Dear 4th Grade Parents and Students,
Welcome to 4th grade!
Be ready for a busy and challenging year of 4th grade studies as there are new and exciting activities and
projects that we have planned for the year ahead.
In Mathematics we will be exploring the basic concepts of number theory and computation as we are
introduced to geometry and algebra. We will have fun with logic as we find strategies for solving word
problems that will facilitate our concept skills development.
The major areas of emphasis in Language Arts will be vocabulary development, grammar, and reading
comprehension. Literary analysis and literary appreciation will be our focus as we read assigned class
novels and engage in book discussions. We will be writing stories as well as many forms of poetry, while
sharing our work with the class. We will be writing reports and essays as we learn about the exciting
“Age of Exploration”, reading about Christopher Columbus, Pocahontas, and the Jamestown settlement.
In Social Studies we will also be learning about the Lost Colony, The 13 Colonies, and the early history of
our country and state.
In Science, we will classify living organisms, use microscopes, study cells, research animal adaptations,
and experiment with electricity and magnetism. Each student will also be participating in the HAT
Science Fair!
In Judaic studies, our students in Kitah Dalet will grow academically and spiritually; the various subjects
offer opportunities for each child to enhance strengths in both cognitive and affective areas. Anchoring
all of our studies is a love for G-d, Torah and Israel. We will add new tefillot to our repertoire, study
Torah text with commentary and have many a lively discussion about all things Jewish. Our holidays will
be approached at a higher level, but there will certainly be time for fun and games. In Jewish history,
we will learn about early Zionism and the background events leading to the establishment of the State
of Israel. The goals in Hebrew language are increased competence in conversational Hebrew, reading
fluency and the comprehension of written materials.
In reference to summer assignments:
Students must read at least two books over the summer. One book should have a Jewish theme. The
assignment is to write a book report for each book using the attached form as a guide. Be sure to choose
books which are grade appropriate!
Also, during the first week of school, you will be expected to turn in the completed summer Hebrew
language packet, which was prepared by and given to you by your third grade teacher.
In addition, it is expected that each student come back to school with a desire to reach their fullest
potential and a willingness to work hard to get there! For as you can see, we have a lot we will be
learning once the school year commences.
Have a wonderful summer and we look forward to seeing you in 4th grade as we begin an adventure in
learning!
Your 4th Grade General Studies and Judaic Studies Teachers
Name: ______________________________________________ Date: ____________
Title of Book __________________________________________________________
Author _______________________________________________________________
Main character(s)
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What problem(s) did the main character(s) face? How was the problem solved? (For the book on a
Jewish topic, please include information that explains the Jewish connection.)
_____________________________________________________________________________________
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_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
If you could be a character from the book you just read, who would it be? Why?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
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What lesson do you think the author wanted you to learn from this book?
Rate this book: (Circle your choice)
Best ever
Great
Very good
Good
Average
Bad
Worst ever
Why did you rate the book this way?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
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Draw a picture about one of your favorite moments from the book. You may use draw this picture
below, or on a separate piece of paper.