Dear 4th Grade Families,

Happy Tuesday! Yesterday was a fun filled day since we got to experience the Solar Eclipse via NASA’s live broadcast. We were able to watch a telescopic view of the phenomenon! Our class learned about the Path of Totality as we viewed the eclipse occurring in Mexico and then Texas and other states. Then, we wrapped up our day with some Mystery Science to learn about the dangers of looking at the Sun.

Here’s an update of what we are currently learning in class! Don’t forget to check out our most recent episode of the 4th Grade Pod”class” linked below.

Important Dates and Reminders:

• Monday, April 8: Art with Ms. Sofer
• Tuesday, April 9: Library
• Friday, April 12: 2pm Dismissal and Knock-Out Tournament Finals (watching at lunch)

Our Learning:

• Math: This week, we practice measuring angles with both full circle protractors and half-circle protractors!
• Reading: Students will continue their work in Reading Groups. We are also starting a new class novel, By The Great Horned Spoon, which takes place during the Gold Rush!
• Writing: This week, our writing time consists of working on our classbook all about student-created characters. (Details about how to order a copy can be found in your email! Paper order forms will go home on Tuesday). — In addition to our classbook, we will start to work on our Informational Writing pieces.
• Grammar: Roots and Affixes: how words change!
• Word Work: We continue on with Words Their Way! This is our differentiated spelling program where we focus on spelling patterns to help us become the best spellers we can be. Spelling words can be found on Vocabulary A-Z + in your child’s planner. It’s always great to practice these throughout the week.
• Religion: We study Mary and the Annunciation, learning the Angelus prayer.
• Science: Our studies of sound continue with a fun experiment involving balloons!
• Social Studies: This week, students will learn about the start of the Gold Rush and how it affected California’s environment.

Homework: Due Tuesday, April 16

• Reading Homework: Letter to the Teacher
  • This week, we start a new reading assignment, Letter to the Teacher. After reading 20/min day this week, students will write a letter detailing what they read. Please see your student’s homework folder for more details, as well as your email. One letter summarizing this information is to be completed by next Tuesday.
• Math Homework:
  • IXL skills:
    • JJ5 – Measure angles on a circle
    • JJ6 – Measure angles with a protractor

Let’s have a great week,

Ms. Schmaeling