Our Week In Review

We were very busy in Fourth Grade this week.  We "traveled" to the Northern Great Plains using Google Expeditions and our VR goggles.  We discussed the land as part of our Social Studies learning of the Midwest, and students discussed the plant/animal adaptations that are evident in this region.  The students did a great job connecting their science learning to this virtual trip.  Your child should have a lot to share about this!  After our trip to the plains, we traveled to Mount Rushmore and the Gateway Arch to explore these landmarks.  This is a wonderful and authentic way to learn about these places!

In math we have been learning about measurement.  Our focus has been on converting measures in the customary system, and persevering through these problems when they feel challenging.  As a teacher, the balance is allowing the children to struggle productively with a problem, and to guide them with their thought process, while encouraging them to persevere when the problems feel challenging.  We are still working on this!  Yesterday we began to look at the metric system in math as well.

This week we began our  new interactive read aloud, The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate and the students are very excited!  We will connect our reading to our science unit about Animal Adaptations by observing various animals through animal cameras throughout the world.  Our focus will be largely on elephants and gorillas.  Check out the book trailer for this book.  It is a wonderful story, and a quick read for adults, too!  .

Throughout the year, we have discussed point of view as it connects to stories the children read.  Who tells a story really impacts the way the story is told.  We have graduated to writing from different points of view. Over the last few weeks, we read  The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka.  This is the story of the Three Pigs as told by the wolf.  If you haven't read it, here is a video.  It is a funny version of the classic. 

After reading this story, students worked in groups to rewrite a classic story from a different point of view.  They had the choice of rewriting Little Red Riding Hood from the wolf's perspective or Goldilocks and the Three Bears from the point of view of one of the bears.  The stories were funny and well written.  Ask your child to share his/her group's version, I'm sure you will enjoy it!

You may have heard that we have been preparing to take the MCAS tests next week.  We participated in a practice test, over 3 days, so that the students would know what the test would look/feel like. We will have 2 days of ELA testing next week on Tuesday and Wednesday.

This week, the students answered "What does it mean to be a good student?"  They are really embracing our class motto- Be Kinder Than Necessary!