Weekly Newsletter : December 17th - December 21st

Language Arts
This week, the class will be finishing up the review of The Tiger Rising. They have been examining how the characters have changed throughout the story, examining the main themes as well as pondering what could happen next. In writing, students are completing the draft of their stories and are beginning to edit. They will focus on reading others’ work and giving constructive feedback on how their realistic fiction writing can be improved.


Math
This week the students are continuing their work on measurement. They are working on converting units for length, mass, and capacity. The students will also be finishing this week by solving word problems based upon this unit. They will be taking the Unit 3 Assessment this week.


Science
This week in science students will continue to learn about the design cycle through solving a real-life problem for their final project. Through brainstorming, modeling, questioning, and testing, the students will be able to design and improve their prototype machines. Students will also start to learn about failure, and how it is an important part of the design process!


Announcements

• December 21st - Last day of first semester: Please be sure to inform the school and your classroom teacher if you plan on leaving for the holiday before that date. 
• ES Dress Up Days - plan your days in advance click HERE for dates. 
• Water Bottles & Hats - Please check that your child comes to school with their water bottles and hats every morning. Recently, many students seem to be forgetting them at home.

Resources

Grade 4 Camp-In Resources

Camp-In Information Presentation https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1q9z0mHsWOHI76Dq5aZkAzNr3HLdmyV2AN4GarYEK9W4/edit


Camp-In Permission Form - completed by Friday 21 December https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScP8pXGZV9w5H3QmDfxpeNhCwTA6M0EbahaKO3hDGC4k_W_6A/viewform


Camp-In Packing List https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vQj5uinxjxuh9aAvspJ_GF_JhDU57-ZV0zkRcj6_NUI/edit

Weekly Newsletter: December 10th - December 14th

Language Arts
This week, the class will be finishing up the read aloud, The Tiger Rising. Throughout the reading of this book, the children have been reinforcing their skills in growing ideas about characters and understanding how the character really is the heart of the story. In writing, students are continuing to draft and will focus on developing more details for the 'scenes' in their realistic fiction stories.


Math

This week the students are continuing their work on measurement. They are working on converting units for length, mass, and capacity. The students will also be finishing up this week by solving word problems based upon this unit.


Science

This week in science students will continue to learn about the design cycle through solving a real-life problem for their final project. Through brainstorming, modeling, questioning, and testing, the students will be able to design and improve their prototype machines. Students will also start to learn about failure, and how it is an important part of the design process!


Announcements

• December 13th - Christmas Around the World: The fourth graders will have the opportunity to learn about various Christmas traditions from around the world (2:00-2:45). Feel free to join us if you have the time. (Be sure to tell the bussing office if you will be taking your child home afterwards.) Wear red or green in celebration of the event.
• December 14th - Math Games Celebration/Share: During this sharing time, students will teach you some of the games that they have been using this semester.
• December 21st - Last day of first semester: Please be sure to inform the school and your classroom teacher if you plan on leaving for the holiday before that date. 
• ES Dress Up Days - plan your days in advance click HERE for dates. 
• Water Bottles & Hats - Please check that your child comes to school with their water bottles and hats every morning. Recently, many students seem to be forgetting them at home.

Resources
Grade 4 Camp-In Resources:
Camp-In Information Presentation https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1q9z0mHsWOHI76Dq5aZkAzNr3HLdmyV2AN4GarYEK9W4/edit


Camp-In Permission Form - completed by Friday 21 December https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScP8pXGZV9w5H3QmDfxpeNhCwTA6M0EbahaKO3hDGC4k_W_6A/viewform


Camp-In Packing List

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vQj5uinxjxuh9aAvspJ_GF_JhDU57-ZV0zkRcj6_NUI/edit

Weekly Newsletter: December 3rd - December 7th

Language Arts
In reading this week, students will be finishing up their first book club book and reflecting on the stories they have read. This week in writing, students will continue drafting their scenes, focusing on bringing the scenes to life through the strategy called Show, Don’t Tell.

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
Science this week see the students continue to learn about simple machines and how simple machines make work easier. Students will also start learning about compound machines and will be introduced to real-life problems where machines have provided solutions. Students will select a real-life scenario and will have to follow the design cycle to design, build, and reflect on a prototype machine that will solve a real-life problem. This project will take us to the end of the semester.

Announcements

• Dec. 4th - Parent “Camp-in” Informational Meeting: 8:15-9:15 am in MPR 2 & 3 on the 2nd floor, above the Panther Hut.
• ES Dress Up Days - plan your days in advance click HERE for dates. 
• Water Bottles & Hats - Please check that your child comes to school with their water bottles and hats every morning. Recently, many students seem to be forgetting them at home.
• The last day of the semester is Friday, Dec. 21: Please be sure to inform the school and class teacher if you plan on leaving for the holiday before that date.
• Math Games Celebration/ Share: An invitation to our grade 4 celebration share on Math Games will be sent home on Monday 3rd December, the event will take place on 14 December. Please let us know if you will be joining us for this share by returning the slip to your child’s class teacher. In this share students will teach you some of the games that they have been using this semester.

Resources

Below is the design cycle that we will be working through for the next few weeks in science. We start by asking questions: defining the problem and researching, then imagining a solution and planning, creating, reflecting and rebuilding etc.

Weekly Newsletter: November 26 - November 30, 2018

Language Arts
This week in reading, the students are developing theories about their main characters based on the patterns from the character’s words, actions and thoughts. In writing, the children are drafting their story scenes, focusing on storytelling by using a strategy called Show, Don’t Tell.

Math
This week in math the students will be reviewing unit two and preparing for their final assessment. Our next unit will be following the metric system. The students will be exploring measurements and conversions.

Science
This week students will continue working on their understanding of forces and simple machines. They will be involved in hands-on experiments through creating K’nex and balloon cars, and explore both potential and kinetic energy.

Announcements

• Scholastic Orders - please see email from Annie Gillis.
• ES Dress Up Days - plan your days in advance click HERE for dates. 
• Water Bottles & Hats - Please check that your child comes to school with their water bottles and hats every morning. Recently, many students seem to be forgetting them at home.

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.

Weekly Newsletter - November 19th - November 23rd

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
This week in math the students will be continuing with division. They will be review the concept of partial quotient. The students will also be continue to review remainders. They will be working on world problems and deciding what they should do with the remainder, ie. ignore it, round it or share it. This is a real world concept that the students will be exploring.

Science
In Science, we will continue to learn about simple machines- inclined plane, screw, lever, wedge, pulley, and wheel and axel. We will continue to model and describe how applied forces impact motion- even learning about Sir Isaac Newton and his Laws of Motion. Classes will plan investigations by identifying dependent and independent variables.

Announcements

• Tues, Nov 20th - NO SCHOOL (Prophet Muhammad's Birthday) 
• Fri, Nov 23th - Deepavali Cultural Day ES students are encouraged to dress up in traditional Indian attire.
• Scholastic Orders - please see email from Annie Gillis.
• ES Dress Up Days - plan your days in advance click HERE for dates. 
• Water Bottles & Hats - Please check that your child comes to school with their water bottles and hats every morning. Recently, many students seem to be forgetting them at home

Resources
As we now are moving on into division in math, we will be having discussions and practice on what to do with the remainders. Here are some links that will help your child at home:

Round up! -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7C0Z9t2V1qY 

Drop it!(Ignore it) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YykaqSHzDI 

Share it! - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUjTCD-ajpc

Weekly Newsletter: November 12th - November 16th

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


Math
This week in math, the students will be working on division. They will be following the partial quotient method of solving equations. They will also be answering real world word problems with quotients that have remainders.


Science
This week students will be continuing to develop their knowledge of force and motion through various hands on science experiments. They will be looking at controlling variables and how they can impact results. Students will then continue to learn about simple machines.


Announcements

November 13th & 15th - Biathlon training: If your child is participating in the biathlon, please be sure your child has his/her bathing suit and goggles along with proper sports attire when they arrive to school in the morning.

Water Bottles & Hats - Please check that your child comes to school with their water bottles and hats every morning. Recently, many students seem to be forgetting them at home.

Weekly Newsletter - November 5th - November 9th

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
This week the students will be using the area model method to solve real world multiplication problems. It is suggested that the students brush up on their multiplication facts in order to help them solve these word problems.

Science
Students will continue to investigate forces and motion. Why don’t you try to carry out the egg drop experiment at home or design a paper aeroplane that can travel the farthest? Later this week students will begin to investigate simple machines (levers, pulleys, wheels and axles, wedges, inclined planes, screws, and gears) and how they make work easier.


Announcements

• November 5th - NO ASAs due to expected heavy holiday afternoon traffic.
• November 6th - NO SCHOOL - Deepavali
• November 9th- International Day Flag Parade. Students should come to school in their national dress or national colors. 
• November 10th - Annual International Festival from 4pm-8pm.

Resources

To support Science at home, watch this video to help recognize the different types of simple machines. https://youtu.be/fvOmaf2GfCY

Help your child complete a simple machine scavenger hunt at home. Locate simple machines that you have at home - it is amazing how many simple machines we use!

Weekly Newsletter: October 29th - November 2nd

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. In writing, students will examining mentor texts to identify features of realistic fiction writing.


Math

Students will be finding the multiples of a number, using various strategies including skip counting. They will be demonstrating their understanding of factors and multiples of whole numbers. As well, students will be exploring the use of the area model for solving multi-digit multiplication.


Science

We are launching our Force and Motion, Science unit by investigating a phenomena, and asking ourselves how do various forces impact the motion of objects? Our next step is to find out more about applied forces and how they create a balanced or unbalanced force. We will be asking the following questions throughout the unit:

• How do various forces impact the motion of objects?
• ​How can force be applied or changed to make work easier?
• How does the transfer of energy impact the motion of an object?
• How does the design process help us find solutions to our problems?

Announcements

• Wednesday, October 31st will be the elementary Halloween Dress up Day
• (School Policy: NO weapons, NO masks, NO scary costumes)

Resources

The area model for multiplication will be introduced this week, therefore, here are a few resources that may help you help your child and you understand this strategy.

Using the area model (two digit numbers x single digit):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8D35V3jbfA

Multiplying two digit numbers:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVZRD4Fa1OY

Weekly Newsletter: October 22nd - October 26th

Language Arts
This week, we will be finishing up both the nonfiction reading unit and personal essay writing unit. The children are publishing their essays in writing and working closely with partners to revise and edit their writing.

Math
Students will be learning about factor pairs and determining which numbers are prime and which numbers are composite. They will also be playing games that involve multiplication and division in order to solidify their facts.

Social Studies
This week will bring us to the end of our unit on culture and global citizenship. Students will be sharing their presentations, and reflect on how understanding different cultures makes them better global citizens.

Announcements

• October 31st will be the elementary Halloween dress up day, (School Policy: NO weapons, NO masks, NO scary costumes) 

• Nov 9th, Friday - ES International Festival Flag Parade: Students and Parents encouraged to dress up! Students can dress in costume: country of origin, country of self identification (one or more!) , country of citizenship: it’s their choice! Parents are also encouraged to attend , dress up (optional) to celebrate this fantastic morning! Bring your cameras… Each child will receive a mini flag that represents their recorded passport with Admissions. This is the day before our Annual International Festival. 

Resources
As we are studying prime and composite numbers in math here are a few games that will give your child practice at recognizing these numbers. One game is called Fruit Shoot  and another is a helping game about Prime and Composite numbers:

Weekly Newsletter: October 15th - October 19th

Language Arts
In reading this week, students will continue to use nonfiction texts to better understand the major world religions. In writing, students will be revising their essays to make them even better and editing their essays to prepare for publishing.

Math
This week we will begin to explore math thinking connected to our new unit on multiplication and division. The unit will include multiplication and division of larger numbers through the use of concrete strategies. We will make these math ideas visible with models and drawings!

Social Studies
This week students will be working on their slide presentations for four of their cultural universals. By the end of the week students will be paired with another student from another class, and they will begin sharing and comparing cultures.

Announcements

• October 19th will be a FREE DRESS Day. If your child chooses to not wear their uniform on this day, the Red Hats will be collecting a 5 Ringgit donation towards a charity.
• October 31st will be the elementary Halloween Dress up Day, (School Policy: NO weapons, NO masks, NO scary costumes) 

Resources
We will soon be moving into our second math unit on multiplication and division. Our mathematicians will continue to explain their thinking using math vocabulary. Here are many of the words they will need to use...Grade 4 Math Unit 2 Vocabulary Quizlet.

https://quizlet.com/232828524/iskl-grade-4-math-vocabulary-unit-2-flash-cards/

Weekly Newsletter October 8th - October 12th

Language Arts

This week in Reading, the children will be using nonfiction texts to explore different religions around the world. As they read, children will be noticing text structures and using brain frames to compare and contrast different religions. Personal essay writing continues this week as we develop introductions and conclusions for our essays.

Math
Students will also be learning how to solve two step word problems using the standard algorithm for addition and subtraction. They will be gaining an understanding of the relationship between multiplication and division. They will also be given real world problems that involve multiplication and division.

Social Studies
We will begin using the information our students collected on their personal culture to start their personal Cultural Presentation. This may take a couple weeks, especially since students are typing up their work into Google Slides. Students will also continue working on their Identity Posters. Some classes are at different stages with this.

Announcements

• If your child is a bus rider and you are planning to pick your child up after school, be sure to notify the bussing office(busing@iskl.edu.my or +603 4813 5070).
• Friday, October 19th - Free Dress Days for RM 5 Donation to charity
• Wednesday, October 31st - ES Halloween Dress UP Days (School Policy: NO weapons, NO masks, NO scary costumes)

Resources
Most parents stop reading with their child once they become independent readers. However, research suggests that we must continue reading with our children, into middle school. This looks different than when we read books to our children. Consider how you can read with your child. (sourced from Scholastic Parents: https://www.scholastic.com/parents/books-and-reading/raise-a-reader-blog/3-reasons-to-read-your-elementary-schooler-every-night.html)

Time together. The number one reason for reading each night is quality time together. Period. Life gets nuts when kids go to elementary school. Between homework, lessons, classes, and meetings, it's a crazy time. But carving out that small amount of time—even if it's 10-15 minutes, which is just enough time to read one chapter of a book—is totally worth scheduling into your day. I'm betting payoffs for this small, scheduled “date” with your child will be big in the long-term.

Listening to fluent reading. If you choose to do the reading, which I strongly suggest you do, then this time together allows your child to listen to what fluent reading should sound like. You don't need to go crazy with voices and sounds—just read naturally and normally. The more your younger readers hear what fluent reading should sound like, the better! It reminds them how their reading should sound.

Talking about texts. It doesn't need to be an in-depth discussion about characters, plotline, or style, but you may be surprised at how your conversations evolve after you read together for some time. You can begin by just “thinking aloud”—every few pages, share your thoughts about the text out loud, kind of like a built-in commentary. Your child will hear how you think about and process text as you read, and soon it will become habitual for him or her to do the same. Over time, incorporate questions or thought-provoking statements and involve your child.

Weekly Newsletter: October 1st - October 5th

Language Arts
This week in reading and writing, the students will be focused on setting goals for the first semester to present at parent conferences on Oct. 1 and 2. This process requires the children to consider their strengths as readers and writers and areas to focus on for continued growth. As they consider these goals, they will identify specific evidence from their work throughout the first few weeks of school to present alongside their goals.

Math
The students will continue to use rounding to determine if an answer is reasonable. They will solve multi-step word problems and assess the reasonableness of answers. Students will also be learning how to solve two step word problems using the standard algorithm for addition and subtraction.

Social Studies
Students will use what they learned from the cultural universal presentations in class to help them collect information about their own personal culture. This is not necessarily the culture of their home country, but more the culture that is practiced in their everyday lives. Parents, students will be asking you many questions as well to fill in some gaps.

Announcements

• October 1st and 2nd - ISA Testing: Please make sure your child gets a good night’s rest and eats a balanced breakfast. 
• October 4th and 5th - Three way conferences: Please be sure to arrive at your scheduled time, as the conferences are scheduled back to back. Your child will be presenting their goals for the year, so please make sure they come with you.

Resources
As your child prepares for conferences next week, take a look at this video putting the power of learning in your child’s hands. After all, it is THEIR LEARNING. This video gives you an idea of why we do this, the hard work your child has done to prepare, and the wonderful experience you will have next week. Enjoy!

EMPOWERING YOUR CHILD DURING CONFERENCES

https://www.edutopia.org/video/student-led-conferences-empowerment-and-ownership

Weekly Newsletter: September 24 - September 28th

Language Arts

In writing, students will be working on their evidence to support their reasons and building stamina to write long and strong! In reading, students will notice how texts are organized in order to help them gain more information while reading.

Math

The students will continue to use rounding to determine if an answer is reasonable. They will solve multi-step word problems and assess the reasonableness of answers. Students will also be learning how to solve two step word problems using the standard algorithm for addition and subtraction.

Social Studies

Students will use their notes on the different universals and create slides using the reading structure of Main Idea and and Details. This will be a class resource, and hopefully students will also get time to present their newly learned information to one another.

Announcements

• September 25th - Individual photos will be taken. Students may wear smart casual. 
• September 27th - Class photos will be taken. The student MUST be in their school uniform (blue collared shirts). 
• ISA Testing Oct. 1st and 2nd - make sure students get a good night’s rest and eat breakfast. 
• October 4th and 5th - Three way conferences. On September 24th, you will be receiving a letter informing you of when your conference time will be. Your child will be presenting their goals for the year.

Resources

As we continue to dig even deeper into learning math, we explore the IMPORTANCE of STRUGGLE. In this video, we explore the need to struggle as an important part of learning! You will definitely want to watch this one with your kids.

The Importance of Struggle:  https://www.youcubed.org/resources/the-importance-of-struggle/

Weekly Newsletter: September 17 - September 21, 2018

Language Arts

This week in reading, the students will be using nonfiction books about Culture to learn more about the Cultural Universals. They will be learning to take notes in order to find the main idea of a text. Our grade 4 writers will be entering the drafting phase of their opinion writing by expanding their ideas and including evidence to support their opinion statement.

Math

The students will continue to use rounding to determine if an answer is reasonable. They will solve multi-step word problems and assess the reasonableness of answers. Students will also be learning how to answer the word problems with complete sentences.


Social Studies

We will continue with our investigation into the different cultural universals through non-fiction texts. Students will be blending their non-fiction reading skills with learning about a specific cultural universal. Many students have finished painting their flag on their identity posters and more work on the posters will continue throughout the next few weeks.

Announcements

• Be sure to refer to the Swimming Schedule to see when your child has P.E. swimming lessons.

• Three way conferences will be on October 4th and 5th. On September 24th, you will be receiving a letter informing you of when your conference time will be. Your child will be presenting their goals for the year.

Resources

ABCya is another great web site for helping students practice rounding.

Weekly Newsletter: September 10 - September 14, 2018

Language Arts
This week, students will be previewing nonfiction books and getting their mental “arms” around their books. This includes making connections to the topic and determining what they know already and what they want to learn more about. In writing, students will continue planning their essay and working on the structure of the text. 

Math
Students will be using their place value understanding to round multi-digit whole numbers to any place value using real world situations. 

Social Studies
This is a short week and students will be looking closely into each cultural universal ensuring they understand what it means and how it is a piece in the bigger picture - Culture. 

Announcements
If your child is late (after 8:00am), please be awarer that they will need a tardy slip from the Elem. Office.

If you plan to pick up your child any time during the school day, you must check in with the Elem. office and then come up to the classroom to pick your child up.

Resources
Let’s face it...the way we think about math nowadays is very different than when we were kids. Teachers have learned a lot about how to teach math and want you to learn with us.

Check out this video from YouCubed that talks about the importance of thinking deeply in math. Speed not as important. How fast you are does not relate to how good you are. Calculation is only a small part of math. Thinking deeply about patterns and ideas in math is more important.

HOW IMPORTANT IS SPEED IN MATH? VIDEO

Weakly Newsletter- September 3 - September 7, 2018

Language Arts

This week, the children will be developing skills to work with partners and
grow ideas as readers. Partnerships are really beneficial when students know
how to communicate well with each other and get the conversation started.
In writing, the children will be focused on planning their opinion essays
using a variety of tools.

Math

This week, students will continue to read and write multi-digit numbers in
word form, expanded form and standard form. They will also begin to round
numbers to the nearest place value.

Social Studies

This week, we will finish up looking at identity and what influences our values
and behaviors. This theme will run throughout the unit as we begin our identity
portraits and start addressing the next part of this unit which is,
“ What is Culture?”.

Announcements

ES Gym - scheduled for use on Monday, Sept. 3

ES Upper Playgrounds - Fence erected and equipment installed in phases.
Entire area ready for use Sept. 25

Turf Field behind ES Pool - Open

25m Pool - Ready for PE swimming Sept. 17 (note that this may take place in
the 50m pool vs. the 25m pool)

ES Lower Playgrounds - Areas are being completed and secured for safety
currently. Target date for lower playgrounds is Sept. 5

Resources

Look here for resources you and your child can access at home to support
their learning and overall development.

Open House Slideshow

When you ask your child, “how was school today?”, does your child often
answer with one-word answers such as, “good”? If so, consider these 15
questions to replace “How was school today?” (Edutopia)

Math Unit 1 vocabulary on Quizlet

Weekly Update August 27th - August 31st

Open House:

The grades 3-5 Open House will be happening this Tuesday, August 28
beginning promptly at 6:30pm. This is a great opportunity to learn about
grade 4 and our 4JK classroom. I look forward to seeing you all there!

Language Arts:

In the next week in writing, the children will be generating ideas for
their first opinion piece of writing. In reading, the children will apply
reading strategies for fluency and comprehension.

Math:

We will be launching our first math unit which is focused on whole
numbers, place value and rounding. This week we will focus on
reading and writing numbers through the millions place and learn
vocabulary to help us explain our thinking about large numbers.

Social Studies:

This week, we may finish up with learning about the history of our
name and dive into investigating the idea of identity. Some of our key
questions to guide our inquiries this week include: What is our identity?
What makes you…YOU?" What do we value and believe? What might
influence our values, beliefs and attitudes?

Announcements:

• Merdeka/National Day- Friday Aug. 31- No School
• ASA's begin on Monday Sept. 3
• Home Learning this week- Reading at least 20-30 minutes
  each night

Have a great week!

Weekly Newsletter: May 28 - June 1, 2018

Language Arts
In reading this week, the students will be finishing up their books clubs and finishing up their historical writing. They are excited to share what they have written.

Math
This week, the students will be reviewing all the units that we covered this year: Whole Numbers, Place Value, and Rounding, Multiplication/Division of Whole Numbers, Measurement, Decimals & Fractions and Geometry. They will be rotating through the activities each day to solidify what they learned this year.

Science/ Social Studies
This week the students will be continuing to work on the Resources and Trade simulation. They will have multiple tasks to accomplish and will need to balance their countries economy.

Announcements
Don’t forget to sign up to bring in food for the class learning celebration on Wednesday, June 6th.

All Library books were due back to the library on Monday, May 21. Please check with your child to be sure they have been returned.

There are a lot of items in the Lost & Found shelves. If you find you are missing an item, you may want to look there.

Weekly Newsletter: May 21 - May 25, 2018

Language Arts

In reading this week, the students will be looking for symbolism in their stories by identifying objects or ideas that represent something else in the story. In addition to this, the students will also be identifying factors that influence a character’s perspective, such as age, religion, time and place.


Math

This week students will be reviewing geometry concepts and preparing to take the unit assessment.


Science/ Social Studies

This week we will be finishing up our lessons to help students understand the targeted vocabulary for the unit and we will begin our Trade and Resource Simulation! This will be an exciting 7 day project where students will work in collaborative groups role playing what factors go into global trade and economies. The beginning of our project will first focus on learning about an assigned country and its geographical and economic information.


Announcements

• Wet & Wild Day : Friday May 25 - Click here for sign up ! 
• Don’t forget to sign up to bring in food for the class learning celebration on June 6, 2018.
• All Library books due back to the library on Monday, May 21

Weekly Newsletter: 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 !

Weekly Newsletter: 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 history. They will choose to write an opinion piece, a realistic piece or an informational piece based on a period in history.

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

Weekly Newsletter: 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. https://quizlet.com/284437039/iskl-grade-4-geometry-flash-cards/

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

Weekly Newsletter: 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.

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”. The 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

Announcements
Earth Dress Day - April 27th

ISKL Holiday - April 30th

Weekly Newsletter - April 16th - April 20th

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  (Wear something Blue/Green)- April 27th BRING 5RM (Donation)
• ISKL Holiday - Monday, April 30th

Weekly Newsletter - April 9th - April 13th

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:

https://quizlet.com/278715586/iskl-grade-4-decimal-fractions-flash-cards/


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.

Weekly Newsletter: Week of April 2nd - April 6th

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? https://d2e111jq13me73.cloudfront.net/sites/default/files/uploads/pdfs/9._k-8_5strategiesforgettingkidsoffdevices_01.pdf?utm_source=Edu_Newsletter_2018_03_20&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=weekly

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.

Weekly Newsletter: Week of March 19th to 23rd

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.

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.

Newsletter: Week of March 12th - March 16th

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. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfzmDI-hWdDLTa3CknDRy0IAGVNUXcajGhqoMHElhnjhUDpPg/viewform

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