Classroom February Newsletter Contact Information: lindsay.szewczyk@kaneland.org
365.1122 ext. 203
Social Studies We’ve been studying the southeast region of the United States. Students will be taking the next state/capitals quiz on the southeast on March 10th . Thank you to those parents who donated grocery/newspaper ads. The kids made regional economy quilts with the materials. They searched for items that contained products from the southeast. For example, cotton is a product from this region. Knowing this, the kids had to search for products that would contain cotton like sheets or shirts. Every year I’ve noticed this activity also aids in everyday knowledge of what a citrus food is, as well as what is the difference between pork, poultry, and beef! After this activity, they should be excellent helpers to take along to the grocery stores!
Reading We’ve been working to prepare for ISATs. Students have been taking practice tests in hopes of boosting scores and becoming familiar with the way terms are used. We’ve also heavily talked about test taking strategies to ease some anxiety. Here are some tips we’ve been using: 1. Every time you move onto a new question in the booklet check your answer sheet to make sure you are on that same number 2. Line up a notecard under each answer line to help yourself fill in the bubbles correctly 3. Fill in the bubbles completely for the machine to accurately read 4. Physically cross off wrong answers as you eliminate possibilities to chose an answer more efficiently The diorama projects turned out great! There was a lot of work that went into creating the scenes. All boxes are currently in the display case downstairs by the office to share with the entire school. Please stop by on Open House to view them, or any other time in the next couple weeks when you’re in the building.
Writing/Grammar The 4th graders have been learning about figurative language: idioms, alliteration, onomatopoeia, and most recently similes. The kids had fun illustrating literal meanings of idioms! The assignment is currently on display in the hallway for parents to view during Open House. In grammar, we’ve finished up our verb unit are now learning about adjectives.
Math We have just finished Unit 6 of the math curriculum, and are jumping into Unit 7. This unit focuses on fractions.
Science As I mentioned in the last newsletter, we took some time between units to review for ISATs. After we get through ISATs, we’ll be starting our owl unit in March.
Extra things to note Scholastic web site: The login information is as follows: (case and spacing sensitive) Room203 Elburnclassroom *An extra CR form is posted.
Thank you! Thank you to the parents who donated items for the Valentine’s Day party! Mrs. Annerino, Mrs. Kovach, Mrs. Nevenhoven, and Mrs. Jahns
Reminders! Fun Lunch Dates Wed, Feb. 25th Wed, March 11th Wed, March 25th Library Days (To remind the kids to bring back books) Tues, March 3rd Tues, March 10th Tues, March 17th Tues, March 24th Open House!!! Thurs, Feb. 26th 6-7:30pm SIP Day – No School Fri, Feb. 27th ISATs Mon, March 2nd – 6th
(4th grade students are tested in reading, math, and science)
4th Grade Music Concert – Mark your calendars! Tues, March 17th (Usually 6:30pm, More specifics in the coming weeks coming from the music teacher Mr. Fox) Young Authors Books Due Wed, March 18th
Challenge Testing for 09-10 School Year (Language Arts and Math), Afternoon
*You will be notified by the school if your child will be participating in the testing. Tues, March 24th 3rd Quarter Report Cards Go Home Thurs, March 26th SIP Day – No School Fri, March 27th Spring Break Mon, March 30th – Fri, April 3rd