May 14th - 18th Newsletter

Weekly Update: May 14 - May 18, 2018

Language Arts

This week in reading, the children will be spending time identifying important events in the stories they are reading and adding them to a timeline to help track the story. In addition to the story timeline, the children will focus on historically accurate events that the author includes to add to a historical timeline as well.

Math

Now that the students understand the benchmark angels, they will continue working with the protractor. The students will be given various angles and will be using the protractor to measure the angles. Students will learn that the size of the angle does not change even if the length of the lines change. A fun way to practice measuring angles is to play Bunny and Angles.

Science/ Social Studies

We didn’t get as much done this week as we had hoped :) Next week, we will continue student’s reflecting on their google map of natural resources. We will also begin investigating vocabulary like: Needs and Wants, Consumers and Producers etc. This quizlet is a good resource for kids to practice learning the new vocabulary tied to the unit.

Announcements

• ES Melawati Spring Concert, Thur May 17, 7:00 PM , Melawati Studio 
• Head Of School Coffee, Fri May 18, 9:30-11:00, Melawati Community Room 
• Wet & Wild Day : Friday May 25 - Click here for sign up !

Newsletter May 7th - 11th

Weekly Update: May 7 - May 11, 2018

Language Arts
This week in reading, we will be using clues from the author about the setting, characters and history to help piece our understanding of the stories we are reading. The children will also be doing some writing about reading in the form of reading responses to share their thoughts about their book club books.

Math
This week students will be drawing and identify angles by comparing them to known right angles. They will also begin using protractors to measure the various angles that they create.

Science/ Social Studies
This week students will be reflecting on their google maps and start investigating vocabulary ………. Needs and Wants, Consumers and Producers etc. This quizlet is a good resource for kids to practice learning the new vocabulary tied to the unit.

Announcements
NO SCHOOL: Wed May 9: General Election, Public Holiday
ASAs end: Friday May 11
MAP Parent Workshop, Fri, May 11, 8:30am – 9:00am, Melawati Community Room
ES Melawati Spring Concert, Thur May 17, 7:00 PM , Melawati Studio

May 2-4 Newsletter

Weekly Update: April 30 - May 4, 2018

Language Arts

This week in reading, the students will begin their new Historical fiction book club and focus on the setting. As they focus on the time and place in the story, they will also have an opportunity to inquire into the real historical time period and important events from that era.

Math

This week the students will begin looking at points, lines, line segments, rays, angles, perpendicular lines and parallel lines. They will be identifying and classifying angles along with distinguishing between parallel and perpendicular lines. You might want to brush up on your geometry vocabulary through Quizlet.

Science/ Social Studies

This week is a short week, and students will continue their investigation into natural resources (renewable and non-renewable) and their connection to our physical environment. Some classes have begun looking at where these natural resources are located around the world.

Announcements

ISKL Holiday - April 30th and May 1st

Newsletter updates

Weekly Update: April 23 - April 27, 2018

Language Arts

This week, students will be getting into Historical Fiction book clubs and begin reading a new story while investigating the historical period connected to the book. In writing, the students will be showing off their learning in a final independent assessment of their nonfiction writing.

Math

This week the students will be finishing up the Decimals and Fractions Unit and will take the final assessment. Our next and final math unit for the year will be Geometry

Science/ Social Studies

We are launching our unit on Trade and Resources this week. The big ideas of this unit are: “Where you live impacts how you live” and “Resources impact the economy and trade in regions around the world”. Student will begin the week tapping into their current knowledge of natural resources and how they connect with products and trade. We will then look more closely at different natural resources and their location.


Announcements

Earth Dress Day - April 27th

ISKL Holiday - April 30th




Weekly Update: April 16 - April 20, 2018

Language Arts

In writing, the focus will turn to editing and revising of their work and most children will be publishing their nonfiction books this week. In reading, we will begin a new Historical fiction unit and get into our final book clubs for grade 4.

Math

This week the students will be using their understanding of fraction equivalence to investigate decimal numbers on the place value chart expressed in different units.

Science/ Social Studies

We are finishing up our unit by communicating our expertise to others. Students are drafting their books to describe how Earth changes connect to Earth layers, plate tectonics, and/or erosion, weathering and deposition.

Announcements

Maps Tests begin next week

Earth Week is next week. Students are encouraged to send in videos or pictures of them doing something good for the environment.

Earth Week Assembly - April 20th, from 11:50 - 12:20pm

Earth Dress Day - April 27th

ISKL Holiday - April 30th

Backlog of Newsletters

Grade 4 Newsletter

Weekly Update: April 9 - April 13, 2018




Language Arts

This week in writing, the students will be working on publishing their Earth change information books. This will include revising their writing to ensure they have used scientific vocabulary and a variety of evidence to teach their reader about their topic. In addition to their writing, each student will be adding text features to emphasize important information in their text.




Math

This week the students will be using manipulatives to show how decimals can be represented through the base-ten model to the hundredths. They will learn that the square is referred to as the whole or one unit, the rods become the tenths, and the unit cubes become hundredths. They will then have the opportunity to draw their own models that will represent given decimals and the equivalent fraction.






Science/ Social Studies

We are finishing up our unit by communicating our expertise to others. Students are drafting their books to describe how earth changes connect to Earth layers, plate tectonics, and/or erosion, weathering and deposition.




Resources

As we are now studying decimal fractions in math, here is a Quizlet that will help you and your child be familiar with the vocabulary of this math unit:






Announcements




WIDA testing will begin Tuesday April 10th to April 13th. This test is only for some students, and those students and parents have already been informed through a take home letter.




Grade 4 Newsletter

Weekly Update: April 2 - April 6, 2018




Language Arts

The students will continue to use their reading research skills as they delve deeper into their Earth Change research. Throughout this week, the children will be drafting their information books and will focus on organizing their writing with a topic sentence and key detail sentences.




Math

This week the students will begin the Fractions and Decimal unit. They will be learning how to convert fractions into decimals and recognize their place value.




Science/ Social Studies

Students are writing as Scientists. They are taking notes from different resources, and creating their own text features to explain that information. They are beginning to draft their book by paraphrasing information in their own words.




Resources

As we continue to share resources on ways to engage kids without technology and keep them safe when they are using it, consider this article. Getting Kids Off Devices How about a tech-free March vacation?




Announcements




School Starts on Monday, April 2nd.


Take a photo of your child reading someplace interesting or pretty or just cool and send it to sdehart@iskl.edu.my They will be posted on the library facebook page.

March 19th - 23rd Newsletter

Grade 4 Newsletter

Weekly Update: March 19 - March 23, 2018




Language Arts

Reading and writing will be very integrated this week. The students are continuing their research of an Earth change and organizing notes in a way that will help them write their information book.




Math

This week students will use area models to demonstrate their conceptual understanding of multiplying a whole number by a fraction. They will continue to solve story problems that involve fractions, along with reviewing for the end of unit assessment.




Science/ Social Studies

This week students will be connecting their understanding about how the earth is structured and what causes continual change to the Batu Caves. During our field trip, students will note the different cave formations and what causes them.




Resources

Next bit for digital responsibility




Announcements




Monday, March 19, is DAY 6! Tuesday will be day 2 and continue as expected.


Tuesday, March 20 - 4NJ and 4KW are going to the Batu Caves Field Trip.


Wednesday, March 21st, 4JK and 4HR are going to the Batu Caves Field Trip.


Terry Fox Run - March 23, 2018 Friday - Parents welcome! Everyone invited to dress in Pink , old Terry Fox shirts, or PE uniforms - your choice!


Spring Break- March 26 . School Starts on Monday, April 2nd.

March 12th - 16th Newsletter

Grade 4 Newsletter

Weekly Update: March 12 - March 16, 2018




Language Arts

This week in reading, we will be using research skills to identify appropriate resources and use brain frames to structure notes. In writing, we will begin our Earth change information books with a focus on the organization of the book and using text features to support understanding.





Math

This week the students will be exploring line plots. They match the line plots to data and they will create their own line plot by using data they create. In addition, they will use the line plots to solve addition and subtraction problems.





Science/ Social Studies

Students are tying together what they have learned about What is the Earth made of and How do materials cycle through the Earth’s systems to answer What causes the Earth’s structure to continually change. They are beginning to research into their Earth change, using note taking strategies and text structures to help them.




Resources

Grade 4 have noticed that digital responsibility is an area of which students need reminding and parents may want some resources too. We will post a series of resources to provoke discussions with your child. Linked below is a presentation that our counselors and tech team gave recently entitled Parenting in the Digital Age that could be great discussion points with your children about the decisions and responsibilities of using mobile/ smart phones/ internet at both home and school. http://bit.ly/ISKLPDA




Announcements


Track and Field Day - March 16th 8:15 to 11:00 am - Come to school wearing your PE clothes - Parents welcome!


Grade 4 Batu Caves Field Trip - March 20 and 21 - Parent Permission Form: Web link - Please fill out the form by March 16th.





Terry Fox Run - March 23, 2018 Friday - Parents welcome! Everyone invited to dress in Pink , old Terry Fox shirts, or PE uniforms - your choice!

March 5th - 9th Newsletter

Grade 4 Newsletter

Weekly Update: March 5 - March 9, 2018




Language Arts

This week in reading the children will be synthesizing the information they have been reading on weathering and erosion and use brainframes to collect new learning. In writing, the children will be choosing topics for their research writing and develop questions to guide their research.





Math

This week the students will be exploring line plots. They match the line plots to data and they will create their own line plot by using data they create. In addition, they will use the line plots to solve addition and subtraction problems.






Science/ Social Studies

This week students will begin to choose an Earth changes topic to research. They will use their reading skills to help them learn more about how our Earth’s structure continually causes changes and what the effects are.





Announcements




Student Led Conferences March 7 and 8 - please return the letter slip indicating if you want to meet the teacher as one of the rotation stations.


Track & Field - Friday March 16


Terry Fox Cancer Awareness Run - Friday March 23

Feb. 26th - March 2nd Newsletter

Grade 4 Newsletter

Weekly Update: February 26 - March 2, 2018




Language Arts

This week in reading, we will continue to analyze text-structures in information texts and use brainframes to organize the information we are learning. In writing, the children will be reflecting on their writing from the Realistic Fiction writing unit and planning how to share their learning and progress with parents for the Student-Led Conferences on March 7 and 8.





Math

Students will continue to solve story problems involving adding and subtracting fractions with like denominators. They will also use their knowledge of equivalent fractions to convert their answers into lowest terms. They will begin using manipulative visualize how to convert improper fractions into mixed numbers.




Science/ Social Studies

Students will study erosion, deposition, and weathering by observing how water and wind can change the shape and structure of the Earth’s surface. Hands-on experiences will spark curiosity about how water and wind can impact sand, rocks, and mud. Students will then use reading strategies to understand more about how erosion, deposition, and weathering impact the Earth’s structure.





Announcements


Book Character Dress Up Day has been changed to March 1st


New student photos - March 2nd 10:30am. Your child can wear their regular clothes or the school uniform. If your child has swimming that day, they are excused from swimming.


Student Led Conferences March 7 and 8 - please return the letter slip indicating if you want to meet the teacher as one of the rotation stations.


Terry Fox Cancer Awareness Run - Friday March 23

Track & Field Parent Information - Friday March 16

Feb. 12th -14th Newsletter

Grade 4 Newsletter


Weekly Update: Feb. 12 - Feb. 16, 2018





Language Arts


This week, the students will continue with reading non-fiction texts related to the Earth Changes Unit. WIth these texts, students will be learning strategies to help them understand the text, such as sketching to visualize the main idea and note taking strategies for organizing information they are learning. In writing, the students will be writing the students will be assessed in their realistic fiction writing as they complete one final piece.





Math


Students will continue to explore the different combinations that can be used to make one whole. Students will practice decomposing into unit fractions and write as a sum of unit fractions. They will also be given the opportunity to show their understanding by creating area models and number lines to show how the combinations of fractions equal a whole.





Science/ Social Studies


Students will continue to explore the layers of the Earth and how tectonic plates have caused change, both slow and fast. We will be using our nonfiction reading strategies to answer our questions about tectonic plates and Pangaea.





Announcements





Free Dress Day is on Feb 14th (5RM donation) Valentine colors/theme encouraged.


No School for students on Feb. 15 and 16 (Thursday and Friday)


CNY and CNY Cultural Day is on Friday, Feb. 23rd . The Lion Dance starts at 11AM in the gym.


Start bringing in books for the annual Book Swap on March 1st. Bring in a book and get a coupon.


Semester 2 Swimming Dates (click on the link)

Feb. 5th - 9th Newsletter

Grade 4 Newsletter
Weekly Update: Feb. 5 - Feb. 9, 2018


Language Arts

This week we will begin our next non-fiction reading unit. This unit allows the students to explore texts connected to our Earth Changes Science unit, while building skills in information text reading. In writing, many children will be finishing their drafts and publishing their first realistic fiction story.


Math

The students will be reviewing the ‘Equivalent Fractions’ unit and will take the Unit Assessment. Our next unit will be ‘Operations with Fractions’. The students will begin learning how fractions be composed and decomposed, how can fractions of a given set be added and subtracted and how a fraction can be multiplied by a whole number.


Science/ Social Studies

The students will be exploring the Earth’s crust in depth. We will start to inquire into how do materials cycle through the Earth’s systems and what causes the Earth’s structure to continually change by looking at cause and effect relationships between the layers.


Announcements

Semester 2 Swimming Dates (click on the link)

After School Activities start on Monday Feb. 5th

Free Dress Day is on Feb 14th (5RM donation)

No School for students on Feb. 15 and 16 (Thursday and Friday)

CNY and CNY Cultural Day is on Friday, Feb. 23rd . The Lion Dance starts at 11AM in the gym.

Start bringing in books for the annual Book Swap on March 1st. Bring in a book and get a coupon.

Dec. 4th - 8th Newsletter

Newsletter Weekly Update: Dec. 11 - Dec. 15, 2017

Language Arts

In reading this week, the children are busy working in their book club groups discussing important events, character traits and more in order to delve deeper into their stories. This week in writing, the children are working to develop their characters even further by creating internal and external traits that bring their character to life.

Math

We have completed our unit on measurement and will not begin equivalent fractions until January, so this week the students will be using what they have learned about measurement and apply it in science as they create their compound machine prototypes.

Science/ Social Studies

Grade 4 engineers are hard at work in the Makerspace! We are moving past the brainstorming and designing part of the Design Process, and will be creating, testing, and improving. Thank you for all the donated supplies. A grade level share of the designs will take place on Friday, December 15th.

Resources

GRADE 4 CAMP RESOURCES Camp Information Presentation Camp Permission Form Camp Packing List

Announcements

No School - Dec. 11th - Monday Free Dress Day Dec. 15 - Friday Winter break begins Dec. 16 Submit your child’s camp permission form before Dec. 15th               Camp Permission Form Overnight Camp for all Grade 4 Students - Jan. 10- 11

Celebrations

Please see your class blog or class website for individual class celebrations.

Dec. 4th - 8th Newsletter

Newsletter Weekly Update: Dec. 4 - Dec. 8, 2017

Language Arts

This week the students will be using the class read aloud to dig deeper into character traits, scene summaries and envisioning the text in order to read intensely. In writing, many children are ready to develop a believable character and plan the story arc with scenes for their story.

Math

We are continuing working with measurement and currently focusing on area and perimeter of an area. The students will also be given word problems involving measurement. We will begin reviewing for the final assessment, which will be given this week.

Science/ Social Studies

Students are starting to plan their compound machine to solve a real world problem. Through brainstorming, modeling, questioning, and testing, the students will be able to design and improve their compound machines. Please continue to bring in resources, we will be building our machines over the next two weeks: toilet paper rolls, paper towel rolls, spare pieces of wood, cereal boxes, wire, plastic water bottles and their caps, plastic containers (like yogurt) cardboard boxes (small enough to go on the bus), string, yarn, egg cartons, straws, plastic/styrofoam trays.

Resources

We are growing realistic fiction readers and writers in grade 4! They are doing this by thinking deeply about the characters.  These CHARACTER TRAITS are useful in describing the character based on their words, thoughts and actions. To support your child as a reader...GRAB THE BOOK YOUR CHILD IS READING and ASK to describe the character based on his/her thoughts, words, and actions. To support your child as a writer...ASK your child to explain about the character in the story they are going to write.

Announcements

Please donate the following resources by December 5th for our Science Designs/ Models: toilet paper rolls, paper towel rolls, spare pieces of wood, cereal boxes, wire, plastic water bottles and their caps, plastic containers (like yoghurt) cardboard boxes (small enough to go on the bus), string, yarn, egg cartons, straws, plastic/styrofoam trays. Christmas Around the World - Dec. 4th Red and Green Dress Up Day Mon Dec 4 ES Holiday Music Concert  - Dec. 7th at 7pm PE Swim Carnival Fri. Dec 8 , Parents welcome to attend and cheer the swimmers:  Swim Carnival Schedule    Camp Information Presentation Camp Permission Form Camp Packing List

Celebrations

Please see your class blog or class website for individual class celebrations.

Newsletter Nov. 27 - Dec. 1

Newsletter Weekly Update: Nov. 27 - Dec. 1, 2017

Language Arts

In reading this week, the children will be getting into book club groups and use discussions to deepen their understanding of the stories they are reading. In writing, the children will be choosing an idea they have generated and begin planning out their writing using a story arc.

Math

This week the students will be given the opportunity to express metric units in terms of smaller units. They will model and solve world problems involving metric units in length, mass and capacity.

Science/ Social Studies

Next week the students will begin designing a solution to a real world problem using their understanding of forces and simple machines. We need some materials to help the students create their designs! Please donate the following resources: toilet paper rolls, paper towel rolls, spare pieces of wood, cereal boxes, wire, plastic water bottles and their caps, plastic containers (like yogurt) cardboard boxes (small enough to go on the bus), string, yarn, egg cartons, straws, plastic/styrofoam trays.

Resources

In writing we are focusing on ideal generation. Below are some links to the story mountain that we can use to plan and also an anchor chart that helps with getting some ideas from, people, places etc. Maybe you could try to help your child generate some ideas at home? The story arc/ mountain helps us plan. An anchor chart that helps generate ideas for writing realistic fiction.

Announcements

Grade 4 Parent Coffee Morning Invite to share CAMP information : Nov. 30th, 8:15 am, Melawati Community Room Return the Christmas Ornaments before December 29th (make sure student grade name is on it . Ex: 4NJ) Christmas Around the World - Dec. 4th PE Swim Carnival Fri. Dec 8 , Parents welcome to attend and cheer the swimmers:  Swim Carnival Schedule

Celebrations

Please see your class blog or class website for individual class celebrations.

Nov 20th - 24th Newsletter

Newsletter Weekly Update: Nov. 20 - Nov. 24, 2017

Language Arts

In reading, we will continue analyzing character traits and will use evidence from the text to prove our thinking. In writing, we will identify characteristics of realistic fiction through mentor texts and develop story ideas that stem from personal experiences.

Math

The students will be delving into measurement and using the metric system. They will be learning the names of the units for capacity, mass, and length. They will also be looking at real world situations which involve measurement. In addition, they will be given the opportunity to convert units of measurement.

Science/ Social Studies

In Science, we will continue to model and describe how applied forces impact motion. Classes will plan investigations by identifying dependent and independent variables.

Resources

This week in math we have been learning about metric measurement.  Here are the videos we shared with your kids. Watch, discuss and enjoy together!!! Measuring Length, Height and Distance Measuring Mass Measuring Volume Ever heard of Quizlet?  Check these out.  Online flashcards with games, custom made for our grade 4 learners! Science Force and Motion Quizlet Math Measurement Quizlet

Announcements

Grade 4 Parent Coffee Morning Invite to share CAMP information : Nov. 30th, 8:15 am, Melawati Community Room Staff Appreciation Breakfast, Thur Nov 23, 8:00 AM Melawati PE Swim Carnival Fri. Dec 8 , Parents welcome to attend and cheer the swimmers:  Swim Carnival Schedule

Celebrations

Please see your class blog or class website for individual class celebrations.

Newsletter November 13th - 17th

Newsletter Weekly Update: Nov. 13 - Nov. 17, 2017

Language Arts

This week, we will begin our Realistic Fiction reading and writing units. In Reading, we’ll be reviewing expectations for independent reading and add onto our thinkmarks with a focus on character traits and change.

Math

Students will be using the partial quotient method to solve word problems involving division. They will be finishing up Unit 2 and reviewing for the unit assessment.

Science/ Social Studies

Students will begin to investigate into simple machines (levers, pulleys, wheels and axles, wedges, inclined planes, screws, and gears) and how they make work easier. To support at home, help your child complete a simple machine scavenger hunt!

Resources

Remember how you enjoyed winning math games against your child during Gaming with Math? Well, you can find them on the Parent Connection page here.  Scroll to the bottom under Parent Resources... Gaming with Math 2017 Including the game 24 WANT MORE WINS? Check out the Gaming with Math 2016 games.

Announcements

Grade 4 Parent Coffee Morning Invite to share CAMP information : Nov. 30th, 8:15 am, Melawati Community Room Counselor Chat, Tues Nov 14, Community Room , 8:15 - 9:30 ES Math Fluency Workshop, Thur Nov 16, Community Room , 8:30-10:00

Celebrations