I can already feel a heightened "holiday" energy (which is normal just around the time of Thanksgiving). In class we try to keep the schedule and daily routines the same as they've been. At home, please be sure your child gets lots of sleep and keep nightly routines as consistent as you can.
A short note to fourth grade math parents: This week we're beginning another unit about multiplying larger numbers. While some students quickly grasp new concepts, others may feel overwhelmed or frustrated. As the year progresses, student fluency and confidence greatly improves over time. Today there was a bit of frustration, but it was only the first day covering new material.
In math class we are learning various ways to multiply larger numbers. For example, 23 x 9 could be solved by the "break apart" method by breaking 23 into a 10, 10 and 3 then multiplying each "part" by 9 (10x9)+(10x9)+(3x9). Thinking of it this way builds number sense and mental fluency. However, some students will quickly line up the numbers on top of each other and solve it using the algorithm approach. Ultimately, they both work, but for homework I'd like to focus on the "break apart" method.
Homework for tonight is to:
1. Read for 30 minutes and complete the Character Sketch Reading Log
2. Fourth grade homework is to complete class work (if necessary)
3. Spelling
Have a good night!
