Week 1 Update
Hello!
I had a great first day of school on Friday and I hope your
children did too! I think it's going to be a fantastic year. On Monday, we will
begin with our academic content, while continuing to reinforce and rehearse key
classroom procedures. Here's a general overview of the academic content we'll be learning:
In Math, we will begin by discussing place value
in numbers up to 5- and 6-digits. Using manipulatives, we will discuss how to
write numbers in standard and expanded form, how each place value relates to
other place values, and how to order large numbers. Place value is a
foundational topic upon which many other later topics are based, and this week
is an important one in laying strong groundwork for the rest of the year.
We will begin our study of history/geography this week by learning the importance of maps, and their many uses. Students will learn to measure distances using map scales, and other fundamental components of map reading. We will use latitude and longitude to find locations across the globe and become familiar with the Prime Meridian, Equator, International Date Line and how lines of latitude and longitude divide the earth. At the end of the week we will turn our attention to time zones across the world and here in the United States.
In Science, we will begin by learning about the Scientific Method. Students will be able explain 5 reasons why science is important, and be able to identify and record each step of the scientific method. They will learn to define and identify variables in different scenarios as they conduct an experiment of their own. At the end of our study on the Scientific Method, we will each take on the role of scientists and conduct an experiment using M&M's to show mastery of all that we have learned about Scientific Method.
In Literature this week, we will begin reading Pollyanna by Eleanor H. Porter. Please make sure your child brings in the book on Monday. I have put up a picture of the cover of the book we use. Learning about Pollyanna's difficult circumstances and how she deals with them is a great way to start the year. We will be focusing on setting and characterization this week.
Also this week, we will be working on summaries and dictation in our writing
portion of Language Arts and capitalization in the grammar portion.
The students will start memorizing the poem "Dreams" by Langston Hughes. This will be presented the week of August 21.
Additionally, this year 4B will be a nut-free classroom. Please do not pack any snacks for your child that contain nuts, for the safety of their classmates. Thank you for your partnership in this.
Action Items:
- Please have your child bring Pollyanna to school on Monday, if they haven't already.
- Please make sure your child has a nut-free snack.
- Please turn in the PSO form packet you received at Meet the Teacher to me by Friday.
Thank you! As always, please email me to let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Have a great week!
Mrs. King
