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4th grade Curriculum Update – 4/26/13
Reading: In week 2 of Literature Circles with “Because of Winn-Dixie”, the students continued to discuss happenings in the book and completed an “event map” together on an event of their choice. Some groups have set next week’s goal to ensure participation from all group members. Our next meeting will take place on Tuesday, 4/30; and students will discuss Chapters 11-15. Be sure to bring your sticky notes!!
This week, I continued to meet with students to assess independent reading levels. I’m excited to see the growth many of the students have shown since the fall assessment! I will finish these next week.
Writing: In Poetry, we focused on the literary element of Metaphor, and worked on a metaphor poem for our grandparents. (SHHH! we plan to make these into a card for Grandparents’ Day!)
We also spent this week typing and editing the poems we’ve completed so far; which incude Alliteration, Personification, Simile, and Metaphor. A few students may have to edit poems this weekend so we all stay on schedule to complete our books before the Poetry House on May 21. 
Math: We’ve been working our way through Unit 11, which focuses on Decimals. So far, the class is doing well on the concepts presented, and we’re on track to finish the unit next week. Study guides will be completed by the end of the week, and the Unit 11 test is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, May 7th.
Xtra Math – Make it a goal to keep working on facts for 2013! Mastery of multiplication and division facts is expected by this time in 4th grade!
Spelling/Grammar: This week, we studied linking and helping verbs, and noticed that many of these verbs overlap!
Wordy Wise #17 was assigned yesterday, and is due next Wednesday, 5/1. Test will be Thursday, 5/2.
Social Studies: The Midwest states/capitals test went well for nearly everyone, and was sent home today. Congratulations! Updates on our other two projects are below:
Students have been working hard on an information packet about the State of Illinois. Most students have completed this packet, which is due Monday, 4/29. We’ll be moving to the next phase of this project, which involves taking the information collected about llinois and creating the brochure (template will be provided Monday). I can’t wait to see how they turn out!
Our midwest banners are nearly complete- groups just need to put the finishing touches on, and will present to one another next week. Look for the banners in the hallway!
Special Notes:
- Keep the donations coming……4th grade is currently in 2nd place for the “Pennies for Pets” collection in support of Noah’s Ark. So far, our class has donated $164.34! Donations will be accepted through May 10th.
- We had an awesome day for the Walk-a-Thon! A huge thank you to all the parent volunteers who helped make the event a success! Your child should bring home their pledge card today; please return it with any pledge money by Friday, May 3rd. Kite Day is next Friday, May 3rd, from 9:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. I am in need of a couple more drivers, so please e-mail me if you are planning to attend (and drive your own child) or are able to drive others.
- Mark your calendars! The 4th grade Poetry House is scheduled for Tuesday, May 21st from 8:00-8:45 a.m. in the Lower School Gym, with celebration to follow. Please plan to join us! Students from 3rd and 5th grade will also be attending. I’ll be asking for snack donations in the next couple of weeks….thanks in advance for all you do!
- ERB Tests will be administered at Keith during the week of May 13-17. All students in grades 3-8 will participate in the testing. Please do your best to have students arrive on time during this week, since the testing will be completed each morning. Also, please try to schedule any elective appointments (orthodontist, etc) in the afternoon, since the administration of these tests does not allow for late arrivals or partial completion of test sessions. Thanks so much in advance for your support!
Enjoy the weekend!
Dana Turk
Dana Turk
Fourth Grade
B.A. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Michigan State University
M.A. in Human Resources and Labor Relations from Michigan State University
M.A. of Teaching from National Louis University
Dana took a less traditional route to her teaching career. A graduate from Michigan State University with a bachelor’s in Industrial/Organizational Psychology and a master’s in Human Resources and Labor Relations, Dana spent seven years working as a human resources manager and six years working as a grant writer before taking her first job teaching in 2009 at Mackeben Elementary School as a student-teacher and literacy media aide. She joined the Keith faculty in 2011 after working as a fifth grade teacher at Leggee Elementary School. When describing her teaching philosophy she states, “My goal is to have students leave my classroom one step closer to being positive, productive contributing members of society.” The Michigan native and her husband (Phil) have two children. In her spare time, Dana likes to exercise, sing, and spend time with family.
Email: dana.turk@keithschool.net
