September · Week 1 of 4 · School week 1 of 36
Week 1: Hello, Fourth Grade
Skills this week
Word study
Split longer words into syllables and decide if each syllable is closed (short vowel) or open (long vowel).
RF.4.3a
Reading & writing
Set up reading routines and a writer's notebook, choose just-right books, and begin finding the main idea of a short text.
RL.4.10, RI.4.2, W.4.3, W.4.10
Math
Read and write numbers to 1,000,000 in standard form, expanded form and word form.
4.NBT.2
Science
Energy is everywhere: spot motion, sound, light, heat and electric energy around us.
4-PS3-2
Social studies
Use the parts of a map (title, compass rose, key, scale) and draw a map of our classroom.
C3 D2.Geo.1.3-5
Word study this week
Closed and open syllables: a closed syllable ends with a consonant and usually has a short vowel (nap-kin). An open syllable ends with a vowel and usually has a long vowel (ro-bot).
Words to read: napkin, basket, picnic, problem, contest, robot, tiger, music, silent, open
Build it: nap + kin → napkin; ro + bot → robot
Sentence: “The tiger found a napkin in the picnic basket.”
Spelling: napkin, basket, picnic, problem, contest, robot, tiger, music, silent, open, begin, hello
Day plans
- Day 1Welcome to Fourth Grade
Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo (or similar) - Day 2Energy Everywhere
Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo (or similar) - Day 3Mapping Our Classroom
A one-page nonfiction article about your state, plus Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo (or similar) - Day 4Five Kinds of Energy
Energy Makes Things Happen by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley (or similar) - Day 5First Week Wrap-Up
Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo (or similar)
Centers this week
- Syllable sort: cut apart word cards and sort them into closed-first and open-first piles.
- Place value build: make numbers with digit cards on a place value mat and read them to a partner.
- Map corner: add three new symbols to the classroom map key.
- Book browsing: list three books you want to read this month.
Student games this week
Syllable Splitter Place Value Peaks Map Maker
Week at a glance (printable)
| Block | Day 1 Welcome to Fourth Grade | Day 2 Energy Everywhere | Day 3 Mapping Our Classroom | Day 4 Five Kinds of Energy | Day 5 First Week Wrap-Up |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Question of the day | What is one thing you hope to learn this year? | Where do you see energy in our room right now? | If you drew a map of your bedroom, what would go in the key? | What is the biggest number you can say out loud? | What was your favorite part of our first week? |
| Word study | Closed syllables: nap-kin, bas-ket | Open syllables: ro-bot, ti-ger | Split words: VC/CV or V/CV? | Three-syllable words: fan-tas-tic | Spelling check and syllable sort |
| Reading | Read-aloud and reading routines | Choosing a just-right book | Main idea: what is it mostly about? | Main idea plus two details | Stamina goal: 20 minutes; main idea check |
| Math | Place value chart to hundred thousands | Read and write numbers to 1,000,000 | Expanded form: 352,640 | Word form and standard form | Place value quick check |
| Science | Social studies day | What is energy? Energy hunt in the room | Social studies day | Five forms of energy: motion, sound, light, heat, electric | Energy sort and exit ticket |
| Social studies | Parts of a map: title, compass rose, key, scale | Science day | Draw a classroom map with a key | Science day | Science day |
| Writing | Writer's notebook: things I know about | Small moment from summer: zoom in | Add details: saw, heard, felt | Revise: a strong first sentence | Share a polished entry |
| Game | Place Value Peaks | Syllable Splitter | Map Maker | Place Value Peaks | Syllable Splitter |