I hope everyone enjoyed the vacation week!  We are entering into a very busy time of fourth grade!

Writing Workshop and Science
      We will are getting ready to start our Nonfiction writing unit in Writer's Workshop.  We are going to continue to learn about earthquakes, how they are measured, and research how engineers make buildings safer if there is an earthquake.
      After doing the research the kids will be constructing an earthquake proof building.  To help with our project we will need the materials listed below.  If you are able to donate these items to our class, please let me know that way I will have an idea of what is being sent in and can make sure we don't have too much of one item.  :)  If you are able to send in anything, please let me know by Thursday, February 25th.  We will need the items by next Monday, February 29th.  

Items needed for engineering project:

• mini marshmallows
• toothpicks
• marbles
• box top similar to the size of a board game box or cereal box
• string/yarn
• pipe cleaners
• index cards
• box of spaghetti
• duct tape
• coffee stirrers

Reading Workshop

      We will continue to work on our Nonfiction unit in reading as well.  We will be reading paired texts which are multiple stories/texts that show multiple points of view.  For example, we will read a text about Hurricane Katrina as well as an account from a person who lived through Hurricane Katrina.  We will discuss the differing points of view.

Math Workshop

     We will  continue to work on fractions in math.  We will start to learn about multiplying fractions this week.  We do not have a homework helper packet for this module, but if your child is stuck, this website might be helpful.  

http://www.oakdale.k12.ca.us/cms/page_view?d=x&piid=&vpid=1424347210205 

I hope everyone has a great week!  

~Jen