4th Grade
Dear Fourth Graders,
Advent is here! The birth of Jesus is just a few short weeks from now. How will you be preparing your heart for the coming of Christ on Christmas Day?
Blessings,
Ms. Storino
Enkindle the love of Jesus in the heart of the young. ~St. John Baptist de La Salle
Be who God created you to be, and you will set the world on fire. ~St. Catherine of Sienna
God loves you. God knows you. God has a plan for you. And if you place your hands in His, He will lead you to peace. ~Archbishop Sartain
God has chosen you to make Him known to others. ~Saint John Baptist de La Salle
It is always springtime in a heart that loves God. ~St. John Vianney
When you know better, you do better. ~Maya Angelou
Do not fear what may happen tomorrow. The same loving Father who cares for you today will care for you tomorrow and every day. ~St. Francis de Sales
What a wonderful thought is that some of the best days of our lives haven't even happened yet. ~ Anne Frank
4th and Grade Homework (and 7th grade math homework)
December 2, 2024
ELA - spelling - complete p. 60-61
ELA - Practice your speech many times. Use lots of expression and eye contact. Speech day is December 5.
Religion - Knights of Columbus poster (due 12/9)
7th Grade Math - p. 261, #1, 2, 5, 6, 8, 9, 21-29
December 3, 2024
December 4, 2024
December 5, 2024
December 6, 2024
Name ____________________________________ # _______ Date ________________
Storybook Speech
The first speech for fourth graders is called Children’s Storybook. You will choose a simple storybook or picture book to read out loud to the class. The best choice is a simple story that would really be enjoyed by a kindergarten, first, or second grader. The book is to be read with a lot of expression, feeling, and emotion.
The time limit for the speech is a minimum of four minutes and a maximum of eight minutes, including a 10-20 second memorized introduction. You must read your selection out loud to see if it fits within these requirements before making the final selection.
You will be writing a speech introduction in class. A set of sample introductions has been included on the next page that may help you gather ideas for your introduction. Remember, the introduction will be written during language arts class, but you need to come to school prepared with a first draft of your own.
Important Speech Due Dates:
Book Choice Form - November 7 (Bring book to school)
Introduction First Draft (bring first draft to school) – November 12
Speech Introduction (Typed Final Draft) – November 15
Classroom Speech Day – December 5
Cut here-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name ___________________________________ # _____ Date ___________________
Children’s Storybook Speech Book Choice Form
Title of Book ____________________________________________________________
Author _________________________________________________________________
My child has read his/her book choice out loud. I have timed the reading, and it can be presented within the four to eight minute time limit. (Please be mindful of speed. Reading too quickly detracts from the quality of the speech.)
Time _______
______________________________
Parent Signature
Sample Children’s Storybook Introductions
These are well written examples of storybook speech introductions. Read them carefully and use them to gather ideas to help you begin writing your own introduction. The introduction should give a hint about the problem or main idea of the story, but not give away too much information. The introduction must include the title of the book and the author’s name. Your introduction must be typed (size 12 font) and double spaced. Put the complete heading on your paper (subject is ELA). Remember to indent the first word of the paragraph. Please save it on your computer. You may have to make some small changes to it. Print it and bring two copies to school.
Sometimes children tease each other and don’t realize how badly they are hurting others’ feelings. In the book, Chrysanthemum, by Kevin Henkes, Chrysanthemum’s parents gave her a beautiful name when she was born. Then the school year started, and she began to think her name was dreadful. So, brave Chrysanthemum decides on a plan to help herself at school.
Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse, by Kevin Henkes, is a story about a young mouse named Lilly who just bought a purple purse while she was shopping with her Granny. When she brings the purse to school, she runs out of time to show it to her classmates. Lilly really wants to share her lovely purse with her friends. Learn about her plan when I read Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse.
Custard Surprise, by Bernard Lodge, is a story about two chickens who open up a diner. When customers don’t want to order anything on the menu, things begin to get difficult for the two chickens. When things couldn’t possibly get any worse, the last guest of the day orders a very unusual dish!
Harriet, You’ll Drive Me Wild!, by Mem Fox, tells a story about a little pesky girl named Harriet. As hard as she tries not to, Harriet still gets into trouble almost every day. Her mother tries so hard to remain patient with her. See what happens to this pest when I read Harriet, You’ll Drive Me Wild!
Amelia Bedelia, written by Peggy Parish, is a story about a girl who is a housekeeper at Mr. and Mrs. Roger’s house. Amelia gets confused very easily when she does her daily chores, causing chaos around the house. Find out more about Amelia’s craziness when I read Amelia Bedelia.
A Porcupine Named Fluffy, by Helen Lester, is a story about a porcupine with a very unusual name. There is absolutely nothing fluffy about him! He begins to wonder if his name really fits him and decides on a plan to discover the answer.
Giraffes Have More Fun, by Judith Richs, tells a tale about a girl named Sally. Her teacher teaches the class all about giraffes. Sally thinks giraffes have so much more fun than little girls. Find out if Sally is correct when I read Giraffes Have More Fun.
Fourth Grade receives letter grades for the first time.
Grading Scale
- Get enough sleep and eat healthy meals and snacks
- Arrive at school on time
- Check to make certain all materials are packed before leaving home/school
- Fully engage themselves in class: listen, ask questions, take notes, respond
- Use time wisely
- Reread, check for quality work
- Turn in all homework, assignments, and projects on time
Parent Resources
Math websites for practice and activities
- mathantics.com
- kahnacademy.com
- coolmathgames.com
- learnzillion.com
- hourofcode.com/learn (site for basic computer coding and information)
- aplusmath.com/flashcards
High Interest Nonfiction Articles
