February is Black History Month, so we spent some time talking about a few famous African Americans and the contributions they made to our society. We discussed the various character traits they possessed and how they made a positive difference in America. We also talked about what it means to show integrity. We reviewed the importance of doing the right thing even when no one is looking and being honest.

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• Monday, February 29th 
•  Reading Celebration Week: Hats off to Reading; wear hats!
• Tuesday, March 1st  
•  Reading Celebration Week: Author Visit Jackie Polys comes to Crestwood; wear Cards gear to welcome her to St. Louis! 
• Yoga after school until 4:30 pm 
• Wednesday, March 2nd 
•  Reading Celebration Week: Reading is great exercise; wear workout clothes! 
• Thursday, March 3rd 
• Reading Celebration Week: Snuggle up with a good book; wear PJs! 
• Choir before school @ 8:00 am
• Friday, March 4th 
• Reading Celebration Week: Flashlight Friday; bring a flashlight for independent reading! 
• Flyer Families; wear t-shirts 
• Half Day; students released @ 11:50 am 

• ...to parents & Crestwood adults who were able to make it to our Writing Celebration. We love sharing our work with you and appreciate your attendance and support.  

Math 

  We practiced adding and subtracting like fractions (fractions with the same denominator) and mixed numbers. We learned that we operate with the whole numbers and numerators, but the denominator stays the same. We even created an Egyptian pyramid foldable to help us remember this procedure.

Reading

We reviewed how to answer literal and inferential questions after reading a passage. Students reviewed using F.U.N. and we came up with some sentence starters to answer these reading comprehension questions. Students had a great time making inferences about various pictures. We talked about using the text and our background knowledge to make an inference about a story or a picture.

Science

  Mrs. Branding introduced students to a new unit last week: Electricity. They studied protons, neutrons, and electrons, then completed an investigation about static electricity.

Our focus for class meeting this week was respect. Students brainstormed ways to show respect to classmates, adults, acquaintances, and family members.


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• Monday, February 15th 
• No School, Presidents' Day 
• Tuesday, February 16th  
• Science Fair projects due for those participating 
• Major Savers collection day 
• Yoga after school
• Wednesday, February 17th  
• Major Savors collection day (last day) 
• Thursday, February 18th   
• Choir @ 8:00 am
• Science Night @ 6:30 pm 
• Friday, February 19th 
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• ...to parents who donated items and time to help make our Valentine's Day party a success.  We had so much fun! 

Writer's Workshop

  Students continued publishing their Informational Texts using Google slides this week. They used a checklist to assess various components of the piece, selecting "Not yet," "Almost," and "Yes." Students used this data to set a personal goal to work toward as they continue publishing.

Math 

  We spent time reviewing for our fractions assessment and really rocked the test! We also used valentine heart candy to review a variety of Math skills. Students wrote the amount of hearts they had in standard, word, and expanded forms. They created arrays and equations using the candy and also created a bar graph to reflect their colors.

Social Studies & Science
  Students completed their Oregon Trail simulation as they navigated a river, disease, and other challenging circumstances. 
Mrs. Branding introduced students to a new unit this week: Electricity. They studied protons, neutrons, and electrons, then completed an investigation about static electricity.

This week our character word was self-control. We talked about what self-control is, and Sanni defined self-control as the word backwards; having control of ourselves. We discussed ways to show self-control in the classroom, the hallway, special classes, and when we have a substitute teacher. We ended the week by watching the Marshmallow Test and talking about how the little kids had to show a lot of self-control resisting eating the marshmallow.

• Please review, sign, & return your child's Weekly Reflection on Monday.
• Students should create a Valentine box for our party on Friday, February 12th.  

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• Monday, February 8th 
• Midterm Reports will come home today; please review with your child, sign, and return to school on Tuesday.   
• Tuesday, February 9th  
• Service Team after school
• Yoga after school
• Parents can screen the health & development video and ask questions at Lindbergh's Administration building in the P.D. South room.  4th grade's session begins @ 5:00 pm.  
• Wednesday, February 10th  
• Flyer Families; wear your t-shirt 
• Early release @ 1:40 pm  
• Thursday, February 11th   
• Choir @ 8:00 am
• Friday, February 12th 
• Jump Rope for Heart during P.E.
• Valentine parties @ 2:00-3:00 pm 

Reader's Workshop

  Students selected an article from NewsELA, a great current events website for kids. Students can choose an article based on interest and adjust the reading level as needed. They can even take a 4 question quiz to ensure they are comprehending. After picking a favorite article, kids wrote a news article review. Their review required them to summarize the article, share their opinion about it, and give two specific facts.

Writer's Workshop

We continued researching our Informational Text topics using books from the library as well as Google Junior. Students incorporated the compare & contrast structure into one chapter of their book. First, they created a Venn Diagram to plan their chapter, then used specific transition phrases to organize their ideas into a paragraph. They also added important terms to their glossaries along with appropriate definitions.

Math 

  We continued our fraction study this week and practiced comparing and ordering parts of wholes. We can do this in a variety of ways. We can draw a model or number line to represent the fraction. We can compare each to a the one-half benchmark and decide if one is greater, less, or equal. We can study the numerators and denominators. If the denominators are the same, the one with the greater numerator is the greater fraction. If the numerators are the same, the one with the smaller denominator is greater. Students also practiced naming mixed numbers and improper fractions.

Social Studies

This week in social studies we finished up Chapter Five: Missouri Becoming A State. We spent a lot of time working cooperatively in small groups to explore the Gold Rush, Oregon Trail, and Santa Fe Trail. We worked to learn about various famous pioneers and the different contributions they made. Friday, we began our Oregon Trail simulation! Be sure to ask your student what their role is in their wagon! 

We discussed perseverance during our Class Meetings this week.  Persevering means continuing to work hard and stay focused, even when something feels difficult.  We watched a video on famous individuals who at first failed. Yet, with hard work and perseverance they went on to be very successful. Iqra and Monissa shared with the class quotes and character traits from their books related to perseverance. Be sure to ask your student how they can show perseverance this weekend!

• Volunteers are need to help judge Science Fair projects.  Sign up here!
• Students can begin thinking about a Valentine box they'd like to decorate to bring our party on February 12th.  A note will come home Monday with details as well as a list of classmates.  
• There is no Weekly Reflection coming home today.  

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• Monday, February 1st 
• Open Gym with Mr. D.C. @ 6:30 pm - 7:45 pm 
• Tuesday, February 2nd 
• Variety Show Practice after school 
• Wednesday, February 3rd 
•  Breakfast at the Barn/Sappington Tea House with parents @ 8:45 am 
• Science Fair Project Check for participating students (optional) 
• 4th Grade Girl Scouts after school 
• Thursday, February 4th  
• Choir @ 8:00 am 
• Variety Show Practice after school 
• Dining to Donate at Fudrucker's @ 11:00 am - 8:00 pm 
• Friday, February 5th 
• 
  

Reader's Workshop

Students applied their knowledge of nonfiction structures by completing task cards on various topics.

Writer's Workshop

We continued researching our Informational Text topics using books from the library as well as Google Junior. Students incorporated the compare & contrast structure into one chapter of their book. First, they created a Venn Diagram to plan their chapter, then used specific transition phrases to organize their ideas into a paragraph. They also added important terms to their glossaries along with appropriate definitions.

Math 

We began studying fractions, or parts of a whole or set, this week. In a fraction, the numerator names the part(s) we are discussing, and the denominator names the amount of total pieces in the whole. We used fraction tiles to help us visualize fractions that are equivalent and represent the same amount. We also learned that multiplication or division can be used to create equivalent fractions.

Social Studies

This week, we continued our study of pioneers and Missouri becoming a state. We discovered what the Missouri Compromise was and how the War of 1812 changed our surrounding states. We worked cooperatively to take notes on the constitution and what occurred after the Panic of 1819. We also completed a compare and contrast paragraph comparing our lives to the life of a pioneer.

We discussed perseverance during our Class Meetings this week.  Persevering means continuing to work hard and stay focused, even when something feels difficult.  Students brainstormed ways to practice this character word during Math, PE, and other times in their lives.

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• Monday, January 25th
• Book Drive for Caroline Mission continues through February. Please donate new or gently used books appropriate for kids ages 2-5 (picture books, counting, alphabet, board books, etc.)
• Tuesday, January 26th
• Happy birthday, Christian! 
• Variety Show Practice after school 
• Wednesday, January 27th
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• Thursday, January 28th 
• Choir @ 8:00 am 
• Variety Show practice after school 
• Friday, January 29th 
• Crestwood Club & Group pictures 
• December & January birthday treats during lunch  

Congratulations, Kamden!  You did so well in our school Spelling Bee, and we are proud of you!  

Reader's Workshop

We focused on the different structures writers of nonfiction use. A structure is a way an author builds a piece. Nonfiction writers can use a description and tell all about a person, item, place, or event. They can use a sequence, which means to give facts about a topic in chronological order. Writers can also compare & contrast two related topics to explain how they are alike and different. After studying these structures, students hunted for them in their own nonfiction texts.

Students hunt for different nonfiction structures during Reader's Workshop.  

Writer's Workshop

We planned our Informational Texts by deciding on topics for each of the four chapters. Our librarian, Mrs. Mazdra, helped us find some great nonfiction books that we'll use to research our topics. Students recorded their sources on their planning sheet and began plugging in information they already know as well as newly learned information to prepare for writing.

Math 

Wowza, we worked incredibly hard on our Math tests this week! We reviewed patterns and function tables, and students did an excellent job finding equations that these tables might use. We also took a short pre-test on fractions to assess our current knowledge of the topic.

Students work on Face the Math, an activity that helped them to review mathematical expressions and incorporate some artwork based on correct answers.

Social Studies

This week, we began our unit studying Missouri as it became a state. We talked about what we already know and what we hope to learn about pioneers. We read a portion of You Wouldn't Want to be an American Pioneer and discussed similarities and differences between the life of a pioneer and our lives today. We also talked about early settlers and why they moved and settled in Missouri.

During class meeting this week, we focused on responsibility.  Responsibility means being the boss of our behavior and our belongings.  Students shared ways in which they showed this trait including returning homework, practicing reading and math facts, taking care of pets, helping with younger siblings, and more.  We discussed that showing responsibility at age 10 can help us earn bigger responsibilities as teenagers.  Students are looking forward to babysitting, starting jobs, and driving in a few years!

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• Monday, January 18th
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day, No School 
• Tuesday, January 19th
• Book Drive for Caroline Mission continues through February. Please donate new or gently used books appropriate for kids ages 2-5 (picture books, counting, alphabet, board books, etc.)
• Ms. Kempfer begins student teaching our classroom!    
• Jump Rope for Heart assembly @ 2:00 pm
• Variety Show practice after school 
• Wednesday, January 20th
• 4th Grade Girl Scouts after school 
• Thursday, January 21st 
• Choir @ 8:00 am 
• Variety Show practice after school 
• Dad's Club @ 7:30-8:30 pm, Smugala's 
• Friday, January 22nd 
•  Spelling Bee @ 2:00 pm 
• Movie Night @ 6:30 pm

• ..to parents, teachers, and PTO board members who voted to fund Crestwood's Makerspace! We will add iPads, robot kits, Lego sets, and more to our library and provide opportunities for kids to explore and create using science and technology.

Reader's Workshop

Students studied nonfiction features this week. We included examples of these features and their uses in our Reading Journals. A glossary can teach us new terms from the text, and a table of contents helps us to locate specific information we are looking for. Photographs are real-life pictures of something, and captions explain exactly what the photograph shows. Maps show us exactly where something takes place in the world. Using theses features help authors make the most important information stand out to the readers.

Writer's Workshop

We started our Informational Text unit this week by studying previous fourth graders' Google Slide presentations. We brainstormed topics that we are experts on and have interest in (which means we'll be willing to do the research). Students wrote their on demand piece, or starting point, for this unit. We look forward to learning about informational text structures next week to make our writing even better.

Math 

We did so much work this week with function tables! Students studied patterns and created equations that involved all four operations. We also studied the Order of Operations. This explains that mathematicians have to solve parentheses first, then multiplication & division from left to right, and finally addition & subtraction from left to right.

Social Studies

We honored Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by learning a little about him. Through a few books and BrainPop, we learned that Dr. King was a brave and courageous man who believed in civil rights. He did not think segregation was the best way for us to go through life, and we thank him for standing up and helping to end it. King delivered the famous "I have a dream" speech and led many peaceful marches. Students also listened to the book The Sweet Smell of Roses and learned that authors sometimes use an item to represent something else. In this book, the writer uses the sweet smell of roses to symbolize freedom.