Newsletter Fourth Grade HGC
March is here and so is the middle of the marking period. The students worked
extremely hard to complete colonial brochures, novel schedules, and an
autobiographical project. Projects are an integral part of the Highly Gifted Center
Program and they allow students to synthesize the information they learn in class
and apply their skills and knowledge to authentic, problem-based activities. It is
during these projects that we stress significant life/work skills such as time
management, best effort, collaboration, and meeting due dates and deadlines.
Please emphasize the importance of these skills as you support us in helping your
child reach his/her full potential.
Science
We will continue with our study of the basic properties of matter, including the
conditions in which matter changes state. We will extend our learning by
exploring atoms, elements and the periodic table.
Social Studies
For the second half of the marking period, we will begin in-depth studies of the
colonies; particularly St. Mary’s, Plymouth, Jamestown, and St. Augustine. The
students will describe the geography, history, culture, and economics of each
colony.
Language Arts
Students will be reading various writings about Immigration and analyze these
through group and written follow up. The immigration unit will also consist of
inquiring about their own unique family histories and using various methods of
research to learn about their own family stories. This will culminate in an
autobiographical project.
Math
Students will develop understandings about measuring volume and related
volume to multiplication and division. They will need to recognize volume as an
attribute of solid figures and learn how this measurement of space (cubic units)
relates to measurements of area (square units) and length. Students will also be
graphing points and using ordered pairs to draw geometric figures with given
attributes.
Important Dates
Monday March 7 to 18… Ms. Chen will share with students the art of semi- brush
painting and her customs and language.
Wednesday, March 23… last day of the marking period
Thursday, March 24… No school
Friday, March 25… Good Friday start of spring break
Friday, April 1… last day of spring break