Fourth Grade

Welcome back Ward Families!

The Fourth Grade Team is ecstatic to be working with a great group of kiddos!  The beginning of the school year has been running as smoothly as a well oiled machine!  We will be updating our blog monthly with important information of upcoming events and assessments, as well as keeping you in the loop on what your child is currently learning.  Don’t hesitate to explore the different pages of our blog as there are online tutorials and practices for math and reading, as well as information on the Fourth Grade Teachers.  We thank you in advance for your continued support and we cannot wait to work with you and your child throughout the school year!

Important Dates:

NWEA Testing:

General 4th Grade Reading:  September 26th

Gifted 4th Grade Reading:  September 27th

General 4th Grade Math:  October 2nd

Gifted 4th Grade Math:  October 3rd

Field Trips:

Jamestown Settlement:  November 2nd

*****More information will be sent home in the form of a newsletter!  Be checking your child’s Thursday folder! 🙂

Math:

Graphing

Whole Number Place Value

Decimals

Science:

Scientific Method

Weather

Reading:

Summarizing Fiction

Main Idea

Making Predictions

Problem and Solution

Virginia Studies:

Virginia Geography

Virginia’s American Indians

Hello Ward Families,

4^th Grade will be very for the rest of the year! The last day of school is June 15^th, 2018 and this update will cover both May and June. On behalf of all of us…thank you for such a fantastic year. We appreciate all the support, visitors, guests, and chaperones we have each had over this year. As always please let us know if you need anything. Have a great summer!

Thanks!

-The 4^th Grade Team-

IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES

May 7^th – 11^th Teacher Appreciation Week

May 9^th – Virginia Studies SOL

May 17^th & 18^th – 4^th Grade Reading SOL

May 18^th – SPRING FLING

May 23^rd & 24^th – 4^th Grade Math SOL

June 13^th – Fire Safety Truck Visit

June 15^th – Last Day of School!!

MATHEMATICS

4.15- Patterns

4.6 Measurement- Length: estimate, measure, equivalent measures

4.7 Measurement- Weight: estimate, measure, equivalent measures

4.8 Measurement- Liquid Volume: estimate, measure, equivalent measures.

4.11 Measurement- Transformations

4.12 Measurement- Plane and Solid Figures

4.13 Measurement- Elapsed Time

LANGUAGE ARTS & WRITING

4.4 The student will expand vocabulary when reading.

4.5 The student will read and demonstrate comprehension of fictional texts using:

• Conclusions/Inferences
• Author’s Choice
• Identify Sensory Words
• Relationship of current literature and past read material

4.6 The student will read and demonstrate comprehension of nonfiction texts.

• Author’s Purpose
• Identifying the main idea
• Distinguish between fact and opinion
• Use prior knowledge to build background knowledge

4.7 The student will write cohesively for a variety of purposes.

• Utilize transition words for sentence variety.
• Include supporting details that elaborate the main idea

4.8 The student will edit writing for correct grammar, capitalization, spelling, punctuation, sentence structure and paragraphing.

• Use subject-verb agreement
• Use commas in series, dates, and addresses
• Incorporate adjectives and adverbs

4.9 The student will demonstrate comprehension of information resources to research a topic.

– Construct questions about a topic

– Collect information from multiple resources including online, print, and media

VIRGINIA STUDIES

VS.7a – Identify events and differences between the northern and southern states

VS.7b – Describe Virginia’s role in the Civil war, including major battles in Virginia.

VS.7c – Describe the roles played by whites, enslaved, and freed slaves

VS.8a – Identify the effects of Reconstruction on life in Virginia.

VS.8b – Identify the effects of segregation and “Jim Crow” on life in Virginia.

VS.9a – The student will demonstrate knowledge of twentieth- and twenty-first century Virginia by describing the economic and social transition from a

rural, agricultural society to a more urban, industrialized society, including the reasons people came to Virginia from other states and countries.

SCIENCE

4.3 The student will investigate and understand the characteristics of electricity. Key concepts include

1. a) conductors and insulators;
2. b) basic circuits; open/closed, series/parallel
3. c) static electricity;
4. d) the ability of electrical energy to be transformed into light and motion, and to produce heat;
5. e) simple electromagnets and magnetism; and
6. f) historical contributions in understanding electricity.

4.5 The student will investigate and understand how plants and animals, including humans, in an ecosystem interact with one another and with the nonliving components in the ecosystem. Key concepts include

1. a) plant and animal adaptations;
2. b) organization of populations, communities, and ecosystems and how they interrelate;
3. c) flow of energy through food webs;
4. d) habitats and niches;
5. e) changes in an organism’s niche at various stages in its life cycle; and
6. f) influences of human activity on ecosystems.

Hello Ward Families,

4^th Grade will be very busy after spring break! As of this update we have 23 school days left before the first SOL of the 2017-2018 school year. Additionally, we have NWEA testing throughout the early part of April. Please make sure your student is well rested everyday but especially on summative assessment days! Please continue to study multiplication facts, 4^th grade strands, and previous/current Virginia Study Units. Thanks for all your support this year.

Thanks!

-The 4^th Grade Team-

IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES

April 12^th – 4^th Grade Reading NWEA

April 16^th – Student Half Day

April 18^th – 4^th Grade Math NWEA

April 19^th – 4^th Grade Field Trip

April 23^rd – Make-up Picture Day

April 27^th – Field Day

April 30^th – Report Card Distribution

MATHEMATICS

4.15- Patterns

4.6 Measurement- Length: estimate, measure, equivalent measures

4.7 Measurement- Weight: estimate, measure, equivalent measures

4.8 Measurement- Liquid Volume: estimate, measure, equivalent measures.

4.11 Measurement- Transformations

4.12 Measurement- Plane and Solid Figures

4.13 Measurement- Elapsed Time

LANGUAGE ARTS & WRITING

4.4 The student will expand vocabulary when reading.

4.5 The student will read and demonstrate comprehension of fictional texts using:

• Conclusions/Inferences
• Author’s Choice
• Identify Sensory Words
• Relationship of current literature and past read material

4.6 The student will read and demonstrate comprehension of nonfiction texts.

• Author’s Purpose
• Identifying the main idea
• Distinguish between fact and opinion
• Use prior knowledge to build background knowledge

4.7 The student will write cohesively for a variety of purposes.

• Utilize transition words for sentence variety.
• Include supporting details that elaborate the main idea

4.8 The student will edit writing for correct grammar, capitalization, spelling, punctuation, sentence structure and paragraphing.

• Use subject-verb agreement
• Use commas in series, dates, and addresses
• Incorporate adjectives and adverbs

4.9 The student will demonstrate comprehension of information resources to research a topic.

– Construct questions about a topic

– Collect information from multiple resources including online, print, and media

VIRGINIA STUDIES

VS.7a – Identify events and differences between the northern and southern states

VS.7b – Describe Virginia’s role in the Civil war, including major battles in Virginia.

VS.7c – Describe the roles played by whites, enslaved, and freed slaves

VS.8a – Identify the effects of Reconstruction on life in Virginia.

VS.8b – Identify the effects of segregation and “Jim Crow” on life in Virginia.

VS.9a – The student will demonstrate knowledge of twentieth- and twenty-first century Virginia by describing the economic and social transition from a

rural, agricultural society to a more urban, industrialized society, including the reasons people came to Virginia from other states and countries.

SCIENCE

4.3 The student will investigate and understand the characteristics of electricity. Key concepts include

1. a) conductors and insulators;
2. b) basic circuits; open/closed, series/parallel
3. c) static electricity;
4. d) the ability of electrical energy to be transformed into light and motion, and to produce heat;
5. e) simple electromagnets and magnetism; and
6. f) historical contributions in understanding electricity.

4.5 The student will investigate and understand how plants and animals, including humans, in an ecosystem interact with one another and with the nonliving components in the ecosystem. Key concepts include

1. a) plant and animal adaptations;
2. b) organization of populations, communities, and ecosystems and how they interrelate;
3. c) flow of energy through food webs;
4. d) habitats and niches;
5. e) changes in an organism’s niche at various stages in its life cycle; and
6. f) influences of human activity on ecosystems.

Hello Ward Families,

4^th Grade will be very busy leading up to spring break! Please continue to have our students study multiplication facts, Virginia Studies, and corresponding science curriculum. We have listed important dates below so please add those to your calendar. Thanks for your support and we will see you in April.

Thanks!

-The 4^th Grade Team-

IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES

March 15^th– Kindergarten and Gifted Perform Chorus

March 27^th– Gifted Mini-Economy at VCU

March 31^st– April 7^th Spring Break

MATHEMATICS

4.15- Patterns

4.6 Measurement- Length: estimate, measure, equivalent measures

4.7 Measurement- Weight: estimate, measure, equivalent measures

4.8 Measurement- Liquid Volume: estimate, measure, equivalent measures.

4.11 Measurement- Transformations

4.12 Measurement- Plane and Solid Figures

LANGUAGE ARTS & WRITING

4.4 The student will expand vocabulary when reading.

4.5 The student will read and demonstrate comprehension of fictional texts using:

• Conclusions/Inferences
• Author’s Choice
• Identify Sensory Words
• Relationship of current literature and past read material

4.6 The student will read and demonstrate comprehension of nonfiction texts.

• Author’s Purpose
• Identifying the main idea
• Distinguish between fact and opinion
• Use prior knowledge to build background knowledge

4.7 The student will write cohesively for a variety of purposes.

• Utilize transition words for sentence variety.
• Include supporting details that elaborate the main idea

4.8 The student will edit writing for correct grammar, capitalization, spelling, punctuation, sentence structure and paragraphing.

• Use subject-verb agreement
• Use commas in series, dates, and addresses
• Incorporate adjectives and adverbs

4.9 The student will demonstrate comprehension of information resources to research a topic.

– Construct questions about a topic

– Collect information from multiple resources including online, print, and media

VIRGINIA STUDIES

VS.7a – Identify events and differences between the northern and southern states

VS.7b – Describe Virginia’s role in the Civil war, including major battles in Virginia.

VS.7c – Describe the roles played by whites, enslaved, and freed slaves

VS.8a – Identify the effects of Reconstruction on life in Virginia.

VS.8b – Identify the effects of segregation and “Jim Crow” on life in Virginia.

SCIENCE

4.3 The student will investigate and understand the characteristics of electricity. Key concepts include

1. a) conductors and insulators;
2. b) basic circuits; open/closed, series/parallel
3. c) static electricity;
4. d) the ability of electrical energy to be transformed into light and motion, and to produce heat;
5. e) simple electromagnets and magnetism; and
6. f) historical contributions in understanding electricity.

4.5 The student will investigate and understand how plants and animals, including humans, in an ecosystem interact with one another and with the nonliving components in the ecosystem. Key concepts include

1. a) plant and animal adaptations;
2. b) organization of populations, communities, and ecosystems and how they interrelate;
3. c) flow of energy through food webs;
4. d) habitats and niches;
5. e) changes in an organism’s niche at various stages in its life cycle; and
6. f) influences of human activity on ecosystems.

Hello Ward Families,

4^th Grade is moving into the third nine weeks full speed ahead. Semester benchmarks are approaching and we have been hard at work teaching and reviewing new and old curriculum respectively. Please see your child’s teacher for any clarification, questions, or specific support. We appreciate the support at home, and thanks for everything you do!

Thanks!

-The 4^th Grade Team-

IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES

Feb. 5 & 6 Wilson/Temple/Layton Reading Benchmark (Two Sections)

Feb. 8 & 9 Bailey/Harris Reading Benchmark                              

Feb. 14^th 4th Grade Virginia Studies Benchmark

Feb. 16^th 4th Grade Virginia Historical Society Fieldtrip (Please Submit Permission Slips)

Feb. 19 & 20 4th Grade Math Benchmark (Two Sections)

MATHEMATICS

4.15- Patterns

4.6 Measurement- Length: estimate, measure, equivalent measures

4.7 Measurement- Weight: estimate, measure, equivalent measures

4.8 Measurement- Liquid Volume: estimate, measure, equivalent measures.

4.13 Predict and represent probability

LANGUAGE ARTS & WRITING

4.4 The student will expand vocabulary when reading.

4.5 The student will read and demonstrate comprehension of fictional texts using:

• Conclusions/Inferences
• Author’s Choice
• Identify Sensory Words
• Relationship of current literature and past read material

4.6 The student will read and demonstrate comprehension of nonfiction texts.

• Author’s Purpose
• Identifying the main idea
• Distinguish between fact and opinion
• Use prior knowledge to build background knowledge

4.7 The student will write cohesively for a variety of purposes.

• Utilize transition words for sentence variety.
• Include supporting details that elaborate the main idea

4.8 The student will edit writing for correct grammar, capitalization, spelling, punctuation, sentence structure and paragraphing.

• Use subject-verb agreement
• Use commas in series, dates, and addresses
• Incorporate adjectives and adverbs

4.9 The student will demonstrate comprehension of information resources to research a topic.

– Construct questions about a topic

– Collect information from multiple resources including online, print, and media

VIRGINIA STUDIES

VS.6a – Explain why George Washington is called the “Father of Our Country” and James Madison is called the “Father of the Constitution.”

VS.6b – Identify the ideas of George Mason and Thomas Jefferson as expressed in the Virginia Declaration of Rights and the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom.

VS.6c – Explain the influence of geography on the migration of Virginians into western territories.

1. 7a-c Identify the events and differences between northern and southern states that divided Virginians and led to secession, war, and the creation of West Virginia

Describe Virginia’s role in the Civil War

Describe the roles played by whites, enslaved, freed slaves, and American Indians

SCIENCE

4.3 The student will investigate and understand the characteristics of electricity. Key concepts include

1. a) conductors and insulators;
2. b) basic circuits; open/closed, series/parallel
3. c) static electricity;
4. d) the ability of electrical energy to be transformed into light and motion, and to produce heat;
5. e) simple electromagnets and magnetism; and
6. f) historical contributions in understanding electricity.

4.5 The student will investigate and understand how plants and animals, including humans, in an ecosystem interact with one another and with the nonliving components in the ecosystem. Key concepts include

1. a) plant and animal adaptations;
2. b) organization of populations, communities, and ecosystems and how they interrelate;
3. c) flow of energy through food webs;
4. d) habitats and niches;
5. e) changes in an organism’s niche at various stages in its life cycle; and
6. f) influences of human activity on ecosystems.

Hello Ward Families,

            4^th Grade has started the year off strong, and we hope you had a restful and relaxing break. We are halfway through the second nine weeks, and are looking forwards towards semester benchmarks! As always please have your students studying multiplication facts, Virginia Studies, and new vocabulary in addition to their teacher prescribed homework. Thanks for all your support, and please do not hesitate to ask your student’s teacher for clarification and/or assistance. Have a great January!

Thanks!

-The 4^th Grade Team-

IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES

JAN. 11^th  – Reading Checkpoint

JAN. 12^th – Math Checkpoint

JAN. 15^th – School Holiday

JAN. 23^rd – VA Studies Benchmark

JAN. 26^th – End of 2^nd Nine Weeks

JAN. 29^th – Student Holiday

* SEMESTER BENCHMARKS TAKE PLACE FEBRUARY 1^st-9^th *

MATHEMATICS

4.4 Multiply Whole Numbers

4.4 Estimate and solve whole number problems (all operations, multi and single step)

4.2 Compare and represent fractions

4.13 Predict and represent probability

LANGUAGE ARTS & WRITING

4.4 The student will expand vocabulary when reading.

4.5 The student will read and demonstrate comprehension using:

• Conclusions/Inferences
• Author’s Choice
• Identify Sensory Words
• Relationship of current literature and past read material

4.6 The student will read and demonstrate comprehension of nonfiction texts.

• Author’s Purpose
• Identifying the main idea
• Distinguish between fact and opinion
• Use prior knowledge to build background knowledge

4.7 The student will write cohesively for a variety of purposes.

• Utilize transition words for sentence variety.
• Include supporting details that elaborate the main idea

4.8 The student will edit writing for correct grammar, capitalization, spelling, punctuation, sentence structure and paragraphing.

• Use subject-verb agreement
• Use commas in series, dates, and addresses
• Incorporate adjectives and adverbs

VIRGINIA STUDIES

            VS.6a – Explain why George Washington is called the “Father of Our Country” and James Madison is called the “Father of the Constitution.”

            VS.6b – Identify the ideas of George Mason and Thomas Jefferson as expressed in the Virginia Declaration of Rights and the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom.

            VS.6c – Explain the influence of geography on the migration of Virginians into western territories.

SCIENCE

4.2 The student will investigate and understand characteristics and interactions of moving objects. Key concepts include:

            – motion is described by an object’s direction and speed

            – changes in motion are related to force and mass

            – friction is a force that opposes motion

            – moving objects have kinetic energy

4.7 Organization of the Solar System

            – the planets in the solar system;

            – the order of the planets in the solar system; and

            – the relative sizes of the planets.

4.8 Relationships among Earth, Moon, and Sun

            – the motions of Earth, the moon, and the sun;

            – the causes for Earth’s seasons;

            – the causes for the phases of the moon;

            – the relative size, position, age, and makeup of Earth, the moon, and the sun; and

            – historical contributions in understanding the Earth-moon-sun system.

Hello Ward Families,

4^th Grade is looking forward to continuing the second nine weeks, and it’s only 2 more weeks until Winter Break! Below we have listed what the grade will be covering over the next few weeks. Please do not hesitate to contact your student’s teacher for more information and clarification. Thanks for all you do! Happy Holidays!

Thanks!

-The 4^th Grade Team-

P.S. Parents be sure to have your child check the Lost and Found by Dec. 13th. All unclaimed items will be donated on Dec. 14th.

IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES

DEC. 1^st – Success Assembly for 1^st Nine Weeks.

DEC. 5^th & 6^th – Reading and Math Checkpoint Testing

DEC. 15^th  – Career Day

DEC. 16^th – JAN. 1^st Holiday Break

MATHEMATICS

4.4 Multiply Whole Numbers

4.4 Estimate and solve whole number problems (all operations, multi and single step)

4.2 Compare and represent fractions

4.13 Predict and represent probability

LANGUAGE ARTS & WRITING

4.4 Use knowledge of roots and affixes

4.5 The student will read and demonstrate comprehension using:

• Conclusions/Inferences
• Author’s Choice
• Identify Sensory Words
• Relationship of current literature and past read material

4.6 The student will read and demonstrate comprehension of nonfiction texts.

• Author’s Purpose
• Use prior knowledge to build background knowledge

4.7 The student will write cohesively for a variety of purposes.

• Utilize transition words for sentence variety.
• Include supporting details that elaborate the main idea

4.8 The student will edit writing for correct grammar, capitalization, spelling, punctuation, sentence structure and paragraphing.

• Use subject-verb agreement
• Use commas in series, dates, and addresses
• Incorporate adjectives and adverbs

VIRGINIA STUDIES

VS.5b   Identify roles of G. Washington, T. Jefferson, James Lafayette, P. Henry, whites, enslaved, freed slaves, and American Indians in the American Revolution.

VS.5c   Identify selected battles of American Revolution, the ride of Jack Jouett, & importance of the victory at Yorktown.

SCIENCE

4.7 Organization of the Solar System

– the planets in the solar system;

– the order of the planets in the solar system; and

– the relative sizes of the planets.

4.8 Relationships among Earth, Moon, and Sun

– the motions of Earth, the moon, and the sun;

– the causes for Earth’s seasons;

– the causes for the phases of the moon;

– the relative size, position, age, and makeup of Earth, the moon, and the sun; and

– historical contributions in understanding the Earth-moon-sun system.

Hello Ward Families,

Here in 4^th grade we are headed towards November and Thanksgiving! Checkout our Math and Reading tabs on this blog to access fantastic resources for you and our students! Thanks for the support at home, and please do not hesitate to contact your child’s teacher with any questions or needs.

Thanks!

-The 4^th Grade Team-

IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES

NOV. 16 – Wild about STEM (Math and Science Night)

NOV. 17 – Fall Picture Make-up Day

NOV. 20 – Report Card Distribution

DEC. 15 – Career Day

DEC. 16^th – JAN. 1^st Holiday Break

MATHEMATICS

4.4 Multiply Whole Numbers

4.4 Estimate and solve whole number problems (all operations, multi and single step)

4.2 Compare and represent fractions

4.13 Predict and represent probability

LANGUAGE ARTS & WRITING

4.4 Use knowledge of roots and affixes

4.5 The student will read and demonstrate comprehension using:

• Conclusions/Inferences
• Author’s Choice
• Identify Sensory Words
• Relationship of current literature and past read material

4.6 The student will read and demonstrate comprehension of nonfiction texts.

• Author’s Purpose
• Use prior knowledge to build background knowledge

4.7 The student will write cohesively for a variety of purposes.

• Utilize transition words for sentence variety.
• Include supporting details that elaborate the main idea

VIRGINIA STUDIES

VS.4a   Explain importance of agriculture and its influence on slavery.

VS.4b   Describe the cultural contributions of the different cultures in the New World.

VS.4c   Explain why Virginia’s capital moved from Jamestown, to Williamsburg, to Richmond.

VS.4d   Describe how money, barter, and credit were used in the Virginia colony.

VS.4e   Demonstrate everyday life in colonial Virginia.

SCIENCE

4.7 Organization of the Solar System

– the planets in the solar system;

– the order of the planets in the solar system; and

– the relative sizes of the planets.

4.8 Relationships among Earth, Moon, and Sun

– the motions of Earth, the moon, and the sun;

– the causes for Earth’s seasons;

– the causes for the phases of the moon;

– the relative size, position, age, and makeup of Earth, the moon, and the sun

– historical contributions in understanding the Earth-moon-sun system.

Hello Ward Families,

As you can see below October is a busy month in 4^th grade! Please use our Math and Reading tabs on this blog to access fantastic resources for you and our students! Thanks for the support at home, and please do not hesitate to contact your child’s teacher with any questions or needs.

Thanks!

-The 4^th Grade Team-

GENERAL

We will be sending home our first field trip permission slips this week!  Our first field trip is to the Jamestown Settlement and will be a Charter bus trip.  The cost for students is $25.00 and money is due by October 27^th.  If you are interested in being a chaperone for our field trip please respond on the half sheet attached to the permission slip.  Please do not send in money until you have been contacted by your child’s classroom teacher.  We are only allotted 1 chaperone per classroom to attend on the Charter bus.  However, if you would like to attend the field trip, you can still meet us there and pay for your personal admission upon arrival.  In either case, a volunteer form is needed on file.  If you have not already completed this form, please contact your child’s classroom teacher and they can provide you with one!

MATHEMATICS

4.1 Identify, compare round whole numbers through millions

4.3 Identify, represent, round, and compare decimals

4.5 Solve addition and subtraction decimal problems

4.16 Discuss and Use Equality, Associative, and Commutative Properties.

LANGUAGE ARTS & WRITING

4.4 The student will expand vocabulary when reading.

4.5 The student will read and demonstrate comprehension using:

• Fictional texts
• Narrative nonfiction texts
• Poetry

4.6 The student will read and demonstrate comprehension of nonfiction texts.

4.7 The student will write cohesively for a variety of purposes:

• Informational
• Explanatory
• Narrative

VIRGINIA STUDIES

VS.3a   Explain reasons for English colonization in North America.

VS.3b   Identify geographic reasons for settling at Jamestown.

VS.3c   Identify importance of 3 Charters of the Virginia Company of London that established Jamestown Settlement.

VS.3d   Identify importance of the General Assembly/1st representative (republican) legislative body.

SCIENCE

4.1 a-m Scientific Reasoning, Logic, Process, and Investigations

4.6 a-c How Weather Phenomena, Weather Measurements, and Meteorological Tools are linked

4.9 a-d Virginia Natural Resources: Watersheds, Animals & Plants, Minerals, Ores, Forests, and Land