Weekly Newsletter March 4- March 8, 2019

 4KW

Weekly Newsletter

March 4 - March 8, 2019

Language Arts

In Language Arts this week, students are continuing to gather different types of visual material, such as diagrams, data and charts to add to their collection of information on their non fiction research topic. Students are continuing to synthesize, which is taking notes from a wide variety of non fiction sources in order to ensure that all information gathered is aligned.  We are using the notes we have collected to begin drafting our non fiction texts, ensuring that information is grouped into sections and paragraphs.

Math

This week the students will be working on decomposing fractions using a number line and the area model. They will then be adding and subtracting fractions with common denominators. The students will continue to use drawings to help make deeper connections while adding and subtracting fractions.

Science

Due to our preparations for our Student-led Conferences this week we have limited science lesson times. However, we will be learning about different rock layers. We will also be using our inference skills about fossils in preparation for writing a scientific argument. The argument will be based on a claim about what past environments used to be like, using evidence from rocks and fossils.

Announcements

• March 7th & March 8th - Student Led Conferences (SLC): Be sure to sign up for a time slot on POWERSCHOOL. If you are unable to attend, please contact your child’s teacher so that an alternative date can be set up.
• ES Dress Up Days: plan your days in advance click HERE for dates and details.

Resources

To further support our exploration of non-fiction text log on to Newsela, which is an online news website that has the capability of breaking down the text into different reading levels that all readers can access.  https://newsela.com/ (focus on Science)

Weekly Newsletter February 25-March 1 2019

Grade 4KW

Weekly Newsletter

February 25 - March 1, 2019

Chinese New Year was celebrated at ISKL with gusto.

Language Arts

This week in language arts students are beginning to explore possible non fiction topics that can be used as part of their research for their own projects. Students will continue to learn how to deconstruct non fiction texts, note taking according to the author’s text structure. I have asked the students to read aloud to a parent at least once per week. They may need a reminder.

Math

This week we are finishing the unit on fraction equivalency. Next, we will be moving on to adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators. The students will continue to use the area model to decompose and show equivalency with fractions.

Science

This week students read about, consider details of, and model sedimentary rock formation in different environments. Students add a new layer to their Sedimentary Rock Formation Models, showing two different kinds of sedimentary rock, to apply what they learned about what makes sedimentary rock different and how different rock forms in different environments. Students will reflect on what they’ve learned by returning to the Rocks and Fossils anticipatory chart and engaging in a short reflective writing activity in response to the question How do rocks provide information about what an environment was like in the past?  Students will then begin to apply their understanding about what rock layers suggest about previous environmental changes.

Announcements

• March 7th & March 8th - Student Led Conferences (SLC): Be sure to sign up for a time slot on POWERSCHOOL. If you are unable to attend, please contact your child’s teacher so that an alternative date can be set up.
• ES Dress Up Days: plan your days in advance click HERE for dates and details.

Resources

To further support our exploration of non-fiction text log on to Newla, which is an online news website that has the capability of breaking down the text into different reading levels that all readers can access.  https://newsela.com/ (focus on Science)

Weekly newsletter February 18-22 2019

Grade 4KW

Weekly Newsletter

February 18 - February 22, 2019

Here is a great example of students working together to determine important versus interesting information from texts.

Language Arts

 This week in Language Arts we will continue to examine text structures. We will examine further the features of each type and analyse a variety of examples to determine which type of text structure they are. Students will find evidence within the text to support their thinking. We will also continue to learn about different forms of note taking that allow us to gather important information from texts and begin to start this process.

Math

This week in math sees us at the final bend in this unit on Equivalent Fractions and Ordering. Students will continue to use visual models (area models and number lines) as well as their knowledge of fractions to look at whether fractions are close to zero, close to ½ or close to 1 whole.   These benchmark or landmark fractions will help them with comparing and ordering fractions as well as identifying equivalent fractions.

Science

Students revisit the mystery in Desert Rocks Canyon and are introduced to the Chapter 2 Question: What was the environment of Desert Rocks National Park like in the past? Students then read Through the Eyes of a Geologist, which takes students on a journey back in time, highlighting how the environments in specific places have changed over millions of years. Students are also introduced to Fossil Hunter’s Handbook, the reference book they will use in the unit, and use it to identify the mystery fossil found in Desert Rocks Canyon.  

Announcements

• Thursday, February 21st - Grand Opening Celebration: Students will  be able to witness the ribbon cutting ceremony on the Zurich Field ( leave classes at 2pm) event at 2:10pm. Please be sure they have their hats as they will be outside on the field.
• Friday, February 22nd - Chinese New Year Celebration: ISKL will be celebrating CNY in the elementary gym. We encourage your child to dress up in Chinese clothing for the event.
• March 7th & March 8th - Student Led Conferences (SLC): Parents will be able to sign up for the conferences on POWER SCHOOL. If you are unable to attend, please contact your child’s teacher so that an alternative date can be set up.

Resources

 Here is a collection of 5 different Subitizing* Fraction Games you can play at home. The games came from www.BuildingMathMinds.com.

Here is the link: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1gnauE0rjvJFx6cG7_-7lyBSEixBS1xSXbZAzrZylv6U/edit#slide=id.p

*Subitizing: is the ability to instantaneously recognize the number of objects in a small group without the need to count them (example: rolling dice).