Grade 4 - Mrs. Colleen Andrews
The fourth grade is a time for students to grow both academically and socially. It is a time for the children to learn to become more organized and more self-sufficient. It is also a time for them to learn to cooperate with others and encourage those around them.
The fourth grade can be a challenging year as many concepts that were learned in the third grade are expanded upon. In mathematics, the year will begin with place value and rounding into the millions. Eventually, the basic multiplication and division facts learned last year, will be of great importance as the children learn to multiply two and three digit numbers, as well as begin long division. We will also continue to improve upon solving complex word problems and with our writing in math to explain various concepts.
This year the students will be introduced to a new reading program in hopes that the children will improve their reading comprehension skills. Reading comprehension is an important skill as the children are in the reading to learn stage as opposed to the learning to read phase in their education. At the same time, we will be working on our writing skills. By the end of grade four, the children should be able to write three to four well written paragraphs with topic sentences, supporting details, and concluding sentences.
The first half of the fourth grade we will focus on science and the study of animals and we hope to eventually study the human body. During the second half of the year, we will focus more on social studies and the study of the fifty states, their locations, and capitals. As always, we will continue to enhance our religious foundation and work to be the best Christian children we can be. We have a great year ahead of us!
Homework
Each week, children are assigned homework Monday thru Thursday. Homework assignments consist of review work from topics discussed in class. More than likely your child will have homework in Math, Spelling, and English. Homework assignments are recorded in their Daily Planners. If a child does not turn in a homework assignment on a given day, it is due the following day. If it is not turned in, the child will stay in for recess to complete the assignment. If any child consistently does not turn in his/her homework, a note will be sent home to notify the parents of the situation.
Periodically, the students will receive long term projects. When these projects are assigned, a note will be sent home with the children for the parents to sign acknowledging that they are aware of the project and the due date.
Communication
Parent/teacher communication plays a very important role in your children’s education. If you ever have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me. I will try my best to get back to you as soon as possible by phone, email, or in writing. My email address is ColWalsh@comcast.net.
On Thursdays, school notices are sent home in white envelopes. Parents I ask that you please sign the envelope and return it to school with your signature each week to let me know that you received any and all information.
Daily Schedule
Monday: Gym
Tuesday: Library/Computers
Wednesday: Music
Thursday: Art
Friday: Music
Snack
Students are asked to bring in a healthy snack each day. If they would like, they may keep a water bottle on their desks throughout the day.
Birthdays
The entire school will be celebrating birthdays in a new way! Students have the option of having a dress down day on their birthdays. If your child’s birthday falls on a weekend, feel free to dress down on Friday or Monday.
Fourth Grade Mass
The fourth grade mass will take place this year in the month of April. Family members are more than welcome to join us as we celebrate the mass. Snacks and refreshments will follow. We look forward to seeing you there!
Reading Incentive Program
Our class will be taking part in the Book-It! Reading incentive program through Pizza Hut. This program is a voluntary program that is aimed to encouraging children to read at home. Each month I ask that the children participating read one chapter book and then write a paragraph about it. When a student turns in the given papers with a parent signature, they will receive a coupon for a free personalized pizza! This program will begin in October and will go through the month of March. The students do not have to participate every month, but I usually give a small reward to the children who participate all of the months.
Christian Children's Fund
This year our classroom will continue to sponsor a child from the Christian Children’s Fund. Once again, we will be sponsoring Danou, a 7 year old girl, from Africa. Each month we need to raise $24 to help provide Danou with basic needs such as medical and dental exams. It would be greatly appreciated if each child gives at least a dollar each month. Danou’s family has done a wonderful job corresponding with us and we look forward to keeping in touch with her.
Wish List
Gift Cards to Staples, The Learning Well, Hammets or Classroom Direct
http://www.classroomdirect.com