Weekly Update Dec 17-21

Grade 4 AG

Weekly Newsletter

December 17 - December 21, 2018

Language Arts
This week in writing we will be doing some blogposts about our class novel, "Tiger Rising" and the character changes that we saw within the novel. Last week, we drafted some writing which included some turning points that students recognised for each character.  We will also start planning another realistic fiction story, ready for when we return in the new year using the story arc or story-boarding.
In reading, many groups will be reflecting on the novels that they have just completed or will complete this week.

Math
In math we are continuing with our work on measurements and converting from smaller to larger measurement units and vice versa. We have started last week on mass and distance and this week we continue with capacity ( mL<-> L). The students are learning some important mathematical prefixes such as kilo-, centi-, milli- which all have meanings.  Many students need revision on subtracting across zeros. We hope to complete this short unit on Thursday along with the assessment. The completed, marked assessment will be sent home in the new year.

Our new math unit in January will be  Fraction Equivalence and Ordering using models to show/ prove that fractions are equivalent or not and using benchmark fractions to compare size. Here is a link to a quizlet vocabulary set that may be a good preview of vocabulary if your child has some times over the vacation to preview these words. As always with quizlet, start with flashcards and learn.

Science
In Science we will continue designing and building  simple machine/ complex machine prototype that answers a real-life situation; the situations are varied and range from dog mobility issues to recycling machines to clearing up the ocean. Using their design, trying to build and realising that they need to make changes and adapt their design is an important part of the design thinking process.

Announcements

• Thank you Math Games Celebration/ Share: Thank you so much for coming to our share of math games. Many of you asked for copies of the games and in the New Year we will send home links to these games.
• The last day of the semester is Friday, Dec. 21. Please be sure to inform the school and class teacher if you plan on leaving for the holiday before that date.  Thank you to those that have already indicated.
• ES Dress Up Days - plan your days in advance click HERE for dates. 
• Water Bottles & Hats - Please check that your child comes to school with their water bottles and hats every morning. Recently, many students seem to be forgetting them at home.

Resources

Repeat: Grade 4 Camp-In Resources
Most of our class has completed the permission form electronically. It is linked below. Please make sure that you have completed it by the 21st December.

• Camp-In Information Presentation 
• Camp-In Permission Form - completed by Friday 21 December 
• Camp-In Packing List