Today in English class, we finished reading chapters 1-5 in Because of Winn-Dixie. So far, the class is really enjoying this book. We also started working on a vocabulary book where each student will look up the meaning to a word and illustrate it. See the kids hard at work below:
Inquiry Time!
Today in science, the class found a garden snail. They then observed it and recorded their findings. Parents, please ask your child what they were able to infer about whether or not this animal had a backbone.
Science Project – Vertebrates and Invertebrates
Grade 4 Science Research Project
1 Vertebrate and 1 Invertebrate
Find out details about a vertebrate and invertebrate of your choice:
· Habitats
· Diets
· How it cares for its own
· Size, weight & lifespan
· Defenses against enemy
· Unique behaviors
· Other interesting facts
Create a ‘Double Bubble’ comparing and contrasting these very different animals. Find out at least 3 things that are similar and 3 things that are different. Please use as much science vocabulary as you can to describe your animals. REMEMBER: Use deeper level thinking.
Example:
In addition to writing the names of the animals, you’ll also be drawing a detailed picture with their habitats as part of the ‘double bubble’ background. When your scientific art piece is complete, you will need to type a 3-paragraph research paper on your findings. Your paragraphs should include:1st paragraph – What two animals did you select?2nd paragraph – How are your animals the same and different?3rd paragraph – What have you learned from this project?
This project is due Friday, October 21, 2011. Have fun, get creative and learn!
Sincerely,
Ms. Suckoo
Vertebrates and Invertebrates
Yesterday in Science, we built models that had backbones, and some that didn’t. We then discussed what we observed when we compared the two models. Please ask your child what they discovered about backbones.
Grade 4 Behavior Management System
Dear Parents,We are starting a new behavior management system in Grade 4. Please see below and ask your child daily what ‘card’ did they finish the day on.Thanks for your continued support.Blessings.Ms. Suckoobehavior_management 
Objectives and Homework for October 3 – 7, 2011
English – Students will distinguish between common and proper nouns.– Students will identify singular and plural nouns.– Students will write the plural forms of nouns ending with ‘y’.Homework: – Tuesday: Pages 21-22 Thursday: Pages 25 AND 27Because of Winn-Dixie – Students will be introduced to the novel ‘Because of Winn-Dixie’. We will be making predictions based on the cover and will then read Chapters 1 and 2.
Math – Students will use subtract multi-digit numbers.
– Students will choose the best strategy to solve a problem.– Students will subtract multi-digit numbers when some digits are 0.– Students will review Chapter 2 to prepare for a Chapter Test on Monday, October 10.– Students will be given additional time to practice using Mathletics and http://www.quia.com/mathjourney.html. We will also be playing various math games to increase students fluency and speed in addition, subtraction and multiplication.Homework – Monday: Group Wingo: Page 30, Groups Lightyear and Francesco: Pages 29-30– Tuesday: Pages 31 AND 33– Wednesday: Pages 35-36– Study for Chapter Test on Monday, October 10Spelling Homework – Study spelling words for test on Friday. – Monday: Pages 32-33– Wednesday: Pages 34-35Science – Students will make a model of a backbone.– Students will describe characteristics of vertebrates.– Students will describe characteristics of invertebrates. Homework – Study for Science Test on Monday, October 10.Bible – Students will learn that God’s word changes lives.– Students will learn what the word ‘omnipresent’ means.Homework: – Study Bible Verse for Friday. – You were shown these things so that you might know that the LORD is God; besides him there is no other. Deuteronomy 4:35
The Functions of a Plant Stem
Yesterday during our science class, we did an experiment to see if we could actually observe the functions of the plant stem using red and blue food coloring in water. We left our plant experiments overnight and this morning we were happy and every excited to find that they had worked! Grade 4 was able to observe that the plant stem was indeed responsible for carrying water and nutrients to other parts of the plant. In order to help your child review and remember what we discussed in science this week, here are some key questions that you can ask him/her:1. What does the word Vascular mean? (Answer: having tubes)2. What are the functions of a plant stem? (Answer: They connect the roots and the leaves. They carry water and food to the other parts of the plant.)3. How did the experiement help to prove what the functions of the plant stem are?
Moving Classrooms
Dear Parents,Please note that on Friday, we moved our classroom next door to the Spanish/Music Room (the first door on the right). This room is a bit more spacious and makes it a little easier for all of us to maneuver around the classroom.If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to send me an email.Many thanks for your continued support.Blessings.Ms. Suckoo
Objectives and Homework for September 26 – 30, 2011
English – Students will identify run-on sentences.– Students will recognize the distinguishing features of a biography– Students will correct run-on sentences by adding a ‘comma’ and/or an ‘and’.Homework: – Monday: Pages 15-16 Wednesday: Page 17 Please note that we will have a Unit 1 Check-Up on Friday.
Math – Students will use addition properties and subtraction rules to add and subtract.
– Students will estimate sums and differences of numbers.– Students will determine when to estimate or find an exact answer.– Students will add numbers, including multi-digit numbers.– Students will be given additional time to practice using Mathletics and http://www.quia.com/mathjourney.html. We will also be playing various math games to increase students fluency and speed in addition, subtraction and multiplication.Homework – Monday: Pages 19-20– Tuesday: Pages 21-22– Wednesday: Pages 23 AND 25– Thursday: Pages 26 AND/OR 27 Spelling Homework – Study spelling words for test on Friday. – Tuesday: Pages 26-27– Thursday: Pages 28-29Science – Students will observe functions of a plant stem.– Students will describe the functions of a plant stem.– Students will describe the structure of fungi.Bible – Students will understand that God’s word endures forever.– Students will understand that God uses His word in people’s lives.– Students will learn that God’s word changes lives. Homework: – Study Bible Verse for Friday. – God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8