Maple Elementary School

Text Box: Fourth Grade Happenings In reading this term, our 4th graders have been learning about children from different cultures and the various problems that they encounter. Our unit is entitled, Problem Solvers. During your evenings together, ask your child about some of the stories they are reading and problems that are being resolved in each story. We have had some wonderful class discussions about issues that affect people and their cultures. Our next unit’s subject is Heroes. Who is your personal hero? Share who your hero is and why you chose that person. We continue to appreciate those parents who are signing the reading logs and actually helping with reading and choosing appropriate reading materials. Some children are still not completing this homework assignment! On March 3rd, new guided reading groups will begin. In math, we have been studying fractions. For this unit, students need to know their multiplication facts in order to simplify, order, add and subtract fractions correctly. Continue to help your child review the measuring skills they were taught in February. So get out your rulers, yardsticks and measuring tapes at home and have them practice measuring items to the millimeter and ¼ inch. In March, our classes will also be revisiting all the math skills mastered thus far this year to prepare for the Maryland State Assessment. We have begun our Water Cycle unit in science. Since the water cycle is connected to our weather, it would be beneficial for all students to occasionally watch weather programs on T.V. By doing this, students will understand the complexities of how our earth is affected. Our social studies unit will be continuing in March to include the War of 1812. This spring would be a great time to take a family fieldtrip to visit Fort McHenry in Baltimore. The harbor is the place where our National anthem, “The Star Spangled Banner”, was written. Later in April, we will be learning how the Civil War impacted our state and the role that important Marylanders played in that war. Our students recently listened to a presentation by Mr. Jarmon from the Historical Society about how the food we eat impacts our society. On March 20th, we will be taking a field trip to the Historical Society to learn more. There will be a permission slip sent home shortly. Please check with your child to see that he or she has proper materials daily: loose-leaf paper, pencils, erasers, scissors, and a working glue stick.

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