Classroom january Newsletter Contact Information: lindsay.szewczyk@kaneland.org
365.1122 ext. 203
Social Studies We’ve been studying the Northeast using our social studies textbooks. On Tuesday, February 10th there will be a quiz on the state capitals, location of the states, and abbreviations. A detailed study guide along with a parent letter was previously distributed. The students and I talked about how it’s important to know where the states are that we are learning so much about in our books. It’s also just part of being an informed American citizen!
Reading We finished learning about main idea and supporting evidence. Besides working in our guided reading groups, we worked as a class using a particular Weekly Reader article titled, “Feeding the Hungry.” We broke it down into sections finding the main idea of each section so students weren’t overwhelmed with the amount of information. Together we completed 2 parts, and then the students were to find the main idea and supporting details in the 3rd part. Using this information, we made Main Idea Pizzas! The ingredients were the supporting details and then the whole pizza represented the main idea. The pizzas are currently on display on the hallway bulletin board, but will be coming home in the future to share with parents. Most recently we’ve been working on how to use our context clues (words around unknown words) while reading. We will continue to work on this concept alongside practicing for the ISATs coming up the first week in March.
Writing/Grammar The 4th graders continue to work on paragraph writing. We’ve been working on learning alternative transitions (words/phrases to use other than First, Second, Third). In grammar, we’ve been working on verbs and verb tenses.
Math We have just started Unit 6 of the math curriculum. This unit focuses on division, and later on measuring angles with a protractor.
Science We recently finished our germ unit. We’ll be taking some time between units to review for the science portion of the ISAT. Later in February we’ll be learning about owls, and the students get to dissect an owl pellet.
Extra things to note New: Please take a look at the new Scholastic web site that I put together for our class. It lists some general information, has Scholastic approved web sites that the kids can visit, book recommendations, and links for parents. Additionally, a blank CR form (if the original gets lost) and past classroom newsletters are posted. It’s completely private and password protected. The login information is as follows: (case and spacing sensitive) Room203 elburnclassroom Reminders from December: Please make sure that your child has emptied the home side of his/her Home Folder each night. At times I find notices and papers in student folders that have accumulated over several days. Thank you Please encourage your child to regularly read a chapter book of his or her choice. Students have time to read in class when not in a guided reading group.
Thank you! Ms. Panick for coming to talk to the kids about germs! Ms. Panick has a background in biology and did a presentation for the kids about how germs travel, what they look like, and all sorts of neat things.
Reminders! Fun Lunch Dates Wed, Feb. 11th Wed, Feb. 25th Library Days (To remind the kids to bring back books) Fri, Jan. 30th Fri, Feb. 6th Fri, Feb. 13th Mon, Feb. 23rd Presidents’ Day – No School Mon, Feb. 16th Progress Reports Go Home, Six Flags Optional Reading Incentive Forms Due Fri, Feb. 20th Open House!!! Thurs, Feb. 26th 6-7:30pm No School – SIP Day Fri, Feb. 27th ISATs Mon, March 2nd – 6th
(4th grade students are tested in reading, math, and science)