Way to Go

Congratulations to both our "Dancers of the Week" and to our "Wow Note" recipient. #PROUD

Our Week In Review

What a busy week back after our Thanksgiving holiday! 

We participated in many science experiments and activities in our class and with Mrs. A. Williams' class,  and the science learning will continue next week.  Hopefully you have heard about science this week, but if you haven't, please ask your child!  Next week, we will begin our next Social Studies unit about Canada.

Have you been hearing a lot of discussion about dogs?  Our latest interactive read, Little Dog, Lost, by Marion Dane Bauer, is a huge hit.  It is a novel written in  verse form, which is a new text structure for many of us, but one that we enjoy.  We will finish reading next week and then start an in depth unit of study on nonfiction reading.  

Next week, we will finish publishing our  fiction writing, and we will have a chance to share these.  After that, we will continue writing fiction with a project involving model magic.    On Friday, we were treated to a Skype visit with author, Josh Funk.  Mrs. A., Mrs. E and I were his guest readers for a book that will be published in March of 2019!!! It was super exciting to get to read a book that hasn't even been in libraries yet!  It was a very special treat.   It is always wonderful for the students to get to meet real authors and ask them about their books and their writing process.  It is a very motivating experience for young writers. If your child is interested in purchasing books by Josh Funk, an order form was sent home today.  In addition,  Josh Funk will be at Unlikely Story in Plainville next Saturday.  Information can be found here.

Long division is our latest focus area in math and it is challenging but EVERYONE is making steady progress.  Please continue to practice math facts and the division will come along.   Check out the homework help videos and information that was posted earlier this week for information about the partial quotients algorithm (method).

You may have heard the saga of the "found hat".  This hat must belong to someone who was in our classroom this week. Please let me know if it is yours!  

What an amazing end of the week!  Students spent the week writing a compliment note to another classmate. We shared our letters at our end of the week meeting, and the children enjoyed reading their notes.  Ask your child about this!  Some took their notes home, while others are leaving them in their desks at school.

Homework Help - Division

Division is a new concept, and it can feel challenging!  Below are some resources that should help your child with homework.  The videos show step by step this new method of dividing.

Our SHORT Week in Review

Today's speeches were wonderful!  The students worked hard and persevered through some nerves. The audience was great, too! Everyone shared praise and suggestions for our next speech (which will be in December)!

We reviewed for our math test and the children worked hard at this assessment today!  

We also completed some Thanksgiving themed activities with other fourth graders this week.  Look for your child's Gratitude Wreath and turkey centerpiece!

Check out these inspirational t-shirts of the day!

Twin T-Shirts of the Day

From the Teacher's Desk

This is the season of giving thanks, and I want to take this opportunity to thank you all for your support over the last few months.  Thank you to Mrs. Arroyo for being our room parent!  Thank you to all of you for your continued open communication and support  This communication allows the children to understand the importance of the connection between home and school.  Thank you for all you do!  I hope you enjoy the holiday, and that you have a chance to spend time with family. Happy Thanksgiving!

~ Mrs. Merten