Mr. Wilhelmy & Mrs. Jones - Week of 4/15 – 4/19
Language Arts
The students and I spent the week reading from biographies about people who made a difference in the lives
of others. Our lessons focused on vocabulary (synonyms and antonyms) and the author’s point of view. In
the past it was most important for our students to just be able to recognize a story’s point of view (1st
person-3rd person). This week the children and I worked to understand not only the story’s point of view, but
the author’s as well. Identifying the author’s opinions and feelings about the subject was new to us, and
finding the evidence to prove it was even more challenging. I was excited to see the students showing a
strong understanding of the skill by the week’s end.
OAA’s are right around the corner. The students and I will be examining some older test manuals in the next
two weeks and working on test approach strategies. Asking your fourth grader to demonstrate these
strategies at home would be an excellent way to provide reinforcement and further exercise.
Lake Erie Crushers Reading Club Monday, April 15, is the last day students can submit a reading
log to earn free tickets to a Lake Erie Crusher’s game. Forms must be turned in during
homeroom.
Social Studies
The students and I will finish our studies with Tecumseh and the War of 1812 next week. Our next
unit discusses Ohio as an evolving state, including lessons on transportation improvements, public
education, and a growing economy.
Math
We are going to take time out of our daily routines in math to participate in some special activities that will
reinforce our fourth grade math concepts and help students prepare and feel at ease with the upcoming OAA. As a
springboard from this past week’s Cleveland Indian’s Opening Day, we will have our own “Spring Training” in math
class as we prepare for “Opening Day of the OAA”. Students will have opportunities to show off what they know
through a baseball themed two week review. Each day of class will represent an “inning” and we will work through
math problems related to different fourth grade concepts. Students will calculate their “batting averages” daily…and
of course we might be enjoying some popcorn and Cracker Jacks as well! Please remember that OAA practice math
tests are due by Tuesday, April 30th.
Science
Many of our plants germinated over Spring Break. Be sure to ask your child about their seedling. Next
week we will begin to study the parts of a flower. We will be taking flowers apart to try and identify each part. Thank
you for the paper towel tube contributions. We are still in need of more in order to create model plants/flowers. If you
have any available, please send them in during the upcoming week. Students will have a small quiz on
photosynthesis on Friday, April 19th. They can use their Photosynthesis page and diagram in their note packet to
review.
Many thanks to Mia K., Nicole C., Michael D., and Jack H., who were noted by a substitute teacher this
week for being very helpful. We appreciate your actions!
The following people completed the challenge section on this week’s geography assignment: Jacob B.,
David B., Joey B., Sarah F., Nicole C., Michael D., Mia K., Rosa K., and Taylor K. Way to take
initiative boys and girls! Great work!
Sarah F., Nicole C., and Erik T., were caught helping others this week. These three students are always
kind and generous in school, but their actions this week made a difference. Thank you Sarah, Nicole,
and Erik.
Final Reading Performances
Monday, April 15th- Alex A. and Jacob B.
Upcoming Dates:
Tuesday, April 16th- Kelsey B. and David B.
Tuesday, April 16th - Pizza Day
Wednesday, April 17th- Julian C. and Joey B.
Tuesday, April 23rd- Fun Lunch; 4th
Thursday, April 18th- Nicole C. and Arnaud C.
grade concert RRHS
Monday, April 29th- OAA testing
week