A Rewarding Week!

      It was a great first full week of 4th grade!  The kids are really starting to learn the routines and expectations of the classroom.  
     It was great to see so many parents at Open House on Wednesday.  I hope you found the information helpful.  If you find that you have questions at any time, please let me know.  

Math Workshop

     We have started the first module in math.  We are learning about place value and addition and subtraction.  We have worked with many hands on activities using the place value chart.  We have also learned that numbers can be represented in 3 ways.  Numbers can be written as a number which is called standard form.  For example, 345 is standard form.  We can also write numbers in word form such as "three hundred forty five."  Finally, numbers can be written in expanded form where the value of each number is written.  For example 300+40+5.
     There are many vocabulary words to remember in this unit, so we have created a "Math Toolbox" section in our math notebook.  This toolbox has resources that the students are encouraged to use if they are stuck on a problem.  This helps to increase independence in students and encourage using a growth mindset.  

Home-School Connection...

• If you want to practice at home, you could create a matching game for your child.  Your child could practice matching the standard form of a number with the expanded and word form of the number.  You could make it in to a game of Memory as well!

• Also, anytime you see larger numbers in the real world, encourage your child to read the number aloud to you.  I have noticed that many of the students have difficulty reading larger numbers.  (Car and House prices in the newspaper make a great place to start!)

EngageNY Website

     At Open House I had mentioned that I would post the EngageNY website that you can use at home if your child needs a review of the daily math lesson.  This is a great resource to have to use at any point during the school year.  

http://www.oakdale.k12.ca.us/cms/page_view?d=x&piid=&vpid=1391596408603 

     After clicking on the link, choose GRADE 4, the MODULE  and the LESSON NUMBER (on the top of the homework page).  

     This will bring you to a page where you will be able to print the homework page (this is great if your child forgets their homework page) and a lesson walking your child through the homework page itself.  

Reading Workshop

     In reading we started to partner read picture books.  Last week, we were practicing asking questions while reading.  We continued to practice asking "talk-worthy" questions or questions that really get us thinking AND talking about the book.  

    This week, we will continue to set up our reading workshop routines.  We will also start a fun project with picture books.  More information about the Battle of the Picture Books will follow!

Paw Print Reward

     The class was able to work together over the past few weeks to earn enough Paw Prints to fill up our chart.  On Friday, we had a Newspaper Dance Party to celebrate!  Many kids were shy at first, but "dance leaders" were chosen, and most kids really got moving! 
     Each student started off with a piece of newspaper.  The music started and the goal was to dance on the newspaper ONLY!  Every time the music stopped, each person needed to fold their newspaper in half.  After 5 or 6 stops of the music, the newspapers were very small.  Many kids ended the party dancing on their tippy toes!
     Here are a few pictures from our Newspaper Dance Party!

                         

The Newspaper was VERY small by the end!

I hope everyone had a great weekend!  
~Jen