It is hard to believe that the 2nd quarter is upon us. We hope that your child has had a restful and enjoyable track out and is ready to head back to school. We will be working on a lot of interesting information this quarter. If you did not have a conference and you wish to do so please contact us and we will set up a date/time.
ELA:
This quarter in reading, our focus will be nonfiction. Please have your child read nonfiction texts at least 2 nights a week for reading homework. During the first few weeks back, we will focus on using text features to preview and comprehend text. We will also learn new ways to check for understanding and record information while reading nonfiction, including a concept square and a 3-2-1 chart.
In writing this quarter, students will be writing 2 animal reports, in conjunction with their upcoming science unit. We will do a guided report in small groups for the first half of the quarter and then an independent report for the second half of the quarter. We will be working with our Media Specialists to make these projects come together. The students will be writing 5-6 paragraphs including information on: habitats, food, structural adaptations and behavioral adaptations. Students will have the option to take notes online using Google Docs and Google Drive and will also be able to publish their independent reports using Microsoft Word, Discovery Ed Board Builder, Voicethread, or as a paperslide presentation using iPads to record.
Math & Science:
In math we will begin our exploration of division. Again, we will be teaching a method that many of you may not be familiar with. I have posted a link that will show you the method we will be using. The standard algorithm for long division is often too difficult for fourth graders to fully grasp and is no longer a fourth grade objective. Therefore we will be focusing on the rectangular area method and the expanded notation method for dividing large numbers. In the coming weeks we will also be working on more problem solving strategies. Remember the goal of Common Core is to dive deeper into the curriculum so that there is a better understanding of the material. This is a national curriculum that most states follow.
Here is the rectangular area method link and here is the expanded notation method link .
In science we will be studying the many structural and behavioral adaptations of animals. We will also focus on their basic needs. In the coming weeks, students will be observing frogs and crabs. Your child may opt out of the animal investigations if you are concerned about the possibility of an allergic reaction. There is a form you will need to fill out if you do not want your child to participate in the investigations that require your child to come into contact with the animals (They will not be touching the animals in any of the investigations.) Please email me if you need a form: [email protected]
News & Important Information:
Boosterthon is here! Please register your student on https://funrun.com/auth/login, using the school access code: 699-797
Students receive a FREE GIFT when they are registered. This is our largest fundraiser of the year and money raised is used to enhance our technology. Please consider donating as well.
**Some of our field trips for the year have been posted on the TCE website. We would like to collect payment for both of our in house field trips and the Symphony together. The total is $20.00. For convenience, we ask that you please pay for this online. On the TCE website, look under the parent links and then online school payments. Then go to Elementary Schools and Turner Creek. We are listed on page 2.
Friday Folder Logs: We will discontinue the use of Friday Folder work habits/conduct logs for those students who consistently earned 3’s in quarter 1. We will contact you directly with concerns if they arise.
Important Dates:
Boosterthon: Tuesday, October 6
Early Release: Friday, October 16
No School: November 11, 25-27
Book Fair Begins: November 30
Track out/report cards quarter 2: December 4
Symphony Field Trip (no chaperones needed): January 5