In math we took our test over patterns (non-numeric and numeric, growing and repeating patterns, and input/output charts) and have started moving into division. In fourth grade the standard does not have us teach the students in the traditional algorithm (as we grew up learning). Instead, students will be learning an area model of division and a strategy called partial quotients. (To see a video on the area model, please click HERE.) We will be working on division for the next several weeks.
Our morning work for math has changed. The morning work is a review of many different standards and concepts covered in fourth grade. Some of these things we have already taught and some are still ahead of us. We are discussing daily and working through the problems together with lengthy discussions to help students understand. They are responsible for following along and taking their own notes (copying what we have done together off of the board.) This will serve as their study guide for their Friday assessment. Everything that is on the morning work will not be assessed on Friday. As we walk through the answers at the beginning of the week, I am telling students, "This type of question you WILL see on Friday, but the fraction questions will not be on this Friday's assessment." (There is a huge sigh of relief when I let them know this.)
In Social Studies we will be wrapping up the causes of the American Revolution this week and having a test over them either Friday (1/26) or Monday. This test will come from the notes in their journals starting with the French and Indian War all the way through the Boston Tea Party (to be covered on Wednesday/Thursday.) Next we will focus on some of the battles of the Revolution.