Dear Parents,

It is very hard to believe that it is already December. The past three months have passed by very quickly and there is still so much to do. The students are working hard and making some progress.

Math

In Math, we are working on our multiplication and division facts, but continuing to practice addition and subtraction. Students need to study their facts each night using their practice booklets. Please help your child by having a family study buddy. Sign the booklet each night after you have studied that particular multiplication table. This will ensure mastery of these facts. We will be learning about time and the calendar as well as solving problems of elapsed time. We continue to work on math exemplars and various problem solving strategies.

Reading

Children have been working on their Reading skills and we have just started a new book called Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing. It is about a boy who has a pesky little brother with whom he has to deal. It’s a fun story that will keep the students’ interest. We will be completing questions, responses, make predictions, learn vocabulary, and ask meaningful questions for discussion purposes. We will also practice our Grammar and Spelling skills through our reading. There will also be various reading selections going home for more practice with comprehension questions to answer. Have your child summarize these selections for you to ensure comprehension.

The past book report was completed and the students did a nice job. Students are responsible for another book report, which will be due when they return from vacation. Again, we will do the report in class, but students need to have the book read by the time they return in January.

Science

This month our class will be completing a unit on magnetic and electrical energy. We have already created electromagnets and now will be making simple circuits with batteries and wires. Vocabulary cards are being written by the students to study for their test at the end of the unit.

Social Studies

We have been working on map skills and the North American continent. We have learned to locate places using latitude and longitude and will begin a unit on Immigration. There will be a home project assigned to this unit. More information will be forthcoming.

Writing and Language

In Writing we are working on compound and complex sentences, paragraphing, and organization. Peer editing groups have been set up so that students can benefit from each other, as well as from me. We have created cinquain poems and continue to write and read poetry. All writing is stored in the students’ personal portfolio, therefore you will not see many writing pieces go home. You are welcome to view these portfolios at any time during the year.

We continue to work on Spelling and Word Study, which includes Wordly Wise program of vocabulary. Homework in this book is required two to three days per week and is a necessary part of learning these words. The fourth grade Spelling program includes many skills related to Spelling and Vocabulary such as adding prefixes and suffixes, word origins, and patterns. Because there are so many skills involved in one list, we work on it for about 2 weeks and tests are administered at the end of each Spelling unit.

Health

Students have Health classes each week taught by the school nurse. The 4t grade Health class includes topics such as the human body, self esteem, and safety issues. Students will complete tests and receive grades that are incorporated in their science grade therefore, students are responsible for studying and completing assignments.

As a reminder, your child’’s binder is an important organizational tool. The student planner must always stay in the binder for writing down homework and other important information. Also, I give students information that needs to stay in the binder all year such as math facts, book report formats and maps. Students need to keep the folders clean and continue to collect these important reference materials.

On December 21, our class will have a short Christmas Party. The party has been planned and there is no need to send in treats. (One less thing you need to do.) Have a very Merry and Joyous Christmas.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Toomey