please take a look to know when the memory verse quizzes are. Our new memory verse is Proverbs 3:5-6.
Science: We will start a new science unit: Energy! On Wednesday, we will do investigation 1.1 on the topic of lightbulbs. The focus question is: "What is needed to light a bulb?" Students will learn about light energy, energy source (we will use a D-cell battery), wires, and the parts of a lightbulbs such as the filament.
Social Studies: We have been learning about the middle ages of Europe. This week, we will learn about Joan of Arc.
Spelling: List 5
Art: Friday
Music: Wednesday
Library: Friday
Japanese/Literacy: Monday, Tuesday , Thursday
PE: Monday, Wednesday

Week of 10/31- 11/4

Dear 4th grade families,

Greetings!

This is what we will be doing this next week:

Math: We will be starting Unit 6 on Multi-digit multiplication. Students will connect what they have learned so far (multiples, factor pairs, patterns, etc) to multiply one-digit numbers to 10, 100, and 100.
Reading: We will begin a new reading focus: Identifying the Point of view of a story. The students will ask: "Who is telling the story?" "What clues inform me about who's perspective this story is being told from?" Students will read on their own, in pairs, and listen to online audio stories to practice identifying point-of views. We have also started a new read a loud of a book called: "Into the Book of Light" (book 1 of the Dream Traveler's Quest series).
Bible: We will study the life of Joseph from the Old Testament to discuss the theme that we are "Known" by God, our Creator. Students will also begin learning their 2nd quarter verse.
Science: Students will continue to learn about volcanoes, and where they form. Using a map, students will mark places in the world with volcanoes. After marking the map, we will analyze where volcanoes form and what that means for where people live and grow.
Social Studies: We have been learning about the middle ages of Europe. This week, we will do some reading and watch a video to learn about knight hood and what it was like to grow up as a child during the Medieval time period.
Spelling: no spelling this week due to a shorter week (conferences on Thursday 11/3). Instead, we will focus on grammar this week (identifying verbs). There will be a test about identifying verbs on Friday 11/4.
Art: Friday
Music: Wednesday
Library: Friday
Japanese/Literacy: Monday, Tuesday ,
PE: Monday, Wednesday

Week of 10/24- 10/28

Dear 4th grade families,

Greetings!

This is what we will be doing this next week:

Math: We will be reviewing some concepts we have learned so far, and we will also be reinforcing review material on IXL, a new online subscription learning tool that we will start next week.
Reading: Our current reading focus is "plot and problem." Students will read narrative stories to identify and write about the problem in the story. We will connect what we learned in the discussion to revise the problems in the fiction narratives that we are writing as well. Students will aim to read and answer comprehension questions for three books during 1st quarter. When students finish reading a book, they will go online to Renaissance Place to take an AR reading comprehension quiz for the books they completed.
Bible: We will review what we have learned so far and reflect. We will also do some social-emotional learning discussions on the topic of "growth mindset."
Science: To conclude our unit on Soils, Rocks, and Landforms, we will be watching a short video about Mt. St. Helens and the volcanic eruption. Students will also be answering questions about what we learned in their notebooks.
Social Studies: We will begin a new unit of study- the Middle Ages! Students will read and learn about the time period, and medieval castle features.
Spelling: no spelling this week. We will use this time to write reflections on some big projects or assignments we did this quarter.
Writing: Students will complete their final drafts (if they have not done so already) and will share their stories in small groups.
Art: Friday
Music: Wednesday
Library: Friday
Japanese/Literacy: Monday, Tuesday , Thursday
PE: Monday, Wednesday

Week of 10/17- 10/21

Dear 4th grade families,

Greetings! We had a very fun field trip! We walked by the river and mangroves, and played a lot at a nearby park.

This is what we will be doing this next week:

Math: We are in chapter 5- Unit 5 on factors, multiples, prime numbers, and composite numbers. We will review on Monday and Tuesday and test on Wednesday.
Reading: Our new reading focus is "plot and problem." Students will read narrative stories to identify and write about the problem in the story. We will connect what we learned in the discussion to revise the problems in the fiction narratives that we are writing as well. Students will aim to read and answer comprehension questions for three books during 1st quarter. When students finish reading a book, they will go online to Renaissance Place to take an AR reading comprehension quiz for the books they completed.
Bible: We will learn about the categories of the old testament (law, history, poetry, prophecy) and have a quiz about it on Friday.
Science: We have learned about soil composition, physical weathering, chemical weathering, erosion, deposition, and fossils. This week, we will review what we have learned, and will take a unit test on Thursday.
Social Studies: The students will use social studies time to review and study for our science unit test.
Spelling: List 4 words. Our challenge words are "eager" and "proceed"
Writing: We are on our last steps of the revision process. The students will focus on including transition words into their stories and making paragraphs correctly. The students will also peer edit their writing and do a rewrite for the final draft on Thursday and Friday.
Art: Friday
Music: Wednesday
Library: Friday
Japanese/Literacy: Monday, Tuesday , Thursday
PE: Monday, Wednesday

Week of 10/10- 10/14

Dear 4th grade families,

Greetings! I hope you can also get some good rest this three-day weekend!

This is what we will be doing this next week:

Math: We are in chapter 5- Unit 5 on factors, multiples, prime numbers, and composite numbers. Students will review what we have learned so far with identifying prime and composite numbers, factor pairs, an d pattern equations.
Reading: Our current read aloud book is - Fish in a Tree. Students will continue to independently read books in and outside of class. Students will aim to read and answer comprehension questions for three books during 1st quarter. When students finish reading a book, they will go online to Renaissance Place to take an AR reading comprehension quiz for the books they completed.
Bible: We will continue our focused study on the letter to the Philippians, a book of the Bible. We will talk about what Philippians teaches us about what the Bible says "joy" is in comparison to "happiness", and what to do when we are worried.
Science: We will do Investigation 2.4 on Wednesday. Students will ask and answer the question: "How are fossils formed and what can they tell us about the past?"
Social Studies: We had a lot of fun learning about topographical maps by making clay topographical maps of several Okinawan islands last week! This week, we will do some reflection and review on what we learned about maps in this unit, and do an open book assessment on Friday.
Spelling: no spelling this week.
Writing: Students have finished the first draft of their realistic fiction narratives. We will begin editing the drafts by specifically looking at good leads, how to develop settings, and check our punctuation for dialogues.
Art: Friday
Music: Wednesday
Library: Friday
Japanese/Literacy: Tuesday (students will be back from the field trip for Japanese/literacy class), Thursday
PE: Wednesday

Week of 10/3- 10/7

Dear 4th grade families,

Greetings!We are in October!

This is what we will be doing this next week:

Math: We are in chapter 5- Unit 5 on factors, multiples, prime numbers, and composite numbers. Students will review how to identify factors and factor pairs of two-digit whole numbers, identify prime and composite numbers, and state multiples of whole numbers. Students will also learn how to identify and generate numeric and non-numeric patterns this week.
Reading: Our current read aloud book is - Fish in a Tree. This book is one of my favorite books that we read in 4th grade! The book discusses themes about learning styles and how we are all different types of learners. We will start a new reading focus: identifying the setting of stories. Students will point to text evidence for the time and place that the story takes place. Students will continue to independently read books in and outside of class. Students will aim to read and answer comprehension questions for three books during 1st quarter. When students finish reading a book, they will go online to Renaissance Place to take an AR reading comprehension quiz for the books they completed.
Bible: We will begin a focused study on the letter to the Philippians, a book of the Bible. The students will have a memory verse quiz on Friday on Micah 6:8 (quiz part 3).
Science: We will do Investigation 2.2 on Wednesday. Students will ask and answer the question: "How do slopes and floods affect erosion and deposition?"
Social Studies: Last week, students created a treasure map of OCSI and included map elements such as a map key in their maps. We will do a treasure hunt in groups using 5 of the maps! We will also learn about topographical maps by making clay topographical maps of several Okinawan islands. (FYI- We will use paint on Tuesday and Thursday).
Spelling: List 3 spelling words. Spelling study link-
Writing: Students will begin drafting their realistic fiction narratives, incorporating the ideas we brainstormed last week.
Art: Friday
Music: Wednesday
Library: Friday
Japanese/Literacy: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
PE: Monday, Wednesday

Week of 9/26- 9/30

Dear 4th grade families,

Greetings!Happy first day of autumn!

This is what we will be learning this next week:

Math: We will start a new unit- Unit 5 on factors, multiples, prime numbers, and composite numbers. Students will learn to find factors and factor pairs of two-digit whole numbers, identify prime and composite numbers, and state multiples of whole numbers.
Reading: Our current read aloud is - Fish in a Tree. This book is one of my favorite books that we read in 4th grade! The book discusses themes about learning styles and how we are all different types of learners. We will start a new reading focus: identifying the setting of stories. Students will point to text evidence for the time and place that the story takes place in. Students will continue to independently read books in and outside of class. Students will aim to read and answer comprehension questions for three books during 1st quarter. When students finish reading a book, they will go online to Renaissance Place to take an AR reading comprehension quiz for the books they completed.
Bible: The students will have a memory verse quiz on Friday on Micah 6:8 (quiz part 3).
Science: We will do some online activities to review what weathering, erosion, and deposition is. Students will also connect what we have learned about weathering, erosion and deposition to land formations in Okinawa.
Social Studies: We will start our maps unit project! The students will become cartographers and create a bird's eye view map of OCSI.
Spelling: no spelling this week due to a focus on writing this week.
Writing: Students will begin their major writing project of first quarter. The students will begin brainstorming ideas for their realistic fiction narrative stories.
Art: no school on Friday
Music: Wednesday
Library: no school on Friday
Japanese/Literacy: Monday, Tuesday,
PE: Monday, Wednesday

Week of 9/19- 9/23

Dear 4th grade families,

Greetings! I hope you are having a wonderful weekend.

This is what we will be learning this next week:

Math: In unit 4, we learned about multiplicative comparison statements (~ times as much) and additive comparison statements (~more than, more). We will review this week, and have a unit 4 test on Thursday 9/23).
Reading: Our current read aloud is - Fish in a Tree. This book is one of my favorite books that we read in 4th grade! The book discusses themes about learning styles and how we are all different types of learners. Our current reading focus is to describe characters and to use text evidence for the characteristics we identify. Students will continue to independently read books in and outside of class. Students will aim to read and answer comprehension questions for three books during 1st quarter. When students finish reading a book, they will go online to Renaissance Place to take an AR reading comprehension quiz for the books they completed.
Bible: This week, we will look in the Bible to learn about how God's Words in the Bible Endures (Lesson 3). The students will have a memory verse quiz on Friday on Micah 6:8 (quiz part 2).
Science: We will do investigation 1.3 on chemical weathering. The students will conduct an experiment to see what happens to basalt, sandstone, marble, and limestone when it comes in contact with vinegar. They will write about their investigation procedure, and answer the question: "How are rocks affected by acid rain?"
Social Studies: We will continue to learn about maps. We will review the parts of a map such as map keys, lines of longitude and latitude, etc. We will talk about map projection and discuss this idea- "Can the surface of a globe be drawn flat accurately onto a 2D paper?"
Spelling: no spelling this week due to a 4-day week. We will have a 4-day grammar unit on Pronouns. The Pronoun identification test is on Thursday 9/23. I included a pronoun information poster on the back of the schedule papers that went home in the Friday Folders.
Art: no school on Friday
Music: Wednesday
Library: no school on Friday
Japanese/Literacy: Monday, Tuesday,
PE: Monday, Wednesday

Week of 9/12- 9/16

Dear 4th grade families,

Greetings! I hope you are having a wonderful weekend.

This is what we will be learning this week:

Math: We will begin unit 4, to learn about and review multiplication. Students will represent and create multiplication equations from word problem scenarios.
Reading: We will begin a new read aloud- Fish in a Tree. This book is one of my favorite books that we read in 4th grade! The book discusses themes about learning styles and how we are all different types of learners. Students will continue to independently read books in and outside of class. Students will aim to read and answer comprehension questions for three books during 1st quarter. When students finish reading a book, they will go online to Renaissance Place to take an AR reading comprehension quiz for the books they completed.
Bible: This week, we will look in the Bible to learn about how God's Words in the Bible Endures (Lesson 3). The students will have a memory verse quiz on Friday on Micah 6:8 (quiz part 2).
Science: We will do investigation 1.3 on chemical weathering. The students will conduct an experiment to see what happens to basalt, sandstone, marble, and limestone when it comes in contact with vinegar. They will write about their investigation procedure, and answer the question: "How are rocks affected by acid rain?"
Social Studies: We will continue to learn about maps. We will review the parts of a map such as map keys, lines of longitude and latitude, etc. We will talk about map projection and discuss this idea- "Can the surface of a globe be drawn flat accurately onto a 2D paper?"
Spelling: Spelling list 2 on Long A words. The test will be on Friday 9/16. Here is the practice link: 4th grade spelling lists
Art: Friday
Music: Wednesday
Library: Friday
Japanese/Literacy: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
PE: Monday, Wednesday

Week of 9/5- 9/9

Dear 4th grade families,

Greetings! Even with the typhoon, I hope you are all enjoying the three-day weekend! We have a 4 day week.

This is what we will be learning this week:

Math: We will wrap up our review unit on place value by reviewing and testing on Friday 9/9. (Lesson 2.4) Students will also review how to round multi-digit numbers.
Reading: We have been reading "4th Grade Rats" together. We have also been learning how to identify "themes" of stories. Students will continue to independently read books in and outside of class. Students will aim to read and answer comprehension questions for three books during 1st quarter.
Bible: This week, we will look in the Bible to learn about God's words being inspired (Lesson 2). The students do not have a memory verse test on Friday.
Science: We have begun our Soils/Rocks/Landforms unit! (We were going to begin the energy unit, but due to a field trip we are planning for the fall, we swapped the energy unit and soils/rocks/landforms unit). The students will be conducting an investigation to answer their focus question: "What causes big rocks to break down into smaller rocks (physical weathering)?" The students will learn new vocabulary about physical weathering. They will write about their investigation procedure and conclusions.
Social Studies: We will continue to learn about maps. We will review the parts of a map such as map keys, lines of longitude and latitude, etc. We will talk about map projection and discuss this idea- "Can the surface of a globe be drawn flat accurately onto a 2D paper?"
Spelling: No spelling this week due to a 4day week. Instead, we will do a grammar lesson on identifying nouns (nouns are words that are people, places, or things). We will have a small quiz on Friday 9/9.
Art: Friday
Music: Wednesday
Library: Friday
Japanese/Literacy: Tuesday, Thursday
PE: Wednesday

Week of 8/29- 9/2

Dear 4th grade families,

Greetings! We had a wonderful first week of school together! We have embarked on this 4th grade journey and I am so excited for all the ways we will grow together as a class family this year. This past week, we talked a lot about how we are a "class learning family," and that God created us with unique talents and stories. Our differences make our classroom a beautiful place and community to learn together, and God's love for us unite us. We also talked about how we want to grow not just our minds this year, but we also want to grow our hearts in who our Creator wants us to become. We united together to stand up for one another and choose kindness in our words and actions in and outside of the classroom. Thank you and parents and families- for embarking on this 4th grade journey with us!

This is what we will be learning next week:

Homework: Homework starts on Monday! In 4th grade, students are in charge of writing down their own homework in their homework agenda binders.
Math: We will learn about place value and how to read, write, and represent multi-digit numbers up to a million. We will also brush up on our multiplication facts! (Lesson 2.1, 2.2, 2.3)
Reading: We will begin a read aloud- "4th Grade Rats." We will also start a two-week unit on identifying "themes" of stories. Students will also be independently read books in and outside of class. Students will aim to read and answer comprehension questions for three books during 1st quarter.
Bible: This week, we will look in the Bible to learn about God's words being the Truth (Lesson 1). The students have a memory verse test on Friday 9/2 (Micah 6:8).
Science: We will begin our energy unit! The students will be conducting an investigation to answer their focus question: "What is needed to light a bulb?" The students will learn new vocabulary about electricity and the science behind light bulbs, and will write about their investigation procedure and conclusions.
Social Studies: We started a new unit: maps! We will learn about the parts of a map such as map keys, lines of longitude and latitude, etc. We will look at examples of maps and discuss similarities and differences of maps from various time periods and cultures.
Spelling: We will study our List 1 spelling words (words with short a sounds) . The spelling test is on Friday 9/2. Here is the online practice link: https://sites.google.com/ocsi.org/claxton4/students/4th-grade-spelling-lists
Art: Friday
Music: Wednesday
Library: Friday
Japanese/Literacy: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
PE: Monday and Wednesday

Week of 5/17 - 5/21

Dear 4th grade families,

The 4th graders enjoyed the camp! I am thankful that we were able to have camp this school year! I have added pictures of camp on the pictures tab of this website. This is what we will be doing next week:

Math: We will continue to practice converting units of metric measurements. This week, we will also learn about metric mass and volume. We will also review some geometry before the school year ends and talk about perpendicular lines, area, and perimeter.
Science: Many of our mealworms have entered their next stage in their life cycle! Some have turned into beetles and I am sure the students will be excited to see them when they return on Monday! This week, we will be learning about variations of traits of organisms. Instead of a focus question report, students will be answering comprehension check questions online.
Reading: We will focus on independent reading strategies, and continue our read aloud book too.
Bible: This week, we will read Bible verses and discuss together to learn about what "eternity" means according to the Bible.
Social Studies: We have been learning about the ancient Ryuku kingdom and Okinawa. This week, we will continue to learn about the recent history of Okinawa including WW2, in preparation for our upcoming field trip.
Writing: Students are doing final revisions before their stories are printed and they begin illustrating!

Week of 4/26 - 4/30

Dear 4th grade families,

Hello! The 4th graders had a great week of learning! We learned about ancient China, meal worms, decimals, when to make paragraphs, prayer, homonyms, and so much more! It is hard to believe that we are approaching the last few weeks of 4th grade. This is what we will be doing next week:

Math: We have been learning about decimals in the tenths and hundredths place. This week, we will learn how to add and subtract decimals, and also start reviewing what we have learned so far.
Science: We will continue to add notes to our meal worm observation journal. The meal worms are about to go onto their next stage of their life cycle! We will also be reading informational texts about organisms and their environments.
Reading: We will continue with our read aloud and independent reading. We are taking a break from Daily 5 reading journals so we can focus on our big writing project!
Bible: This week, we will look in the Bible to learn about what it means to share about salvation from God to others. We will start practicing the memory verse part 2, but we will not have a memory verse test on Friday.
Social Studies: We are wrapping up our ancient China unit with our China project presentations! I am eager to see the wonderful projects and for the students to share what they learned! Learning from each other is so fun!
Writing: Students have begun typing up their stories. We are still revising, revising, revising! We will review our mini lesson of using descriptive verbs, dialogues, and writing a good ending.

Week of 4/12 - 4/16

Dear 4th grade families,

Greetings! We had a great first week of 4th quarter! This is what we will be doing when we return back from Spring Break:

Math: We are having a chapter 9 test on Tuesday 4/13. Students will be tested on adding, subtracting, and multiplying fractions with common denominators. Students will also be adding and subtracting mixed numbers. We will use the rest of the week to correct our math test and also begin chapter 10 which is about decimals.
Science: We will begin a brand new science unit: Environments of living things. We will kickstart this exciting unit by welcoming our new pet mealworms into the classroom! Students will be observing and writing down notes of the growth of mealworms. (The focus question for investigation 1.1 is "How do mealworm structures and behavior help them grow and survive?"
Reading: We are now onto our new reading focus for daily 5 which is : Identifying the themes/lessons of stories and providing text evidence to support their statement. We practice looking for text evidence by looking into our class read aloud story together.
Bible: This week, we will look in the Bible to look for what it says about prayer. We will also begin practicing our 4th quarter memory verse.
Social Studies: Our new unit of study has been a study on ancient China. The students also began a home project. The home projects are due at school on April 26 Friday.
Writing: Students have begun a quarter-long writing project! The students will publish their very own picture book! Right now, we are in the brainstorming and planning stage. (Students took home a worksheet that will help them sort their ideas for their story. Please have students bring back this paper on Monday 4/12.

Week of 3/8 - 3/12

Dear 4th grade families,

Greetings! This is what we will be doing next week:

Math: We will review how to compare fractions, simplify fractions, and find equivalent fractions on Monday~Wednesday. On Thursday, we will have our chapter 8 test. On Friday, we will correct our test.
Science: After learning about erosion of weathered rocks and simulating erosion and deposition using stream tables, we will shift our focus to discussing how fossils are made. Our focus question is : How are fossils formed?
Reading: We will start a new reading focus: making inferences in fiction texts. We will have a mini lesson on Monday, and students will use the strategies they learned to make inferences in their own reading, which will support their reading comprehension.
Bible: We will review the books and parts of the New Testament of the Bible. Students will learn that the sections of NT are: the gospels, church history, letters to the churches, and a prophesy book.
Spelling/Grammar: Spelling list 14. The test will be on Friday. Here is the study link: https://www.spellingcity.com/view-spelling-list.html?listId=71186385
Social Studies: Students are finished with their research and are working as a team to put their presentation board together. Some students are done with their home project. If a student is finished with their home project, they may bring it to school any day (due date is 3/12).

Week of 2/22 - 2/26

Dear 4th grade families,

Greetings! This is what we will be doing next week:

Math: Since this is a shorter week, we will use our math times reflecting on our math growth and thinking of math goals to work on to the end of 4th grade. Students will also write reflections on recent assessments they took.
Science: On our field trip, students will have the opportunity to see some of the "erosion and deposition" that we learned in our last week's experiment.
Reading: Students have been working hard on reestablishing independent reading skills and routines, and we will continue this in the classroom.
Bible: Students will use Bible time to write reflection pieces for Student Led Conferences for some Bible assignments.
Spelling/Grammar: We will not have a spelling list this week. Students will be writing conference reflections for spelling and grammar.
Social Studies: Students are well underway with the research portion of their big country projects. We will begin to type up our findings and begin making our presentation boards in class. Some students are done with their home project. If a student is finished with their home project, they may bring it to school any day (due date is 3/12).

Week of 1/19 - 1/22

Dear 4th grade families,

Greetings! We have a fun week of learning ahead of us! Here is what we will be learning this week:

Math: We will begin to wrap up our study on patterns and sequences. Students will continue to review how to make an equation by looking at an input/output data table. This week, we will do some review activities.
Science: We will do our second investigation in our new unit. We will do investigation 1.2 on the topic of: Physical Weathering. Our focus question is, "How do rocks break into smaller pieces?"
Reading: We are reading a book together called "I Survived the American Revolutionary War." For Daily 5 time, students are reading and writing about "Text to Self" connections. This week, we will talk about "Text to Text" connections.
Bible: We learned about what the Bible says sin is. This week, we will talk about what the consequences of sin are.
Spelling/Grammar: Spelling list 10
Social Studies: We have begun our country report project, our big 3rd quarter project! Each group has been assigned a country to research and report on. Students will be doing research at school about their country, and they will work on a homemade project at home. More information regarding this has been sent home in the Friday Folders.

Week of 1/19 - 1/22

Dear 4th grade families,

Greetings! We had a great last week of 2nd quarter! We have completed half of 4th grade. This is what we will be doing this week.

Math: We will continuing with our study on identifying sequences. We will look at charts and tables and identify the pattern rules.
Science: We will begin a new study unit: Soil, Rocks, and Landforms. Our first investigation focus question is "What is soil made out of?" We will observe 4 types of soil and identify different sizes of rocks and humus.
Reading: We have been enjoying a new read a loud that ties in with our social studies unit of study-the American Revolutionary War: "I Survived the American Revolutionary War." For our reading focus, students will be learning how to make and write about connections with the passages they are reading and their life experiences.
Bible: We will look at Bible verses that talk about what sin is. We have our first Bible verse part 1 test on Friday 1/22. (John 14:6-7)
Spelling/Grammar: No spelling this week.
Writing: Students will write research reports about their American Revolution character using the research notes they collected last week. Students will also use the summarizing skill that we learned in reading class about finding key details and writing a summary.

Week of 12/14 - 12/18

Dear 4th grade families,

We are onto the last week before Christmas break! This is what we will be doing this week.

Math: We will review how to do long division throughout the week. We will have a test on long division on Thursday 12/17. (Example: 845 ÷ 3 = )
Science: We will not have a science investigation this week. Instead, we will be focusing on our culminating project for social studies.
Social Studies: We will use the information we learned about castles to build a Medieval castle out of recycled materials. Students will work in groups and will follow specific criteria for the project.
Reading: We have been reading our Christmas novel, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. We will finish the novel this week. On Friday morning, the students will watch the movie version of our story!
Bible: We have been learning about the Christmas story from the Bible and reflecting on the names of Jesus.
Spelling/Grammar: No spelling this week. We will be focusing on our Opinion essays and finishing that.
Writing: Students have considered opposing opinions for their persuasive essays, and will begin drafting next week. We talked about how to write a good lead and opening paragraph.

Week of 12/7 - 12/11

Dear 4th grade families,

Christmas break is almost near. We have two weeks left before Christmas break. This is what we will be doing this week:

Math: We have begun learning about division and practicing dividing numbers with remainders. This can be tricky for some students, but we will be practicing a lot!
Science: We will be adding onto our investigation from last week and study about friction, collision, and transfer of energy. Our focus question is, What happens when objects collide? (Investigation 4.3)
Social Studies: We will continue studying about the Medieval times of Europe.
Reading: We have been learning about the 5 types of nonfiction text structures ( descriptive, compare&contrast, Order&sequence, Problem&solution, Cause&effect). Students will individually look at passages to identify what type of non-fiction informational passages they are reading.
Bible: We will begin learning about the Christmas story from the Bible.
Spelling/Grammar: Spelling list 8. Students can practice with this link: https://www.spellingcity.com/view-spelling-list.html?listId=71179940 The spelling test is on Friday 12/11.
Writing: Students have chosen topics for their Opinion/Persuasive Essays. This week, we will talk about adding good examples for their persuasive reasons.

Week of 11/30 - 12/4

Dear 4th grade families,

We had a great three day week last week! Thank you to all who helped make Pie Day special for the students. I hope everyone was able to rest well and enjoy their holiday as well. This is what we will be doing this week:

Math: We will begin learning about division (Chapter 6 in the math textbook). We will talk about how to divide by 10, 100, and 1000. We will also learn about how to estimate quotients as well as how to divide with remainders.
Science: We will learn about potential and kinetic energy by rolling balls off slopes. Our focus question is, How does the starting position affect the speed of a ball rolling down a ramp? (Investigation 4.2)
Social Studies: We will continue studying about the Medieval times of Europe.
Reading: We have been learning about the 5 types of nonfiction text structures ( descriptive, compare&contrast, Order&sequence, Problem&solution, Cause&effect). We will look at passages together to underline/highlight and look for key details of each type of passage.
Bible: We will continue our "attributes of God" series and read about how God is "omnipotent." Students will have a Bible memory test Part 4 on 12/4.
Spelling/Grammar: No Spelling this week. We will learn about adverbs during grammar time. Adverbs are words that describe a verb. (example: in the phrase "laughed loudly" , loudly describes the word "laughed".
Writing: We will begin our Opinion/Persuasive Essays. This week, we will talk about what an opinion essay is, and brainstorm topics to write about. Then, students will write an essay outline for the topics.

Week of 11/16 - 11/20

Dear 4th grade families,

We had a fun week of learning last week! Here is what we will be learning this week.

Math: Students have been learning about double digit multiplication. We learned the traditional method and the area model method. This week, we will practice the lattice method, and continue to practice the calculations more. (Example: 56 x 93 = )
Science: To culminate our learning about electromagnets, we will build a telegraph! Our focus question is, "How can you build the telegraph using your knowledge of energy and electromagnetism?" Students will create a telegraph by using a electromagnet and a thin steel metal strip to create "clicking" sounds and match the sounds with a code.
Reading: We will continue to talk about the purpose of reading non-fiction text and practice identifying about nonfiction text main ideas and structures.
Bible: We will do a 4 part lesson learning about God's "Omniscience." We will have our Bible Memory Verse test part 3 on Friday 11/20. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Spelling/Grammar: Spelling list 7. Test will be on 11/20 Friday. Students can practice online with this link too: https://www.spellingcity.com/view-spelling-list.html?listId=71179933

Week of 11/2 - 11/6

Dear 4th grade families,

We had a great first week of 2nd quarter. We had a class picnic and a fun "nonfiction book cafe" day too! Here is what we will be learning this week.

Math: We will have our chapter 4 test on Tuesday 11/3. The test will cover multi-digit multiplication (example: 3,456 x 4= and 209 x 4= ). For the rest of the week, we will be correcting the test and also begin our lessons on double digit x double digit multiplication (example: 23 x 45=).
Science: This week we will be doing an investigation on electromagnets. Our focus question is, how can we create a magnet that can be turned on and off? Students will be creating an electromagnet and transfer steel objects from one place to another.
Reading: We have a reading MAP test on Wednesday. We are learning about nonfiction text features and identifying them in books. Through this, it is my desire that students will develop an interest in reading more nonfiction books too!
Bible: We will begin learning our 2nd quarter Bible verse- Proverbs 3:5-6. We will have the part 1 test on Friday 11/6.
Spelling/Grammar: No spelling list this week. Instead, we will be learning about identifying adjectives. We will have a adjectives test on Friday (11/6).
Writing: Students have been busy typing their stories on google slides through google classroom! They have been creatively adding pictures, learning about fonts, and formatting. They are coming along very nicely!

Week of 10/26 - 10/30

Dear 4th grade families,

We are onto 2nd quarter now! Here is what we will be learning this week.

Math: We learned two ways to multiply multi-digit numbers (ex: 342 x 5= ). Students learned how to use an area model, as well as use the traditional way to solve. This week we will be practicing our calculations more, and also practice some word problem strategies. We will ask the questions, what key words tell us if the answer should be an estimate or an exact answer? (Ex: About how many --> estimate answer)
Reading: We are reading "Into the Book of Light," the first book of a fantasy trilogy. We will reflect on how our independent reading is going. Students should be regularly reading their books from the classroom or form the library, and when they finish a book, they can take a comprehension quiz on Whooo's Reading (Go to "websites we use").
Science: We will be doing Investigation 2.3 on Magnetic Force. We will explore the question, "What is the effect on the force of attraction between two magnets as the distance between them changes?"
Social Studies: Social studies will resume when we are done with MAP testing.
Bible: We will be talking about how we can grow in our hearts in Christ as we talk about Social emotional topics as well as devotions.
Spelling/Grammar: List 5 words : Spelling City Online Practice Link
Writing: We will be typing up our Realistic Fiction narrative stories!!

Week of 10/5 - 10/9

Dear 4th grade families,

We are nearing the end of our 1st quarter! This is what we will be doing this next week:

Math: We will be wrapping up unit 3 and we will have a test on Friday 10/9. Please encourage your child to practice their multiplication facts as they are very important to remember as we get into more complex questions.
Reading: Our new reading focus is "Point of View." As we read books together and individually, we will ask the questions, "From what point of view is this story written from? What are key words that help us know?"
Science: We have completed 4 investigations about electricity. We will review and have a test on Thursday (10/4). Students will be bringing home a study guide.
Social Studies: We have finished our study on Maps, and we will do a fun learning activity of mapping out our school campus.
Bible: Last week we learned about Bible Study tools (such as timelines and maps). This week we will use what we learned to study the Letter to the Philippians together. (No Memory Verse test on Friday).
Spelling/Grammar: List 4- Practice online too! --> Spelling City link for List 4
Writing: We have had an amazing week of brain storming ideas for our realistic fiction narrative writing. Students came up with great character, setting, problem and solution ideas. This week, we will plan out the point of view the stories will be written in, and writing our first draft.

Week of 9/28 - 10/2

Dear 4th grade families,

We had a wonderful week at school! It was a full week with picture day, Christmas in September, and fun learning. This is what we will be doing this next week:

Math: We are in Chapter 3 now, learning about multiplication. We will continue to talk about word problem strategies, English phrases and words we use in multiplication, and solving strategies. Please encourage your child to practice their multiplication facts as they are very important to remember as we get into more complex questions.
Reading: Students wrote a book reflection on the chapter book : "4th grade Rats" by Jerry Spinelli. Our reading focus is "Describing characters." We are asking questions such as, "What words describe the main character's outer appearance? What about their personalities? Fears? What motivates them?"
Science: We are on our 4th investigation on the topic of electricity. Having learned about series circuits and parallel circuits, this week, we will do an investigation regarding this question: " Which type of circuit would be better for a long string of lights?"
Social Studies: We will continue our unit on "maps." We will begin a project and become cartographers! Students will be mapping out the school campus using the concepts that we learned.
Bible: This week we will discuss and learn about this topic: Tools for studying the Bible. We have a memory verse test on Friday 10/2 (Micah 6:8 part 3)
Spelling/Grammar: We have completed 3 weeks of spelling, and now we will take a one week break from spelling and spend a lot of time with writing (below). (There is no spelling list for this week)
Writing: We will begin brainstorming and drafting ideas for writing their first written piece : A realistic fiction narrative. We will be focusing on this, so we will take a one week break from spelling and grammar.