Hello April!

Good Afternoon,

As we returned from break, and head into April, I was happy with how quickly the 4th graders adjusted back into the routines of the school day. We talked about the urgency we must have these final two months because we still have lots to do with testing, growing as learners as leaders, field trips, end of year activities, etc. but not a lot of time to do it all it can feel like. As a class, we discussed the idea that on that last day of school we can look back on the this time and feel a sense of pride knowing everyday we gave our best effort and attitude to be at our very best. I look forward to finishing these final months of school off strong with this great group of 4th graders!

Week in Review:

Leader in Me: This week we learned about listening with our eyes, ears, and heart means listening to truly understand the other person rather than thinking about our response. This is a key concept of Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood. Living this habit greatly enhances our ability to communicate. Discuss these questions with your learner:

  • How can you listen with your eyes? Your heart?
  • In which area of listening—eyes, ears, or heart—do you already do well? Which could you improve?

Writing: This week in writing, 4th graders spent time getting ready for their upcoming tests. They worked on responding to surprise writing prompts from all sorts of genres, so they could practice thinking quickly and writing in different styles. Today, they got feedback on their work and learned some helpful tips, or "cheat codes," to make their writing even better. The goal was to help everyone feel confident and ready for the test!

Math: This week, our 4th grade mathematicians explored several key concepts related to geometry. They started by investigating perimeter and worked through problems to deepen their understanding. They then moved on to solving perimeter problems and practiced distinguishing between area and perimeter. To wrap up the week, students completed an Area & Perimeter Checkpoint to assess their understanding of these concepts.

Reading: This week in reading, 4th graders spent time getting ready for their tests. They worked on understanding informational texts and practiced spotting things like the order of events, cause and effect, and the main ideas. They also learned how to figure out important words and phrases in the text when dealing with content specific vocabulary in nonfiction texts. 

Content: Students examined maps to spark thinking about the conflicts and compromises that arose when different groups of people converged on Indigenous land. Then, they used video and text sources to learn more about the perspectives of those involved and impacted.

  • Thank you to a parent who shared this great resource which can benefit your 4th grader and family! Every fourth grader in the US is eligible to receive a free pass for their family to visit America’s natural wonders and historic sites, which accesses hundreds of parks, lands and waters for an entire year! Visit everykidoutdoors.gov/rules.htm for more information and to get your pass!


A Look Ahead:

  • Wisconsin Forward Schedule for 4th Grade
  • Madison Field Trip - Thursday, April 10th
  • April 17th - Egg Crack Off
  • April 18th & 21st - No School
  • April 30th - Culver's Order Forms Due
  • May 23rd - Early Dismissal (11:30)
  • May 26th - No School
  • May 29th - 4th Grade Concert
  • June 3rd - Field Day
  • June 4th - 4th Grade Walk to Library & End of Year Picnic 
  • June 4th - Cafe Krueger Celebration
  • June 5th - Last Day of School; Early Dismissal (11:30)


That's all for this week!

Have a great weekend!


Mr. VW





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