Literacy - We reviewed a lesson in types of genres which led to a full reorganizing of the classroom library. Students now have access to multiple titles across several grade levels and genres. We continue to discuss elements of literacy as we work through our read aloud The Fear Place. We have been emphasizing characters' relationships and how they change throughout a novel. We discuss rising and falling actions and how the author uses powerful word choice to build up tension leading to a climax. We distributed our Reading Log to help keep track of books finished in 4th grade. This is a helpful tool to keep track of titles students read and to make sure they are reading books that are a good fit for them and perhaps venture out into a new genre!
Writing - We dove into our first unit on Narrative Writing with a lesson on "What is a Story?" We connected our writing with literacy and discussed what types of elements are usually found in a story (setting, plot, characters, etc) and how to best incorporate these elements into their own writing. We began brainstorming and completed a "Story Map" of our first narrative. Students will be tasked with creating an engaging story (ask them about how to use a hook to keep a reader interested!) using the elements we've discussed. We discussed introducing problems and resolutions into our writing. Students were shown self-rubrics to help them make sure they are including all required elements in their writing. We continue to do weekly spelling and word work to practice unfamiliar terms. Math - We spent some time reviewing estimation ("whyyyyy do we have to esssstimate?") to help show students that estimating can help catch silly mistakes. Now that they are able to round to certain place values, 4th graders began use estimating strategies to help complete basic arithmetic problems, as well as longer number stories. The creativity was flowing as the entire group helped develop an engaging number story about how many gummy worms were consumed by their classmates. We will use these strategies as we move into triple digit addition and subtraction problems. Science - We finished our creature feature assignment along with detailed drawings of how certain features of their creature help them survive in a specific environment. We also completed our first science vocabulary assessment.. We utilized our Science readers to review Energy in an Ecosystem and the difference between producers, consumers, and decomposers. I showed a time-lapse clip of fungi growing in a dense jungle to show how decomposers help break down dead plants/animals and return nutrients to the soil. Plenty of curious minds in my class so engage your child in a conversation about science! MicroSociety - The votes are in! MACS students voted in new President, Vice President, Senators, and Class Representatives. We reviewed check writing, balancing our ledger, taxes, and discussed venture possibilities for students. Management 101 has begun for any student interested in managing a business. We will discuss resumes, job applications, and business proposals in the coming days...
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April 2018
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