This was a week of new beginnings! We began an author study of Andrew Clements. Students were able to select a title that they were interested in reading and we now have four different Literature Circle groups reading and meeting. I continued to be impressed with the students conversation skills and insightful comments about the events and characters in the book they are reading. Their written responses to reading are becoming second nature as they look for evidence to support their answers.
We also began to investigate the inventing process in preparation for the Invention Convention on April 29th. A general letter was sent home on Monday and I will send more detailed updates as we move through this project. This week, students used their creativity and brainstorming skills to think of innovative uses for everyday items. We discussed looking at the world with “inventor’s eyes.” looking for problems that need to be solved with a new invention.
Do you (or someone you know) work in a field that requires innovation and inventing skills? It is always powerful for students to hear about careers that are connected to the inventing process. Let me know if you (or someone you know!) would be interested in speaking to our 4th graders!
We replied to our new blogging buddies and used the clues they sent us to guess that they live in Raleigh, North Carolina! Next week, students will write about the book they are reading independently. Could they be reading similar books?
There will be a Unit 7 test about fractions on Friday. We have been practicing comparing and ordering fractions, as well as finding equivalent fractions. Next week, students will learn how to convert fractions into decimals to help them compare.
I sent home a copy of last week’s MCAS Long Composition practice. This is a good indicator of your child’s independent writing skills. As I wrote last week, each student put forth their best effort and I am proud of each of them. I told them today, “No one stayed in the tent! Everyone knew the best story was outside the tent and went out there to find it!” I will use the “Skills to Practice” list to create small groups to practice focused writing skills over the next few weeks.
Ask a Fourth Grader
* What is the difference between an invention and an innovation?
* What Andrew Clements books are you reading? How did it begin?
* Name three fractions equivalent to 4/5.
* Who did you blog with this week?
We also began to investigate the inventing process in preparation for the Invention Convention on April 29th. A general letter was sent home on Monday and I will send more detailed updates as we move through this project. This week, students used their creativity and brainstorming skills to think of innovative uses for everyday items. We discussed looking at the world with “inventor’s eyes.” looking for problems that need to be solved with a new invention.
Do you (or someone you know) work in a field that requires innovation and inventing skills? It is always powerful for students to hear about careers that are connected to the inventing process. Let me know if you (or someone you know!) would be interested in speaking to our 4th graders!
We replied to our new blogging buddies and used the clues they sent us to guess that they live in Raleigh, North Carolina! Next week, students will write about the book they are reading independently. Could they be reading similar books?
There will be a Unit 7 test about fractions on Friday. We have been practicing comparing and ordering fractions, as well as finding equivalent fractions. Next week, students will learn how to convert fractions into decimals to help them compare.
I sent home a copy of last week’s MCAS Long Composition practice. This is a good indicator of your child’s independent writing skills. As I wrote last week, each student put forth their best effort and I am proud of each of them. I told them today, “No one stayed in the tent! Everyone knew the best story was outside the tent and went out there to find it!” I will use the “Skills to Practice” list to create small groups to practice focused writing skills over the next few weeks.
Ask a Fourth Grader
* What is the difference between an invention and an innovation?
* What Andrew Clements books are you reading? How did it begin?
* Name three fractions equivalent to 4/5.
* Who did you blog with this week?