Congratulations to our first team to earn the "Terrific Teamwork Award"!
Monday, September 28, 2015
Friday, September 25, 2015
Our Week In Review
During Writing this week, we finished publishing our "Hopes, Dreams, and Goals" for fourth grade. The students were thoughtful about how they hope to grow, both in and out of the classroom, in the coming year.
During Reading, we reviewed Narrative Elements ~ specifically characters, plot and setting. Students have been working on tracking these during their independent reading. Next week, students will be tracking these during their reading at home, in the "focus tracking area" on their reading logs. If your child has questions about this, please encourage him/her to see Mrs. Merten.
We also have been working on "Asking Questions" during reading. Ask your child about the story Tough Boris. We came up with many "thick questions".
These skills will be essential in your students' understanding of his/her independent reading book. Our big focus for this year is to understand that "Reading is Thinking". Children benefit from reading books that seem easier for them, so that they may practice the skills we have been learning.
We are well into our first engineering project- creating Puff Mobiles. During this project, our focus has been on working together collaboratively as well as following the engineering process. Your child should have a lot to share about this.
During Math we have been working on addition and subtraction. Students have been working on their accuracy. Practice of addition and subtraction facts at home would benefit all students.
During Science we began to discuss the Water Cycle and the Scientific Method. Students will have the opportunity to see the Water Cycle in action after we create our terrariums next week. Students have been asked to bring in plant clippings for this project on Tuesday.
During Social Studies we have started our unit on Advanced Map Skills. We will continue to work on this unit for the next few weeks.
Friday, September 18, 2015
Our Week In Review
It seems as if the crisp fall weather will never arrive! We had a wonderful week this week in room 24!
In Social Studies, we began to learn about Maps and Globes. We shared what we know and learned a little about what is coming up! We will focus on this topic for the next few weeks.
Next week we will begin Science. We will learn about the Scientific Method to introduce how Scientists approach a problem. We will discuss the water cycle and then we will make our terrariums (probably in another week or two).
We have finished learning the routines of Reader's Workshop and have started to review some key concepts. This week we talked about Narrative Elements, with a focus on finding the setting. We are learning that sometimes the setting is not obvious, and we have to really use our detective skills to find evidence of the setting. Next week we will focus on plot, and on asking questions. We are reviewing the overall idea that Reading is Thinking!
In Writing we have been working on publishing our "Hopes, Dreams and Goals". The children have done a great job with this, and have been very thoughtful in thinking about goals for the year. We can't wait to share these with you at Open House on October 1st. Mrs. Merten was very impressed with everyone's technology skills!
Yesterday, September 17, was Constitution Day. Mrs. Williams's class joined us to talk about this important day in our history.
We watched a few videos and learned about the US Constitution. You may recognize the video below!
On Wednesday this week, we celebrated our summer reading through a presentation from storyteller Len Cabral. He tells wonderful stories and shares his love of storytelling with the children. Ask your child about this experience. They should have a lot to share.
Wednesday was also picture day! Check out this class picture selfie- and a couple of selfies from some other friends !
Today Mr. Adams (Mrs. Adams's husband) came to JFK to share his knowledge of the Engineering Process. Mr. Adams talked about the importance of following steps and listening to your group before beginning a project. Students were introduced to our first engineering project, Puff Mobiles. Today we focused on brainstorming ideas independent of our group. Students will focus on cooperation, collaboration and taking a specific role in their group. They will also have the opportunity to create a wind powered vehicle. We will race these vehicles later this month.
From the Teacher's Desk:
Please take a minute to complete the survey below. The information will help me to better support your child.
In Social Studies, we began to learn about Maps and Globes. We shared what we know and learned a little about what is coming up! We will focus on this topic for the next few weeks.
Next week we will begin Science. We will learn about the Scientific Method to introduce how Scientists approach a problem. We will discuss the water cycle and then we will make our terrariums (probably in another week or two).
We have finished learning the routines of Reader's Workshop and have started to review some key concepts. This week we talked about Narrative Elements, with a focus on finding the setting. We are learning that sometimes the setting is not obvious, and we have to really use our detective skills to find evidence of the setting. Next week we will focus on plot, and on asking questions. We are reviewing the overall idea that Reading is Thinking!
In Writing we have been working on publishing our "Hopes, Dreams and Goals". The children have done a great job with this, and have been very thoughtful in thinking about goals for the year. We can't wait to share these with you at Open House on October 1st. Mrs. Merten was very impressed with everyone's technology skills!
Yesterday, September 17, was Constitution Day. Mrs. Williams's class joined us to talk about this important day in our history.
We watched a few videos and learned about the US Constitution. You may recognize the video below!
On Wednesday this week, we celebrated our summer reading through a presentation from storyteller Len Cabral. He tells wonderful stories and shares his love of storytelling with the children. Ask your child about this experience. They should have a lot to share.
Wednesday was also picture day! Check out this class picture selfie- and a couple of selfies from some other friends !
Today Mr. Adams (Mrs. Adams's husband) came to JFK to share his knowledge of the Engineering Process. Mr. Adams talked about the importance of following steps and listening to your group before beginning a project. Students were introduced to our first engineering project, Puff Mobiles. Today we focused on brainstorming ideas independent of our group. Students will focus on cooperation, collaboration and taking a specific role in their group. They will also have the opportunity to create a wind powered vehicle. We will race these vehicles later this month.
We shared our ideas!
And of course....today was Dance Party Friday!
Our class also won the GOLDEN BROOM award, for having the cleanest classroom!
From the Teacher's Desk:
Please take a minute to complete the survey below. The information will help me to better support your child.
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