In 4th grade, one of the key skills students develop is answering open-ended comprehension questions fluently, with text support.  Students are learning 5 strategies to succeed with this kind of writing and they all fit under the umbrella of SLAMS!

S…Answers should always be written in complete SENTENCES.

L…The number of LINES gives you a good idea about how long your   answer should be.

A…ANSWER the question that is asked.

M…MECHANICS are important!  Your sentences should have no mistakes.

S…SUPPORT your answers with details from the text.

Students worked collaboratively this past month to design posters highlighting the meaning of each letter of the SLAMS acronym.  These strategies will be reinforced with lots of practice in the coming months, so don’t be surprised if your child comes home and says, “My teacher is proud of my SLAMS!”

The next topics we will be investigating in Math are fractions, multiplication of 2 digit numbers by 1 digit numbers, and time- specifically elapsed time.  Our studies include not only practice and reinforcement activities but problem solving, 3-dimensional with real world applications as well.  We are also incorporating CMT style questions during each topic to get the students accustomed and prepared to handle these styles of questions while we are teaching the topic.

 All the real world examples you can use in your daily routine will help reinforce these math concepts. About how long have we been driving? How much time until we leave? How many of the fruit in the bowl are apples?  I only have 3 cookies left. How much will the four of you get if you each have the same amount?

We also continue to stress practice of math facts in multiplication and division with Mad Minutes.  You can help at home by quizzing, flash cards, mental math or reinforce in daily use.

Check out the following websites for more valuable Math practice, games, and fun . . .

• http://www.funbrain.com                                
• http://www.aaamath.com

          This fall we were able to investigate the wetlands right in our own ‘backyard’ at Hammonasset State Park.  We traipsed through the marsh, located fiddler crabs and osprey nests, and explored the variety of life that is supported through wetlands.  Students learned all about food webs and adaptations that plants and animals have in order to survive in this wet environment.  We even created some of our own fish based on their various physical adaptations.

As our year progresses, our science units rotate around the grade level.  In December and January, Mrs. Connell’s class will be learning about magnetism.  Mrs. Otis’ students will be further investigating magnetism and how it relates to electricity.  Mrs. Kraus’ learners will become geology experts, and Mrs. Lynch’s class will investigate the science of sound.  We are excited to have a visiting group from Mystic Aquarium come in to demonstrate Whale Echolocation later this winter. 

Fourth graders spent the fall studying Native American culture from 1400 – 1700 A.D. They tapped into many sources to read about and research Indian tribal culture. Students learned how to work their notes into paragraphs and projects on various topics. We are grateful to the many parents who took time out of busy schedules to come into our classrooms to help students work on Native American craft projects.  The children enjoyed these hands-on projects and the finished crafts made beautiful displays.  A highlight of our study was a trip to Bushy Hill Nature Center where we visited historically recreated sites that contrast life in Plains and in Northeast Woodland tribal villages.  The wrap-up to our Native American study was a showcase of student projects in our classrooms. Students were pleased to have family visitors for this important event.

Next in our study of history, we will become quite adventurous as we begin to learn about the Age of Exploration.  Students will continue to refine their researching skills as they choose an individual to become an expert on and might prepare a game, PowerPoint presentation, a diary, or report for the class.