It seems like spring is truly just around the corner! We have had a few teaser spring like days and I think we are all ready!
This week in reading we learned about fantasy archetypes. Fantasy books follow a recipe, if you will. There is usually a hero, a mentor, companions and a quest. Students looked for examples of fantasy archetypes in the stories they are currently reading. We also learned about stereotypes in literature. We used the example of Disney princess all being beautiful with long hair. We looked for examples of stereotypes in our own stories. We also learned some Literary Elements: simile, metaphor and personification. Ask your child to give you an example of these.
The students have been hard at work completing their first literary essay! Students have come up with a thesis, reasons and evidence that support their thesis and learned how to write a list as evidence as well as how to insert quotes into their essay! Pretty big stuff for 4th grade!
We are finishing up our first fractions unit in Math. Today we took the book/practice test. Your child should know how to add and subtract fractions and mixed numbers as well as how to multiply a fraction by a whole number. They should also be able to solve word problems involving fractions.
The students have an exciting project that they are working on in Social Studies! Each student choose a state in the U.S. and they are creating a travel advertisement using a program of their choosing on their iPads. (iMovie seems to be a popular choice). we have spent the week researching our chosen state using the 5 themes of geography. They are now working on creating a 3-4 minute advertisement, using the 5 themes of geography, to entice people to visit their chosen state.
We also had an exciting opportunity to visit Mrs. Highhill’s kindergarten class and teach them how to put their written books in to Book Creator!
Remember conferences are next week!
Important Dates
March Is Reading Month Has begun! Information about our “One School, One Book” came home on Tuesday. Our all school Read-A-Thon information is coming soon!
Tuesday, Thursday, Monday, March 8, 10, and 14 – Parent Teacher Conferences
April 1-8 – Spring Break