4th Grade 316
May Newsletter 2025
Math: Our 4th graders are now learning how to multiply whole numbers by fractions—a big step in understanding how numbers work together in new ways! Students will explore how to find parts of a group or quantity (like 3 × ½ = 1½), using visual models, word problems, and real-life examples. This helps build a strong foundation for future math skills. You can support your child at home by talking about fractions in cooking, sharing, or measuring—anytime fractions come up in everyday life!
Literacy: Now that the state test is behind us, we’re beginning Module 7, which explores the essential question: What lessons can we learn from characters in traditional tales?
Science: We are going to begin to investigate the role that animal senses, primarily vision, play in survival as students try to understand a realistic fictional problem with a real organism.
Social Studies - During the month of May, we will continue exploring Black Studies: poetry as an expression. Poetry is a genre of writing that has been used by Black poets to express, analyze, and discuss power.
Math Fluency: By this point in the year, all students should have mastered their multiplication facts from 0 to 12. If your scholar is still working on this, we encourage you to practice with them at home. A strong foundation in multiplication is essential for success in upcoming math concepts!
April 2025
Math: We will continue to explore numbers and make connections by adding and subtracting fractions. We will also learn about mixed numbers which consist of whole numbers and fractions. We will add and subtract mixed numbers. Also we will focus on questions from past state exams to prepare for the NYS Math exam on May 7th, and 8th.
Literacy: We will be wrapping up Module 6 which focuses on the essential question: What makes Earth’s natural wonders exciting and unique? Students will learn about Earth’s natural wonders by reading a variety of texts. We will also continue to prepare for the NYS ELA State Test which will be on April 29th, and 30th.
Students used manipulatives to explore fractions through hands-on learning!
March Newsletter
Math: This month, our 4th graders are beginning their exciting journey into the world of fractions! We'll be exploring what fractions represent, how to identify them in everyday life and how to compare and model them using visuals like number lines and shapes. You can support your child at home by pointing out real-world examples—like slicing a pizza or measuring ingredients for a recipe.!
Literacy: We will be wrapping up Module 5 which focuses on the essential question: How far can your talents take you? Students will take their Module 5 assessment on Friday, March 7th. We will also continue to prepare for the NYS ELA State Test which will be on April 29th, and 30th.
Fourth Grade won the HBCU Door Decorating Contest!
Here’s a picture of our Pizza Fractions bulletin board! Students had the opportunity to decorate their own pizzas with toppings, then calculated the fraction of their pizza covered by each topping. A fun and tasty way to learn about fractions!
February 2025
Math: This month, our 4th graders are learning how to compare numbers in two ways—additive comparison and multiplicative comparison. In additive comparison, students look at how much more or less one quantity is than another. In multiplicative comparison, they explore how many times greater or smaller one amount is compared to another. For example, “Sarah has 3 more apples than Jake” vs. “Sarah has 3 times as many apples as Jake.” We’ll be using real-world examples, visuals, and word problems to build a strong understanding of both concepts!
Literacy: We will be starting Module 5 which focuses on the essential question: How far can your talents take you? Students will learn about the arts by reading a variety of texts. We will also continue to prepare for the NYS ELA State Test which will be on April 29th, and 30th.
Here are some photos of students creating their own electrical systems during Science!
January Newsletter 2025
Math:
We will continue to explore numbers and make connections using Strategies and Properties to Divide by 1-Digit Numbers. Also we will start the next topic: Use Operations with whole numbers to solve problems
Literacy:
We will be wrapping up Module 4 which focuses on the essential question: What makes someone a hero? Students should prepare for their Module Assessment which will be on Tuesday, January 28th.
Daily Reading:
Please encourage our scholars to read at home for at least 20 minutes each day. This consistent practice helps build reading stamina and nurtures a lifelong love of books.
Math Fluency: By this point in the year, all students should have mastered their multiplication facts from 0 to 12. If your scholar is still working on this, we encourage you to practice with them at home. A strong foundation in multiplication is essential for success in upcoming math concepts!
Homework: Homework is given and checked daily. Please make sure your scholar is completing their homework every day.
December 2024
Newsletter
We are learning
Math:
We will continue to explore numbers and make connections to place value. We will finish out Topic 4: Using Strategies and Properties to Multiply 2- Digit Numbers. Also, students will be introduced to Strategies and Properties to Divide by 1-Digit Numbers
Literacy:
We will be starting Module 4 which focuses on the essential question: What makes someone a hero? Students will learn about heroic feats, by reading a variety of texts as well as learn reading skills which will help with their reading comprehension.
Science:
We are going to be finishing Module 1 which is about how the electrical system is essential to our lives. Students will be able to understand how energy is converted from one form to another, how it can be transferred from place to place, and learn about a variety of energy sources that exist.
Social Studies:
During the month of December, we will continue exploring Black Studies: As the Study of the World with the focus being on the Harlem Renaissance. Which aligns with both New York State and Local History.
Daily Reading:
Please encourage our scholars to read at home for at least 20 minutes each day. It helps build their reading stamina and fosters a love for books.
Homework:
Please ensure scholars are completing and returning their homework packets every Monday to receive feedback and credit.
Contact: Astephens8@schools.nyc.gov
Aepps@schools.nyc.gov
November
We are learning
Math:
During the month of November we will continue to explore numbers and make connections to place value. We will also learn how to use strategies and properties to multiply by 2 - digit numbers, as well as multiply by multiples of 10, 100 and 1,000.
Literacy:
We will be finishing Module 3 which focuses on what it takes to meet a challenge. Students will read a variety of texts and learn how to apply different skills to help their comprehension, as well as discuss how bravery, hard work, and persistence relate to meeting a challenge.
Science:
We are going to be finishing Module 1 which is about how the electrical system is essential to our lives. Students will be able to understand how energy is converted from one form to another, how it can be transferred from place to place, and learn about a variety of energy sources that exist.
Social Studies:
During the month of November, we will explore Black Studies: As the Study of the World with the focus being on the Harlem Renaissance. This unit aligns with both New York State and Local History
Reminders
Daily Reading:
Please encourage our scholars to read at home for at least 20 minutes each day. It helps build their reading stamina and fosters a love for books.
Homework:
Please ensure scholars are completing and returning their homework packets every Monday to receive feedback and credit.
Upcoming Events
Working Together Wednesday 11/20 Virtual Family Town Hall 11/21 Graphic Tee Day 11/22 Annual Turkey Giveaway 11/25 Feast of Many Nations 11/26 Thanksgiving Break 11/28-11/29
Welcome to Ms. Stephens & Ms. Epps Fourth Grade Class.
We’ve had a nice start to the school year and are eager to learn more about our scholars and continue to help them grow and foster a love for learning in order to become successful people.
Here are some things you should know about the month of October.
We are learning about....
Math:
During the month of October, we will continue to explore numbers and make connections to place value.
We will also learn how to use strategies and properties to multiply by 1- digit numbers.
We will multiply by multiples of 10, 100 and 1,000.
Literacy:
We will continue to explore Module 1 which focuses on how our experiences help to shape our identity.
Students will read a variety of texts and learn about different skills that can be used to further reading comprehension.
Science:
We will continue to explore Module 1 which is about how the electrical system is essential to our lives.
We will be able to understand how energy is converted from one form to another, how it can be transferred from place to place,
and learn about a variety of energy sources that exist.
Social Studies:
We will continue to learn about the geography of New York State.
We will also look into the first habitants of New York State : Native Americans.
Upcoming Events
October 3-4: No School
October 9: Math Module 1 Test
October 11: Community Circle
October 14: No School
October 18: Literacy Module 1 Test
October 21: In House Pumpkin Picking
October 28: Firehouse Visit
October 31: Character Parade Trick or Treating
Reminder
Daily Reading:
Please encourage our scholars to read at home for at least 20 minutes each day.
It helps build their reading skills and fosters a love for books.
Homework:
Please ensure scholars are returning their homework packets every Monday to receive feedback and credit.