Nightly Knock-outs for 4th Graders

(5 to 10 Minute Activities)

Math

  1. Practice Addition Facts and traditional addition problems requiring the student to carry #’s to next place value column.

Example: 43 398 3064

+ 67 + 429 +5472

  1. Practice Subtraction– regrouping correctly across place value and subtract across zeroes using traditional subtraction problems.

Example: 91 429 $10.00

- 87 - 398 - 8.98

  1. Multiplication Math Facts through 12’s with fluency
  • Fluency with multiplication math facts is when a student can provide the answer automatically without processing or counting, usually within 1-3 seconds.
  • Use Flip Cards focusing on 2-3 unknown facts until mastered, and then add1 to 2 facts at a time to currently mastered fact pile. Practice only 5 to 10 minutes at a time. Draw pictures, write the facts down, close your eyes and see the numbers, close your eyes and write the numbers in the air, race each other, practice on and off throughout the day at random times: in the car, while taking a bath, while helping cook dinner, while taking a walk etc.
  • To maintain fluency/mastery of multiplication math facts through 12’s - students may play computer games geared towards fluency in multiplication math facts.

4. Telling Time

  • Practice telling time using an analog clock (traditional clock instead of digital).
  • Practice using time language.

Example: quarter past 3:00, half past 12:00, 15 minutes until 4:00, 10 minutes after 2:00

  • Practice elapsed time.

Example: Debra left school at 3:45. It took her 10 minutes to walk homeShe played at her friend’s house for 45 minutes. She ate dinner for 20 minutes, took a bath for 30 minutes, and did her homework for 35 minutes. What time was it when Debra completed her homework?

5. Money

  • Practice counting money.
  • Practice computing money values.

Example: 20 dimes = 40 nickels = 8 quarters = $2.00

  • Making Change with Moneyusing the Counting Up Strategy
  • Example: Billy purchased a hot wheels car for $1.98. He paid the cashier with a five dollar bill. How much change did he receive? Count up from $1.98 to $2.00 (2¢), then from $2.00 to $3.00; $3.00 to $4.00; $4.00 to $5.00; ($3.00) Total is $3.02. Billy received $3.02.
  • Practice making change using the fewest coins possible(choose from quarters, dimes, nickels, pennies)

Example: Using the fewest coins possible, make change for 67¢

Answer: 2 quarters, 1 dime, 1 nickel, 2 pennies

Communication Arts

1)Spelling – K-4 Nonnegotiable Words (see attached word list)

2)Cursive Handwriting

  • Practice writing in cursive (practice correct letter formation)
  • There are many websites available to print copies of cursive handwriting practice pages
  • Practice reading cursive handwriting

3)Reading out loud with fluency

  • Words should flow smoothly
  • Pause at commas and periods
  • Is interesting to listen to, not monotone
  • If student is struggling to read fluently, try a lower reading level book to practice this skill
  • May use poetry to practice fluency
  • Adult reads a paragraph first, then the student rereads the same paragraph mimicking the adults fluency and tone

4)Read and Retell – Talk to your student about their reading, some things to focus on are:

  • Have student identify the main character(s)
  • Have student identify the setting(s) – where the story is taking place
  • Have student identify the problem and/or solution of the story

5)Writing – Have student use multiple ways to organize their thoughts in writing

  • Letters/E-mails
  • Diaries
  • Journaling
  • Poetry
  • Comic Strips
  • Book Summaries
  • To Do Lists
  • Made up stories
  • Stories about themselves
  • Interesting facts
  • Change the ending of a book, movie, adventure, etc.
  • Illustrate their writing, use captions, air bubbles, etc.