Thurgood Marshall Elementary School
Here are some of the topics we have
been working on in fourth grade, as well
our units of study for the month of
February.
Reading/Writing/Language Arts
In the month of February, students
read Greek myths and describe the
relationship between characters and
the setting of a story, compare the
treatment of similar themes, and make
connections between the text and
visual representation of a myth. They
demonstrate understanding of words
by relating them to their opposites and
determine the meaning of words and
phrases,
including
allusions
to
mythology. Students will wrap up the
month in a novel study to examine the
characteristics
of
fantasy
and
summarize the novel using key details.
Throughout the study of fantasy,
students discuss how the choices a
character makes within a story can
reveal
themes.
In
exploring
vocabulary, students use Greek and
Latin roots and affixes as clues to the
meaning of words and explore the
meaning of common idioms.
In writing, students will begin the
month by creating a newsletter about
the weather. Student groups choose a
topic and briefly conduct research for
a group newsletter.
In groups,
students evaluate science articles and
newsletters to determine how to
synthesize information and organize
sections and select text features that
enhance their informational piece.
Volume No. 1
February 2016
Math
In the beginning of February, students
learn the terms factor and multiple.
Students multiplicatively decompose
whole numbers 1-100 into factor pairs
in order to develop the understanding
that a whole number is a multiple of
each of its factors. Students also
classify numbers as prime or
composite. Students then move on to
fractions.
As students model and
generate equivalent fractions, they
develop the understanding that
partitioning each unit fraction into n
smaller equal parts can be represented
by multiplying the numerator and
denominator of a fraction by the same
number, n. Students use a variety of
strategies, including reasoning with
benchmark fractions and creating
common denominators or common
numerators, to compare fractions with
unlike numerators and denominators.
Science
In February, fourth graders will focus
on matter, the water cycle, and
weather.
Students will begin by
observing weather patterns and trends
in their own environment and
comparing these weather conditions to
those of other regions.
Students
develop and use tools to observe local
weather conditions early in February,
and then continue to use these tools
and techniques to observe and record
weather conditions.
Social Studies
During the month of February,
students continue to add to the
timeline of early United States
history. Students begin by revisiting
the unique and diverse cultures of
early Native American societies as
they participate in a chronological
study of the establishment of five
early European settlements in North
America.
Students
examine
motivations for migration, advantages
and
disadvantages
that
the
environment
surrounding
each
settlement provided, as well as the
establishment of slavery in Maryland.
Students will study about the
interactions among settlers and Native
American people and how they resulted
in the borrowing and sharing of culture
and affected relationships.
Other
 Fourth grade Valentine’s Day
party will be held in classrooms on
Friday, February 12th at 2:20 P.M.
 We are short of expo markers,
pencil cap erasers, and pencils. We
would appreciate any donations-thank
you!
Mark Your Calendars
PARCC DATES
Dates are still in the works. A
flyer will go home with your child
when dates are approved.
Important Dates and Upcoming Events
February 12 – Valentine’s Party @ 2:20
February 13-26 – PTA Read-a-Thon
February 15 – No School: Holiday
February 26 – Early Release @ 1:20
February 26 – PTA International Night @ 7:00