January 5-8

This week the fourth grade: 

• Began learning all about Earth's layers and what our planet is made of
• Started reading Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
• Continued practice classifying sentences
• Summarized our study of the Southwest Region by finishing our Southwest foldables
• Reviewed for the Southwest Region and took a test
• Read about James Monroe, Robert Livingston, and the deal with France to purchase the Louisiana Territory
• Began a new composition on WPP Online (we will write at least 4 this quarter - for a grade!)
• Continued to divide with remainders
• Analyzed word problems to decide if multiplication or division is required to solve
• Drew pictures and wrote equations for word problems

Next week we will:

• Review Topic 9 in Math and take a test on Thursday
• Learn more about Earth's crust and tectonic plate movement
• Begin learning about earthquakes and volcanoes
• Continue reading Number the Stars
• Begin a unit to review noun types and rules for spelling nouns in connection with our Shurley Grammar work
• Write winter-themed poetry using figurative language and the book Owl Moon
• Write about our opinions regarding Napoleon's deal with Monroe and Livingston for the Louisiana purchase
• Begin our study of the West by previewing the states and capitals and exploring the geography of the region

Can you believe it?  We are already planning for second quarter book clubs! Please let us know if you are willing to host a group of students this quarter.  We had to change the dates to  February 5th, 12th, and 19th from 12:30-1:00.  This quarter's assignments will be fantasy and science fiction stories.  We will need about 7-8 parent volunteers to ensure that groups are small enough for high quality discussions and activities.  

Upcoming dates:

• Friday, 1/8:  End of Quarter 2
• Wednesday, 1/13:  Science Club, 7:30 am in Mrs. Van Maren's classroom 
• Thursday, 1/14: Topic 9 Math Test
• Monday, 1/18:  No School, Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• Tuesday, 2/2:  Math Club, 7:30 am in Mrs. Stephenson's classroom
• Friday, 2/5:  Book Clubs, 12:30-1:00
• Tuesday, 2/10:  Science Club, 7:30 am in Mrs. Van Maren's classroom
• Friday, 2/12:  Book Clubs, 12:30-1:00, Valentine's Day parties 2:30 pm
• Monday, 2/15:  No School, Presidents' Day
• Thursday, 2/18:  4th Grade Showcase, 7 pm

You can order books for your child through Scholastic Book Clubs!   

Shop Online: scholastic.com/readingclub
One-Time Class Activation Code: HFWTD 
Every online order earns three free books for our classrooms!  We use these free books for classroom libraries and as a punch card reward.

Here's to a great week in the fourth grade!

Mrs. Stephenson and Mrs. Van Maren