The classes took a pre-test on our new unit this week. We will be focusing on division! We started this week with learning how multiplication and division are inverse operations, just like addition and subtraction. We reviewed the vocabulary terms with the three operations we have already learned (addition, subtraction, and multiplication), and we also went over vocabulary for division. The class learned what a quotient, dividend, and divisor are and how we can identify them in a division equation.

The kiddos also learned the different symbols for dividing. We spent most of our time on the bracket and learning that the dividend goes inside the bracket, the divisor goes on the outside, and the quotient goes on top. I had a discussion with the class about remainders as well. We talked about how a divisor may not go into the dividend evenly, and that is where a remainder comes in. They also learned that a remainder has to be less than the divisor.

We practiced dividing with two-digit dividends and one-digit divisors using four steps (divide, multiply, subtract, and bring down). The class as a whole did really well with the new skill! We will continue with this next week and with larger dividends!

Our binder will be going home today with new math and science material from our previous units. Please make sure to look at it and see your child's growth! Afterwards, make sure to sign and date the front page of the binder.

Our science unit was wrapped up this week! We finished a few interactive notebook pages on different organs of the body and the respiratory and nervous systems. We also went over our science tests and discussed our final heart rate lab. We had a great discussion on how experiments always have room for error, and the kiddos came up with great ideas as to why their experiment results may have been flawed!

In the binders for science, you will find a collection of interactive notebook pages that we have worked on throughout the unit, as well as the heart rate lab and science tests. We will be transitioning back to social studies for this new term.

Reading: The Game Board project is complete! We tested out our own games, made our corrections, and then gave them to the ‘sharks’ and let another group who read the same book test it out. There were a lot of issues working together with others that arose in a few groups, but overall, the project was a success. A few lucky students were able to take the game board home.

This week in Reading we finished going over our Final Test, reviewing our answers and making corrections if needed. Overall, the students did a fabulous job. The biggest challenge is making sure we are providing the evidence from the book to support our answer. The students are doing a great job coming up with themes and traits for our characters, but falling short in providing quotes, events or ideas from the book to support the ideas.

New Book Club books went out on Thursday. We will begin to meet every Friday with Book Club. On Friday’s we have a lot of parent volunteers who are able to come in. Book Club is when we need the most hands on deck. Therefore, their reading and questions will be due every Friday (with the exception of next week, we don’t have school on Friday, so Thursday they will meet). A few students were asking for a more challenging book and they received a level or two above their current reading. If your child’s book is at the frustrational level, please don’t hesitate to let me know.

Writing: What a great time of year to have a creative project unit (the students are a little wild with the excitement of the upcoming break). The students continue to work and make their final edits on the Diary of a (Animal). They have added their own 4th grade humor, and lovely illustrations. The score sheets will be coming home in the next round of Binder, since most are quickly trying to finish up.

Email: dewilyn@pewaukeeschools.org
Phone: (262) 701-5557