I hope you all had a good four day break. We are finishing up our unit on fractions. The DCA grades are posted in the gradebook. We will begin Unit 7 on Monday which will focus on decimals.
Math: We will be introducing decimals by connecting them with our knowledge of fractions. Students will discover how decimals and fractions are similar. They will locate tenths and hundredths on a numberline, and will link decimals to place value. Parents can help at home by talking about money, and other ways we see decimals every day. Science: Students will learn how to predict the phases of the moon. They will know what causes seasons, and how the dark and lighted areas of the moon change in a repeating pattern. Welcome back. We are practicing for the STAAR writing exam today. Students are writing an essay and answering editing and revising questions.
Math- This week we will consolidate strategies for comparing fractions. Tuesday's focus will be on calculating equivalent fractions using pictures and diagrams to show our thinking. Wednesday- Review Mixed fractions and Improper fractions. Thursday- Valentine's math. Friday- Unit 6 DCA exam.. Science- We are studying why there are seasons on Earth, and the causes of shadows and how they change during the day. Valentine's Day party on Thursday: I will give the students bags for them to decorate, and a class list. Please have your student make or buy valentine's cards for each person in class. You may add a small treat if you'd like. Our class will have a party from 2:00-2:45. We will enjoy pizza and will play games. Parents are welcome to join the fun! I'm glad you have found my new Weebly blog site. Here you will find updates for our class for the subjects we are currently studying as well as ideas for how you might help your student study at home. In general, your fourth grader should be doing the following each night:
We are currently working on adding and subtracting mixed fractions on a number line, When students add mixed numbers, they add the whole numbers and fractions separately then combine their totals. This works for subtraction too. They should be able to calculate the totals on a number line, and to solve word problems using mixed fractions. You might ask your child to add 5 1/4 + 3 2/4 and similar problems, for practice. Science This week we begin a new unit on the Earth and Solar System. Math TEK: 4.8 "Earth and space. The student knows that there are recognizable patterns in the natural world and among the Sun, Earth, and Moon system. The student is expected to: collect and analyze data to identify sequences and predict patterns of change in shadows, seasons, and the observable appearance of the Moon over time (S) We will begin by studying why we have Seasons. You might want to read about the Seasons with your child at home and talk about Spring, Summer, Winter, and Fall. What causes seasons to change, and what do we notice? |