Week Two of 4th grade was busy, busy, busy! I asked the students, “What makes you a rock star?” and they listened to a picture book about Jimi Hendricks, the amazing electric guitar player. Jimi worked hard throughout his childhood to become the best guitar player he could be. Students identified their own talent and wrote a paragraph about how they have worked to develop their skills. They have already added to their Writer's Toolbox of skills.... they practiced brainstorming a list, using a graphic organizer to group their ideas and write an entertaining lead that grabs the reader's attention.
Everyone continued to read from their self-selected book this week and we discussed finding books that are "Just Right" for their reading level. Everyone should have a book to read at home every night.
In math, we practiced moving into groups to play math games and work with partners. We reviewed place value and rounding.
On Friday, I gave every student a gift.... their Writer's Notebook! (This might not have been as exciting for them as it was for me.) They will spend the year using their Writer's Notebook to "live like a writer." We decorated the covers so that each one is as unique and special as they are. Writing will be added to the students' homework assignments this week.
Our all-school assembly on Thursday introduced "NED" who practices a growth mindset. A growth mindset helps everyone develop their skills and perseverance so they can use their brains to their top capacity. Instead of "I can't do it," a student with a growth mindset says "I can't do it YET."
Curriculum Night is on Tuesday, Sept. 19, 6:30 – 7:30. Students are welcome, but not required, to attend. I look forward to meeting everyone!
Ask a Fourth Grader…
* What did Jimi Hendricks do to become such a great guitar player?
* What makes you a rock star?
* What is a "Just Right" book?
* What does "NED" stand for?
* What is your Writer's Notebook? How is it used differently than other writing you do in school?
* How does a map key or legend help you use a map?
Everyone continued to read from their self-selected book this week and we discussed finding books that are "Just Right" for their reading level. Everyone should have a book to read at home every night.
In math, we practiced moving into groups to play math games and work with partners. We reviewed place value and rounding.
On Friday, I gave every student a gift.... their Writer's Notebook! (This might not have been as exciting for them as it was for me.) They will spend the year using their Writer's Notebook to "live like a writer." We decorated the covers so that each one is as unique and special as they are. Writing will be added to the students' homework assignments this week.
Our all-school assembly on Thursday introduced "NED" who practices a growth mindset. A growth mindset helps everyone develop their skills and perseverance so they can use their brains to their top capacity. Instead of "I can't do it," a student with a growth mindset says "I can't do it YET."
Curriculum Night is on Tuesday, Sept. 19, 6:30 – 7:30. Students are welcome, but not required, to attend. I look forward to meeting everyone!
Ask a Fourth Grader…
* What did Jimi Hendricks do to become such a great guitar player?
* What makes you a rock star?
* What is a "Just Right" book?
* What does "NED" stand for?
* What is your Writer's Notebook? How is it used differently than other writing you do in school?
* How does a map key or legend help you use a map?