Weekly Newsletter Dec.17 - 21, 2018

Grade 4

Weekly Newsletter

December 17 - December 21, 2018

Language Arts
This week, the class will be finishing up the review of The Tiger Rising. They have been examining how the characters have changed throughout the story, examining the main themes as well as pondering what could happen next. In writing, students are completing the draft of their stories. They will also look at  where to begin new paragraphs when typing up their stories online.  When we return, the focus will be on editing and revising our stories with a partner. 

Math
This week we are concluding our unit on Measurement by doing some review work and multi-step problem solving. We will also be assessing students on their knowledge through the unit assessment. 

Science
In Science we will continue designing and building  simple machine/ complex machine prototype that answers a real-life situation; the situations are varied and range from dog mobility issues to recycling machines to clearing up the ocean. Using their design, trying to build and realising that they need to make changes and adapt their design is an important part of the design thinking process.

Announcements

• December 21st - Last day of first semester: Please be sure to inform the school and your classroom teacher if you plan on leaving for the holiday before that date. 
• ES Dress Up Days - plan your days in advance click HERE for dates. 
• Water Bottles & Hats - Please check that your child comes to school with their water bottles and hats every morning. Recently, many students seem to be forgetting them at home.

Resources

Here are some of the digital links from our "Gaming with Math" games:

24

Trap It

Nasty Game


Grade 4 Camp-In Resources

Camp-In Information Presentation 

Camp-In Permission Form - completed by Friday 21 December

Camp-In Packing List

Weekly Newsletter Dec. 10 - 14, 2018

Grade 4

Weekly Newsletter

December 10 - December 14, 2018

Language Arts
This week, the class will be finishing up the read aloud, The Tiger Rising. Throughout the reading of this book, the children have been reinforcing their skills in growing ideas about characters and understanding how the character really is the heart of the story. In writing, students are continuing to draft and will focus on developing the problem and solution scenes in their realistic fiction stories.

Math
This week the students are continuing their work on measurement. They are working on converting units for length, mass, and capacity. They will be introduced to area and perimeter and make connections from our previous unit. The students will also be finishing this week by solving word problems based upon this unit.

Science
This week in science students will continue to learn about the design cycle through solving a real-life problem for their final project. Through brainstorming, modeling, questioning, and testing, the students will be able to design and improve their prototype machines. Students will also start to learn about failure, and how it is an important part of the design process!

Announcements

• December 13th - Christmas Around the World: The fourth graders will have the opportunity to learn about various Christmas traditions from around the world (2:00-2:45). Feel free to join us if you have the time. (Be sure to tell the bussing office if you will be taking your child home afterwards.)  Wear red or green in celebration of the event.

• December 14th - Math Games Celebration/Share: During this sharing time,  students will teach you some of the games that they have been using this semester.

• December 21st - Last day of first semester: Please be sure to inform the school and your classroom teacher if you plan on leaving for the holiday before that date. 

• ES Dress Up Days - plan your days in advance click HERE for dates. 

• Water Bottles & Hats - Please check that your child comes to school with their water bottles and hats every morning. Recently, many students seem to be forgetting them at home.

Resources
Grade 4 Camp-In Resources

Camp-In Information Presentation 

Camp-In Permission Form - completed by Friday 21 December

Camp-In Packing List

Weekly Newsletter: Dec 3 - 7, 2018

Grade 4

Weekly Newsletter

December 3 - December 7, 2018

Language Arts
In reading this week, students will be finishing up their first book club book and reflecting on the stories they have read. This week in writing, students will continue drafting their scenes, focusing on bringing the scenes to life through the strategy called Show, Don’t Tell.

Math
The students will be delving into measurement and using the metric system. They will be learning the names of the units for capacity, mass, and length. They will also be looking at real world situations which involve measurement. In addition, they will be given the opportunity to convert units of measurement

Science
Science this week see the students continue to learn about simple machines and how simple machines make work easier. Students will also start learning about compound machines and will be introduced to real-life problems where machines have provided solutions. Students will select a real-life scenario and  will have to follow the design cycle to design, build, and reflect on a prototype machine that will solve a real-life problem. This project will take us to the end of the semester.

Announcements

• Dec. 4th - Parent “Camp-in” Informational Meeting: 8:15-9:15 am in MPR 2 & 3 on the 2nd floor, above the Panther Hut.

• ES Dress Up Days - plan your days in advance click HERE for dates. 

• Water Bottles & Hats - Please check that your child comes to school with their water bottles and hats every morning. Recently, many students seem to be forgetting them at home.

• The last day of the semester is Friday, Dec. 21. Please be sure to inform the school and class teacher if you plan on leaving for the holiday before that date. 

• Math Games Celebration/ Share: An invitation to our grade 4 celebration share on Math Games will be sent home on Monday 3rd December, the event will take place on 14 December. Please let us know if you will be joining us for this share by returning the slip to your child’s class teacher. In this share  students will teach you some of the games that they have been using this semester.

Resources
Below is the design cycle that we will be working through for the next few weeks in science. We start by asking questions: defining the problem and researching, then imagining a solution and planning, creating, reflecting and rebuilding etc.

Weekly Newsletter: Nov. 26 - 30, 2018

Grade 4

Weekly Newsletter

November 26 - November 30, 2018

Language Arts
This week in reading, the students are developing theories about their main characters based on the patterns from the character’s words, actions and thoughts. In writing, the children are drafting their story scenes, focusing on storytelling by using a strategy called Show, Don’t Tell.

Math
This week in math the students will be reviewing unit two and preparing for their final assessment. Our next unit will be following the metric system. The students will be exploring measurements and conversions.

Science
This week students will finish their diagrams on the experiments from last week. We will also get into simple machines and continue looking at them through the lens of energy and force.  Students will  investigate simple machines through hands on experiences.

Announcements

• Scholastic Orders - please see email from Annie Gillis.
• ES Dress Up Days - plan your days in advance click HERE for dates. 
• Water Bottles & Hats - Please check that your child comes to school with their water bottles and hats every morning. Recently, many students seem to be forgetting them at home.

Resources
We are growing realistic fiction readers and writers in grade 4!
They are doing this by thinking deeply about the characters.  These CHARACTER TRAITS  are useful in describing the character based on their words, thoughts and actions.

To support your child as a reader...GRAB THE BOOK YOUR CHILD IS READING and ASK to describe the character based on his/her thoughts, words, and actions.

To support your child as a writer...ASK your child to explain about the character in the story they are going to write.

Weekly Newsletter Nov. 19 - 23, 2018

Grade 4

Weekly Newsletter

November 19 - November 23, 2018

Language Arts
This week the students will be using the class read aloud to dig deeper into character traits, scene summaries and envisioning the text in order to read intensely. In writing, many children are ready to develop a believable character and plan the story arc with scenes for their story.

Math
This week in math the students will be finishing up our unit on multiplication and division. Students will continue to review remainders through real world word problems, and we will also be reviewing the entire unit and doing some small group re-teaching, if need be.

Science
In Science, we will introduce the concepts of Potential and Kinetic Energy and allow students to start exploring the impact of forces and motion by testing different variables on a ball and ramp structure.  Students will then summarise their understanding and noticings using relevant science vocabulary.

Announcements

• Tues, Nov 20 - NO SCHOOL (Prophet Muhammad's Birthday) 
• Fri, Nov 23 - Deepavali Cultural Day ES students are encouraged to dress up in traditional Indian attire.
• Scholastic Orders - please see email from Annie Gillis.
• ES Dress Up Days - plan your days in advance click HERE for dates. 
• Water Bottles & Hats - Please check that your child comes to school with their water bottles and hats every morning. Recently, many students seem to be forgetting them at home.

Resources
As we now move on to division in math, we will be having discussions and practice on what to do with the remainders.  Here are some links for round up, drop it (ignore it) and share it 

Weekly Newsletter Nov. 12 - 16, 2018

Grade 4

Weekly Newsletter

November 12 - November 16, 2018

Language Arts
In reading this week, the students will be getting into book club groups and use discussions to deepen their understanding of the stories they are reading. In writing, the students will be choosing an idea they have generated and begin planning out their writing using a story arc.


Math
This week in math, the students will be working on division. They will be following the partial quotient method of solving equations. They will also be answering real world word problems with quotients that have remainders.

Science
This week students will be continuing to develop their knowledge of force and motion through various hands on science experiments. They will be looking at controlling variables and how they can impact results.

Announcements

• November 13th & 15th - Biathlon training: If your child is participating in the biathlon, please be sure your child has his/her bathing suit and goggles along with proper sports attire when they arrive to school in the morning.
• Water Bottles & Hats - Please check that your child comes to school with their water bottles and hats every morning. Recently, many students seem to be forgetting them at home.

Weekly Newsletter Nov. 5 - 9, 2018

Grade 4

Weekly Newsletter

November 5 - November 9, 2018

Language Arts
In reading, we will continue analyzing character traits and will use evidence from the text to prove our thinking. In writing, we will identify characteristics of realistic fiction through mentor texts and develop story ideas that stem from personal experiences.

Math
This week students will be using the partial quotient method to solve real world division problems. It is suggested that the students brush up on their multiplication and division facts in order to help them solve these word problems.

Science
Students will continue to investigate forces and motion. Students will be learning about several different forces that affect motion. They will be doing this via videos, textbooks and PowerKnowledge.

Announcements

• November 5th - NO ASAs due to expected heavy holiday afternoon traffic.
• November 6th - NO SCHOOL - Deepavali
• November 9th- International Day Flag Parade. Students should come to school in their national dress or national colors. 
• November 10th - Annual International Festival from 4pm-8pm. 

Resources
To support Science at home,  watch this video to help recognize the different types of simple machines.
Help your child complete a simple machine scavenger hunt at home- it is amazing how many simple machines we use!

Weekly Newsletter Oct. 29 - Nov. 2, 2018

Grade 4

Weekly Newsletter

October 29 - November 2, 2018

Language Arts
This week, we will begin our Realistic Fiction reading and writing units. In Reading, we’ll be reviewing expectations for independent reading and add onto our thinkmarks with a focus on character traits and change. In writing, students will examining mentor texts to identify features of realistic fiction writing.


Math
Students will be reviewing their understanding of factors and multiples of whole numbers. We will also begin exploring the use of area models as a way of solving multi-digit multiplication.

Science
We are launching our Force and Motion,  Science unit by investigating a phenomena, and asking ourselves how do various forces impact the motion of objects?  Our next step is to find out more about applied forces and how they create a balanced or unbalanced force. We will be asking the following questions throughout the unit:

• How do various forces impact the motion of objects?
• ​How can force be applied or changed to make work easier?
• How does the transfer of energy impact the motion of an object?
• How does the design process help us find solutions to our problems?

Announcements

• 4NJ will introduce it's new HL Choice Board for November and December 2018
• Wednesday, October 31st will be the elementary Halloween Dress up Day (School Policy: NO weapons, NO masks, NO scary costumes) 

Resources
As many classes introduce the area model, here are a few resources that may help you and your child understand this strategy.
Using the area model ( two digit numbers x single digit)

Multiplying two digit numbers

Weekly Newsletter: Oct. 22- 26, 2018

Grade 4

Weekly Newsletter

October 22- October 26, 2018

Language Arts
This week, we will be finishing up both the nonfiction reading unit and personal essay writing unit. The children are publishing their essays in writing and working closely with partners to revise and edit their writing.

Math
Students will be learning about factor pairs and determining which numbers are prime and which numbers are composite. They will also be playing games that involve multiplication and division in order to solidify their facts.

Social Studies
This week will bring us to the end of our unit on culture and global citizenship. Students will be sharing their presentations, and reflect on how understanding different cultures makes them better global citizens.

Announcements

• October 31st will be the elementary Halloween dress up day, (School Policy: NO weapons, NO masks, NO scary costumes) 
• Nov 9th, Friday - ES International Festival Flag Parade: Students and Parents encouraged to dress up! Students can dress in costume: country of origin, country of self identification (one or more!) , country of citizenship: it’s their choice! Parents are also encouraged to attend , dress up (optional) to celebrate this fantastic morning! Bring your cameras… Each child will receive a mini flag that represents their recorded passport with Admissions. This is the day before our Annual International Festival. 

Resources
As we are studying prime and composite numbers in math here are a few games that will give your child practice at recognizing these numbers. One game is called Fruit Shoot  and another is a helping game about Prime and Composite numbers. 

Weekly Newsletter: Oct. 15 - 19, 2018

Grade 4

Weekly Newsletter

October 15 - October 19, 2018

Language Arts
In reading this week, students will continue to use nonfiction texts to better understand the major world religions. In writing, students will be revising their essays to make them even better and editing their essays to prepare for publishing.

Math
This week we will begin to explore math thinking connected to our new unit on multiplication and division.  The unit will include multiplication and division of larger numbers through the use of concrete strategies.  We will make these math ideas visible with models and drawings!

Social Studies
This week students will be working on their slide presentations for four of their cultural universals. By the end of the week students will be paired with another student from another class, and they will begin sharing and comparing cultures.



Announcements

• October 19th will be a FREE DRESS Day.  If your child chooses to not wear their uniform on this day, the Red Hats will be collecting a 5 Ringgit donation towards a charity.
• October 31st will be the elementary Halloween Dress up Day, (School Policy: NO weapons, NO masks, NO scary costumes) 

Resources

We will soon be moving into our second math unit on multiplication and division.  Our mathematicians will continue to explain their thinking using math vocabulary.  Here are many of the words they will need to use...Grade 4 Math Unit 2 Vocabulary Quizlet.

Weekly Newsletter October 8 - 12, 2018

Grade 4

Weekly Newsletter

October 8 - October 12, 2018

Language Arts

This week in Reading, the children will be using nonfiction texts to explore different religions around the world. As they read, children will be noticing text structures and using brain frames to compare and contrast different religions. Personal essay writing continues this week as we develop introductions and conclusions for our essays.

Math
Students will be reviewing topics within our first unit and will also be taking the unit test.  We will begin our next unit on multiplication and division with a pre-assessment. Practicing multiplication facts at home through flash cards, games etc will be very valuable.

Social Studies
We will begin using the information our students collected on their personal culture to start their personal Cultural Presentation. This may take one or two weeks, especially since students are typing up their work into Google Slides. Some classes are at different stages within the process.

Announcements

• If your child is a bus rider and you are planning to pick your child up after school, be sure to notify the bussing office(busing@iskl.edu.my or +603 4813 5070).
• Friday, October 19th -  Free Dress Days for RM 5 Donation to charity
• Wednesday, October 31st - ES Halloween Dress UP Day
• (School Policy: NO weapons, NO masks, NO scary costumes)

Resources
Most parents stop reading with their child once they become independent readers.  However, research suggests that we must continue reading with our children, into middle school.  This looks different than when we read books to our children.  Consider how you can read with your child. (sourced from Scholastic Parents https://www.scholastic.com/parents/books-and-reading/raise-a-reader-blog/3-reasons-to-read-your-elementary-schooler-every-night.html)

Time together. The number one reason for reading each night is quality time together. Period. Life gets nuts when kids go to elementary school. Between homework, lessons, classes, and meetings, it's a crazy time. But carving out that small amount of time—even if it's 10-15 minutes, which is just enough time to read one chapter of a book—is totally worth scheduling into your day.  I'm betting payoffs for this small, scheduled “date” with your child will be big in the long-term.

Listening to fluent reading. If you choose to do the reading, which I strongly suggest you do, then this time together allows your child to listen to what fluent reading should sound like.  You don't need to go crazy with voices and sounds—just read naturally and normally.  The more your younger readers hear what fluent reading should sound like, the better!  It reminds them how their reading should sound.

Talking about texts.  It doesn't need to be an in-depth discussion about characters, plot-line, or style, but you may be surprised at how your conversations evolve after you read together for some time.  You can begin by just “thinking aloud”—every few pages, share your thoughts about the text out loud, kind of like a built-in commentary.  Your child will hear how you think about and process text as you read, and soon it will become habitual for him or her to do the same.   Over time, incorporate questions or thought-provoking statements and involve your child.

Weekly Newsletter October 1 - 5, 2018

Grade 4

Weekly Newsletter

October 1 - October 5, 2018

Language Arts

This week in reading and writing, the students will be focused on setting goals for the first semester to present at parent conferences on Oct. 1 and 2. This process requires the children to consider their strengths as readers and writers and areas to focus on for continued growth. As they consider these goals, they will identify specific evidence from their work throughout the first few weeks of school to present alongside their goals.

Math

The students will continue to use rounding to determine if an answer is reasonable. They will solve multi-step word problems and assess the reasonableness of answers. Students will be practicing using standard algorithm for solving both addition and subtraction multi-step problems.

Social Studies
Students will use what they learned from the cultural universal presentations in class to help them collect information about their own personal culture. This is not necessarily the culture of their home country, but more the culture that is practiced in their everyday lives. Parents, students will be asking you many questions as well to fill in some gaps. 

Announcements

• October 1st and 2nd - ISA Testing: Please make sure your child gets a good night’s rest and eats a balanced breakfast. 
• October 4th and 5th - Three way conferences: Please be sure to arrive at your scheduled time, as the conferences are scheduled back to back. Your child will be presenting their goals for the year, so please make sure they come with you.

Resources

As your child prepares for conferences next week, take a look at this video putting the power of learning in your child’s hands.  After all, it is THEIR LEARNING.  This video gives you an idea of why we do this, the hard work your child has done to prepare, and the wonderful experience you will have next week.  Enjoy! 

EMPOWERING YOUR CHILD DURING CONFERENCES

Weekly Newsletter Sept. 24 - 28

Grade 4

Weekly Newsletter

September 24 - September 28, 2018

Language Arts

In writing, students will be working on their evidence to support their reasons and building stamina to write long and strong! In reading, students will notice how texts are organized in order to help them gain more information while reading.

Math
The students will continue to use rounding to determine if an answer is reasonable. They will solve multi-step word problems and assess the reasonableness of answers. Students will also be learning how to solve two step word problems using the standard algorithm for addition and subtraction.

Social Studies

Students will use their notes on the different universals and create Google slides using the reading structure of Main Idea and and Details. This will be a class resource, and  hopefully students will also get time to present their newly learned information to one another.

Announcements

• September 25th - Individual photos will be taken. Students may wear their chosen outfit.  
• September 27th - Class photos will be taken. The student MUST be in their school uniform (blue collared shirts). 
• ISA Testing Oct. 1st and 2nd - make sure students get a good night’s rest and eat breakfast. 
• October 4th and 5th - Three way conferences. On September 24th, you will be receiving a letter informing you of when your conference time will be. Your child will be presenting their goals for the year.

Resources
As we continue to dig even deeper into learning math, we explore the IMPORTANCE of STRUGGLE.  In this video, we explore the need to struggle as an important part of learning! You will definitely want to watch this one with your kids.
The Importance of Struggle

Weekly Newsletter: Sept. 17 - 21

Grade 4

Weekly Newsletter

September 17 - September 21, 2018

Language Arts

This week in reading, the students will be using nonfiction books about Culture to learn more about the Cultural Universals. They will be learning to take notes in order to find the main idea of a text. Our grade 4 writers will be entering the drafting phase of their opinion writing by expanding their ideas and including evidence to support their opinion statement.

Math

The students will continue to use rounding to determine if an answer is reasonable. They will solve multi-step word problems and assess the reasonableness of answers. Students will also be learning how to answer the word problems with complete sentences.

Social Studies

We will continue with our investigation into the different cultural universals through non-fiction texts.  Students will be blending their non-fiction reading skills with learning about a specific cultural universal.  Many students have finished painting their flag on their identity posters and more work on the posters will continue throughout the next few weeks.

Announcements

• Be sure to refer to the Swimming Schedule to see when your child has P.E. swimming lessons.

on odd days with Amy Simpson you will swim on day 1
on even days with Amy Simpson you will swim on day 2

on odd days with Tim Pettus you will swim on day 3
on even days with Tim Pettus you will swim on day 4

on odd days with Gail Smith you will swim on day 5
on even days with Gail Smith you will swim on day 6

on odd days with Val Vieytes you will swim on day 7
on even days with Val Vieytes you will swim on day 8

• Three way conferences will be on October 4th and 5th. On September 24th, you will be receiving a letter informing you of when your conference time will be. Your child will be presenting their goals for the year.

Resources
Continue to learn with us about teaching and learning math. Here is another video from YouCubed that talks about the importance of believing in yourself and accepting mistakes as learning opportunities. Watch this one with your kids!

Boosting Your Brain with Math

Weekly Newsletter : September 10 - 14

Grade 4

Weekly Newsletter

September 10 - September 14, 2018

Language Arts

This week, students will be previewing nonfiction books and getting their mental “arms” around their books. This includes making connections to the topic and determining what they know already and what they want to learn more about. In writing, students will set goals for themselves and look at the structure of setting up an Opinion Essay.

Math

Students will be using their place value understanding to round multi-digit whole numbers to any place value using real world situations. 

Social Studies

This is a short week and students will be looking closely into each cultural universal ensuring they understand what it means and how it is a piece of the bigger picture - Culture.

Announcements

• If your child is late (after 8:00 am), please be aware that they will need a tardy slip from the Elementary Office.

• If you plan to pick up your child any time during the school day, you must check in with the Elementary Office and then come up to the classroom to pick your child up.
• Hari Raya Celebrations on Friday, Sept. 14th  

Resources

Let’s face it...the way we think about math nowadays is very different than when we were kids. Teachers have learned a lot about how to teach math and want you to learn with us.

Check out this video from YouCubed that talks about the importance of thinking deeply in math. Speed not as important. How fast you are does not relate to how good you are.  Calculation is only a small part of math. Thinking deeply about patterns and ideas in math is more important. Having said that, we do encourage students to practice their math facts for automaticity, however it is not a focus or determining point for success. 

HOW IMPORTANT IS SPEED IN MATH?

Newsletter: September 3 - 7, 2018

Grade 4

Weekly Newsletter

September 3 - September 7, 2018

Language Arts

This week, the children will be developing skills to work with partners and grow ideas as readers. Partnerships are really beneficial when students know how to communicate well with each other and get the conversation started. In writing, the children will be focused on planning their opinion essays using a variety of tools.

Math

This week, students will continue to read and write multi-digit numbers in word form, expanded form and standard form. They will also begin to round numbers to the nearest place value.

Social Studies

This week, we will finish up looking at identity and what influences our values and behaviors.  This theme will run throughout the unit as we begin our identity portraits and start addressing the next part of this unit which is, “ What is Culture?”.

Announcements

• ES Gym - scheduled for use on Monday, Sept. 3
• ES Upper Playgrounds - Fence erected and equipment installed in phases.  Entire area ready for use Sept. 25
• Turf Field behind ES Pool - Open 
• 25m Pool - Ready for PE swimming Sept. 17 (note that this may take place in the 50m pool vs. the 25m pool)
• ES Lower Playgrounds - Areas are being completed and secured for safety currently.  Target date for lower playgrounds is Sept. 5
• Please remember to bring a hat and water bottle on PE days.  The new artificial turf field is ready to use and PE classes will be going outside this week.  Hats are required when going outside

Resources
Look here for resources you and your child can access at home to support their learning and overall development.

• Open House Slideshow 
• When you ask your child, “how was school today?”, does your child often answer with one-word answers such as, “good”?  If so, consider these 15 questions to replace “How was school today?” (Edutopia)  
• Math Unit 1 vocabulary on Quizlet 

Newsletter Aug. 27-30

4NJ Weekly Update

Open House: 

The grades 3-5 Open House will be happening this Tuesday, August 28 beginning promptly at 6:30pm. This is a great opportunity to learn about grade 4 and the 4NJ classroom. I look forward to seeing you all there!

Language Arts: 

This week in writing, the children will be continuing to review different types of sentences, with the focus being on run-on sentences. We will also be writing a paragraph on our names. In reading, the children will continue exploring “Just Right” books and applying new strategies for fluency and comprehension.

Math:

We will be launching our first math unit which is focused on whole numbers, place value and rounding. This week we will focus on reading and writing numbers through the millions place and learn vocabulary to help us explain our thinking about large numbers.

Social Studies:

This week, we may finish up with learning about the history of our name and dive into investigating the idea of identity. Some of our key questions to guide our inquiries this week include: What is our identity? What makes you…”you?" What do we value and believe? What might influence our values, beliefs and behaviors?

Announcements:

• Merdeka/National Day- Friday Aug. 31- No school
• ASA's begin on Monday Sept. 3
• Please let me know if you would like to volunteer to be the 4NJ class parent
• Home Learning this week- Reading at least 20-30 minutes each night