Fraction Fiesta!

After weeks of hard work, we are wrapping up our fraction unit in math. To celebrate (and do more fraction work), our class will be having a fraction fiesta. We have several hands-on activities to reinforce what we have learned about fractions. Because fourth graders love to eat, students asked if we could have food. My one requirement was that the food must be fraction friendly. If you would like to send some fruit snacks, M&Ms, or  a pan of breakfast bars (our fiesta will be at 8:10), please let me know by Monday or Tuesday so I can plan some food related fraction activities. Thanks!

More Exciting Sites to Explore

Science Links
Flabby Physics: Use science to win this game
Denver Zoo: Check out the animals in our own zoo
San Diego Zoo: Learn about all kinds of zoo animals
Math Links
Math Duck: This site has practice games for a variety of math topics
Language Links
Magnetic Poetry: Rearrange "magnets" to create your own sentences and poetry
Art Links
Origami Club: What creations can you make?

4th Grade Study Tools

The activities on EZ School not only reinforce concepts we cover in class, but they will also help students prepare for CSAP.

http://www.ezschool.com/Grade4Tools.html

Math in Focus

I spoke with several parents about our math curriculum during conferences last week. Our program, Math in Focus, follows the Singapore approach to math instruction and puts a huge focus on place value. That focus causes some slight changes in how we teach and learn math at West Grand. Math in Focus offers online resources for students (and parents) to access for support away from school. Students can view an online textbook, student workbook, and virtual manipulatives in their library. The website is linked below and also on the math page. Students will need their username and password. Just shoot me an email, and I will get that information to you. Enjoy!

https://www-k6.thinkcentral.com/ePC/start.do

Multiplication & Division

We have completed the first two units in our math curriculum, and on Monday, we will begin our unit on whole number multiplication and division. I strongly encourage students to click on the math page and explore some of the practice sites I have listed under Whole Number Multiplication and Division. Practice and understanding of multiplication and division facts will help students be successful in our daily lessons.

I have also found some fun activities for you and your child to complete at home. Warning: Some of them could get messy!
Digit's Cyber-Dough

Fact Monster

I just came across a fantastic website that I want to share with you. FactMonster.com is an online bank of information. Students could spend hours learning and exploring on this site. I have linked to several pages that connect with content we are covering in class that may offer some enrichment opportunities. Enjoy!

FactMonster: National Parks
FactMonster: Fifty States
FactMonster: Math Flash Cards
FactMonster: Greek and Roman Mythology
FactMonster: Astronomy and Space Exploration
FactMonster: Research Skills

Math Facts Practice

I have found some wonderful math practice sites I would like to pass on to you. Knowing math facts will help students be successful in math as we start to apply the facts to work with larger numbers.

Addition & Subtraction
Math Playground: Timed Flashcards
AAA Math: Addition Lessons and Review
AAA Math: Subtraction Lessons and Review
CoolMath4Kids: Addition
CoolMath4Kids: Subtraction

Also check out the math page on this site for more practice opportunities.

Operation Timed Tests

Each quarter, students will be asked to complete four timed tests, one for each operation. We will be doing these tests in class, but I strongly encourage all students to be practicing their facts at home.

Operation Timed Tests