Fourth Grade News
Welcome to January in Nebraska. The weather is always changing, one day warm, and the next day very cold. Please take time to remind your children that they need to wear a coat to school. The mornings are still cold, even though it may get warmer in the afternoon.
During writing class, we have been learning what makes a good story. We have practice different ways to add "voice" to our writing to make it more interesting. One of the ways to make our stories more interesting and give it voice is to add dialogue. We have also learned that a good story will include a beginning, middle, and an ending. The beginning should get the reader interested and want to continue reading, the middle will be the story itself, the facts, and the ending sum it all up. All the practice that we do will help us complete the state writing assessment on January 24 and 25.
During math class, the fourth grade has been learning more about fractions. We are learning how to make equivalent fractions and how to change fractions into decimals. We need to continue to work on our multiplication and division facts so that we can instantly recall the answers.
Reading class has reading a new story every 5 days. Our class periods are filled with phonic and spelling activities, defining and using new vocabulary, and practicing to read fluently. We are also learning all kinds of prefixes, suffixes, and roots and their meanings. This skill should help us read and define words we don’t recognize. Thanks for helping your child practice reading and spelling.
In Social Studies the fourth graders are researching the Native Americans of the Plains. This research will be turned into a file folder report and the students will be constructing a diorama representing the culture of a specific Plains tribe. This is always a favorite activity of the students.
I look forward to seeing you at Parent Teacher Conference on February 9, 2012.
