April Parent Update

Dear Families,

Spring is officially here! In class, we have been working on the following:

Reading: The students will continue to read for deeper meaning in Book Clubs. We will be working on TAKS objectives and strategies for tackling Reading TAKS questions. The students have been reading Time for Kids weekly and thoroughly enjoy the nonfiction articles. We are using the articles to strengthen the students’ strategies to ensure understanding when reading nonfiction texts.
Writing: Calling all Sea Animals! It is time to begin one of our beloved Frostwood traditions! Oceanography is here! This unit will include researching, note taking, outlining, report writing and presenting information on a tri-fold.
Math: We recently completed our unit on measuring time and temperature, collecting, organizing and sorting data, and reading and interpreting bar and pictographs. We are currently reviewing all of the concepts that have been introduced throughout the year in order to prepare for the upcoming TAKS test. Please help your child by reminding them to show their work and use strategies on their math homework. Fact practice should include both long division and double digit multiplication problems at this point in the school year.
Science: We are continuing our study of matter: mixtures and solutions, buoyancy, magnetism and forces such as push/pull, gravity and friction. Our Discovery Lab experiment on mixtures and solutions was awesome!
Social Studies: We will focus on immigration patterns in Texas, the impact the cattle drives and railroads had on Texas and the three branches of state government.

Reminders:
April 17: 9:00am-12:00: FWE Car Wash Benefiting Our Sister School, Housman Elementary- In the Gessner Parking Lot
April 23: Progress Reports Go Home
April 27: 4th Grade Math TAKS Test
April 28: 4th Grade Reading TAKS Test

Thanks so much,
Alison Baker
4th Grade Teacher
Frostwood Elementary

State of Matter

In Science, we are learning about the States of Matter. Here is a neat website about the States of Matter! Enjoy!

http://www.neok12.com/States-of-Matter.htm

March Parent Update

Dear Families,

I hope that you all have a safe and enjoyable spring break! In class, we are working on the following:

Reading: We just finished our books for Book Club and we will be starting new books for the fourth nine weeks. The students will continue to read for deeper meaning in Book Clubs. We will be working on tactics for tackling Reading TAKS questions.
Writing: After finishing our non-fiction stories, we will work on our writing portfolios and learn how to write an editorial. Later we will begin our newspaper unit analyzing sections of the paper and their importance. We will conclude by creating our own newspaper.
Math: We have been learning about measuring time and temperature, collecting, organizing and sorting data, and reading and interpreting bar and pictographs. Next, we will begin a four week review of all of the concepts that have been introduced throughout the year.
Science: Students will investigate matter: physical properties, states of matter, changes caused by cooling and heating, and conductors and insulators related to heat, magnetism, buoyancy and mixtures and solutions. We will also have Discovery Lab on March 30 and/or 31 to explore mixtures and solutions.
Social Studies: We will focus on events that led to the annexation of Texas to the United States, and immigrants that began to settle in Texas.

Reminders:
March 15-19: Spring Break
March 23: GREAT with Officer Miller
March 26: Report Cards go home

Two Digit by Two Digit Multiplication

Click on the page to enlarge.

November Parent Update

Dear Families,

In class, we have been working on the following:

Reading: We have been working on visualizing as we read fiction and non fiction text. The students use their five senses to make mental images as they read. Students are writing letters to the teacher about their independent reading so we can get to know them better as readers. After the Thanksgiving break, we will be working on inferencing.

Writing: We have continued to work on revising our stories by “zooming in” to write very detailed, clear sentences. We have also worked on beginnings, ending and creating titles. As always, we are continuing to work on grammar using Mountain Language.

Math: We have been working on geometry, elapsed time, graphing, probability, and two-digit by two-digit multiplication. Students should begin to incorporate 2x2 digit multiplication problems into their Weekly Math Fact Practice.

Science: Our scientists have recently learned about weathering, erosion and deposition. Soil, natural resources, fossil fuels and conservation are the next topics of study.

Social Studies: In Social Studies we will continue studying Native Americans using our research to complete a PowerPoint and PhotoStory on the computer.

Reminders:
November 19th: 4th grade play @7:00
November 24th: Progress Reports go home
November 25-27: School Holiday
December 18th: Class Holiday Party; early dismissal at 12:00

As the holiday season approaches, I would like to take this opportunity to tell you how truly thankful I am for all that I have been blessed with this school year. I am so grateful to be a part of such a wonderful learning community. Thank you for making Frostwood such a warm and friendly place. I appreciate your friendly smiles, kind words, and positive comments. Thank you for everything that you so generously contribute to our school. All of the volunteer time, popcorn, books, delicious meals, and sweet treats are greatly appreciated. Above all, thank you so much for the encouragement and support that you give to me and your children everyday. The life lessons that you teach them is reflected daily in their sweet personalities and giving nature. I truly love my job and I feel so thankful to work with your wonderful children.

I wish you all a very safe and happy Thanksgiving! :)

Alison Hood

Multiplication Practice

We will be beginning two digit by two digit multiplication soon! Here is a fun two digit by one digit multiplication activity for you to practice your multiplication skills! :)

http://www.dositey.com/muldiv/mul1ss5.htm

Layers of the Earth

In science, we have been learning about the Earth's layers. Here is a diagram displaying the layers of the Earth.