TCE 4th Grade BLOG: Week of 3/2-3/6

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 continue our Novel on Historical Fiction. We will learn how we can realize that the perspective of the main character in a historical fiction text is not the only perspective from that time period.

In Writing, we will elaborate on my supporting ideas, making sure that my essay is well-developed and has enough evidence to support my claim.

In Grammar and Spelling, we will identify syllable types and use knowledge of syllable division patterns to help me spell words with a final schwa + /r/ sound. The final schwa + /r/ sound (often written as -er, -or, -ar, -ur) is an r-controlled vowel sound. In grammar, we will use quotation marks to enclose what someone says.

In Social Studies, we will learn about the impact of the Civil War on Texas.

Home Connection: In Social Studies, our 4th graders are learning about how Texas was impacted by the Civil War. We are exploring why Texas joined the Confederacy, what life was like for soldiers and families during the war, and how the war changed Texas economically, politically, and socially.

Students are learning about:

Texas becoming part of the Confederacy
The role of slavery in Texas at the time
Important battles and events that affected Texans
How the war impacted families, farms, and daily life
What changed in Texas after the war ended

You can support your child at home by:

Asking them why Texas decided to join the Civil War.
Discussing how life might have been different for children living in Texas during the 1860s.
Talking about how wars can affect people at home, not just soldiers.

Encourage your child to share what they’ve learned about how this time period shaped the future of our state. These conversations help strengthen their understanding of Texas history!

Optional Homework for ELAR: 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.

Math

In math this week, we will:

Explain the relationship between the digits of decimal numbers.
Represent the value of decimal numbers using expanded notation.
Represent decimals using base ten models, money, and number lines.
Compare and order decimals.

Next week in Math, we will continue to:

Explain the relationship between the digits of decimal numbers.
Represent the value of decimal numbers using expanded notation.
Represent decimals using base ten models, money, and number lines.
Compare and order decimals.

In Science this week, we will:

Identify and explain advantages and disadvantages of using Earth's renewable natural resources such as wind, water, sunlight, plants, animals.
Identify and explain advantages and disadvantages of using Earth's nonrenewable natural resources such as oil, coal, and natural gas.
Determine the physical properties of rocks that allow Earth's natural resources to be stored there.

In Science next week, we will explain the critical role of energy resources to modern life and how conservation, disposal, and recycling of natural resources impact the environment

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!