TCE 4th Grade BLOG: February 16th-February 20th

February 20th- Heart Hustle during specials- 9:25-10:15
February 25th-Game Night 5:30-7:00

Language Arts and Social Studies

In Reading, We will begin our historical fiction read aloud, Number the Stars. As we are reading, students will understand how the characters, setting, and plot play an important part in a historical fiction story.

During this unit, students will read stories set in the past and combine real historical events with fictional characters. Our focus will be on helping students understand how history, setting, and real-world events shape the characters and their experiences.

To support and enrich learning at home, families are welcome (but not required) to try some simple activities together, such as:

Talking about what life was like during the time period of different stories and how they compare to today
Looking at maps, photos, or timelines related to the setting in different stories
Discussing which parts of the stories could be real and which parts are imagined
Encouraging your child to write or draw from the perspective of a character living in different times
Watching short videos, exploring museum websites, or reading nonfiction related to the historical eras

These conversations and activities help students deepen their understanding and make meaningful connections to what we are learning in class.

In Writing, We will focus closely on details as we read a text, then develop ideas about those details as we write. We will study characters closely as we write about a text.

In Grammar and Spelling, In grammar, we will learn about pronouns and reflexive pronouns. In spelling we will learn words with the VCCV pattern.

In Social Studies, We will explain how people have helped their communities by volunteering, writing letters, speaking up, and working on projects to make a difference.

Optional Homework for ELAR: On Tuesday, February 17th, students will bring home another optional homework assignment designed to help review and strengthen STAAR strategies and reading skills. Students need to turn in the optional homework on Monday, February 23rd.

Each weekly assignment will include:

One short reading passage
A set of practice questions

Throughout the weeks, students will practice with a variety of passage types, including fiction, nonfiction, traditional literature, and drama, to help them feel more confident and prepared for the test.

This homework is optional and meant as extra practice and support.

In Math this week:

I can represent and solve addition of fractions, using objects and pictorial models.

I can represent and solve subtraction of fractions, using objects and pictorial models.

I can use benchmark fractions to estimate sums and differences of fractions.

Next week:

I can explain the relationship between the digits of decimal numbers.

I can represent the value of decimal numbers using expanded notation.

I can represent decimals using base ten models, money, and number lines.

I can compare and order decimals.

In Science this week,

I can differentiate between weather and climate.

Next week:

I can identify and explain advantages and disadvantages of using Earth's renewable natural resources such as wind, water, sunlight, plants, animals.

I can identify and explain advantages and disadvantages of using Earth's nonrenewable natural resources such as oil, coal, and natural gas.

I can determine the physical properties of rocks that allow Earth's natural resources to be stored there.

Hats and Toys

Our classrooms are a place for learning, growing, and having fun with friends. To help everyone stay focused, we ask that hats and toys stay at home. That way, our classrooms can be distraction-free, and we can all enjoy our time together while learning new things.

Tennis Shoes for PE & Extended Specials Day (CTT)

Please help ensure your child wears appropriate shoes on PE days and Move & Groove (Fridays). Additionally, every other Wednesday, the 4th grade has extended specials during CTT. The dates are outlined for the remainder of 2025 below. Thank you for your help in making sure your child is safely dressed for the gym!