Hello Families,
It has been a while since I have blogged. I was out sick 3 days last week, so I feel a bit out of touch! Here is a brief rundown of what we are doing in 4th grade:
In Reading, we have transitioned to nonfiction texts. Most of the class truly prefers fiction, but they are working on trying to love nonfiction as well. They have learned about what structures authors use, how to commit to a book or topic, how to figure out the meanings of unknown words, and how to recognize a "hybrid" text. After break, we will learn about summarizing and looking for main idea.
We are also writing nonfiction ("expert books") texts. This class really loves to write! They have all created a table of contents and chapter headings, and they are working hard to organize their writing into sections based on their headings. They are putting in expert words, pictures and captions, and a mix of facts and ideas. I am enjoying reading their writing!
In math, we have shifted from multiplication/division to adding and subtracting with large numbers. So far, the class has reviewed place value and learned how to add using the standard algorithm that all of us learned ("carrying" the one, which is actually called regrouping.) Many of them are so relieved to have learned this -- it is far more efficient than the strategies they are used to! We purposely wait until grade 4 to teach this so that we are certain that kids are solid in their understanding of place value. After break, we will learn how to subtract using the algorithm as well. This is far trickier, especially when "borrowing" across a zero! We will take our time and get lots of practice.
In science, we spent this week learning all about the human eye. The students all made a model eye using a ping pong ball (the hot glue makes them look like they have cataracts...) and they all know how to identify and label the main parts of the eye.
Today was another Camp Swampy day! We decided not to try to get to the pine forest because we know there are a lot of ticks in the woods, and the trail is very tight and overgrown. We will try that in the winter on show shoes! You never know what you will find in the woods, and today we found a deer stand (on the ground) with a few cans of beer on it. Unfortunately, one of the cans exploded and we had a small beer fountain. If your child comes home smelling of a brewery, this is why! It gave us a perfect opportunity to talk about how humans effect the woods. After that bit of excitement, we went to our usual spot and the class spent the last hour simply playing and building their forts. I so enjoyed watching them have the chance to play in such a carefree environment!
Here are some new words for this week: fatigue and defiant. I know we all feel some fatigue and are ready for a break. I hope none of you experience any defiance from your children!
I am thankful every day for this lovely class and all of their unique personalities. I am also thankful for all of your support. I hope that you all enjoy a lovely Thanksgiving with loved ones, and I look forward to seeing the students in a week.
