The weather outside sure makes it feel like it is still summer, but we have learned that the Autumnal Equinox occurs on September 21st, so we know that it is definitely fall! We are all excited to see the leaves TRANSFORM.

We have had another great week in Room 16! I absolutely ADORE this group of kids! We have a lot of great things to share!

Math ~ We have completed our first unit on rounding, place value, comparing numbers and solving multi-step problems.  Students have also completed their first math test! Our next Unit will begin next week and will start with using area models to represent multiplication of larger numbers.

Writing ~ Students have completed a story arc to help them plan each scene for their realistic fiction story.  We have now entered the drafting phase! We have been working on writing long and strong, in other words we are building our writing stamina!  Students have been very ENTHUSIASTIC about writing their realistic fiction pieces! Some of the stories are so funny that they are down right SIDESPLITTING.

Reading ~ We have continued to work on selecting and reading “Just Right” books.  A letter went home this week with lots of great information on the importance of reading at your “just right” reading level.  We have also begun to review non-fiction text features in informational texts and have made screencasts to show what we remember. Students had to take photos and edit, or TRIM them to fit them into their screencast.  They also had to tell how each text feature helps the reader.   Students shared their screencasts with the class by using apple tv to project their work on the big screen.

Science ~ We have completed our “View from the Earth” unit.  Students will be taking a test over the information they learned on Monday.  We have reviewed the material extensively in class and they are ready to show me what they know! We REMINISCed about our Oreo cookie phases of the moon activity and enjoyed watching the movie trailer about it.

Have you noticed the words in bold? These are the six vocabulary words that we learned this week. Ask your child if they can use each one in a sentence!

MEAP WEEKS!

Next week begins the two week MEAP Testing window. The 4th grade will be MEAP testing on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday next week, this is Oct. 8 – Oct. 10. It is important that your child is well rested and eats a good breakfast on these mornings. I also encourage you to pack a healthy snack for your child so that we can keep our brains energized! We will be testing for most of the morning and possible a little bit after lunch on these days.

Homecoming is tonight! I hope to see you at the game, and remember to come early to watch the parade!

Janie’s Cookie Orders are due today! If your child forgot to turn in their order please return it to school no later than MONDAY!

Enjoy your weekend!