Our classroom was literally buzzing this week! We had a full plate of goals to accomplish and everyone embraced each activity with enthusiasm and interest in learning. It is a joy to spend the day with 21 kids who are always ready with smiles on their faces and pencils in their hands. What more could a teacher ask for?
So what, exactly, were we doing all week?
We practiced note-taking and looking for details to support a main idea. We read an amazing non-fiction story about harp seals and I gave the students three distinct main ideas from the story. While they read, they looked for details to support each main idea. At the end of the week, they used these notes to write three organized paragraphs about harp seals.
We began our reading skills groups this week. These flexible groups will meet every Monday- Wednesday to reinforce targeted literacy skills. This week we practiced summarizing using the Fab 5 (Who? Wants what? But, So, Then,) and looked at common and proper nouns.
Our Battle of the Books teams met for the first time! This reading incentive program culminates in a competition between teams in our classroom, in our grade, and then against the 5th grade! The "Battles" will be held at the end of April, so teams have time to collectively read 12 titles. Each student is asked to read at least two books from the list. They must complete a story map for each book they read that will help them prepare for the Battles.
Our Wisconsin Fast Plants are having a growth spurt! We have some flowers opening, so it's time for many students to pollinate. Everyone made "bee sticks" and moved them around the flowers to copy the actions of bees when they are looking for nectar. It was amazing to actually see the pollen on the bees' bodies and legs!
Weekend homework! In social studies, the 4th grade will begin a new unit on Immigration. What country did your ancestors come from? We are asking every student to share the names of the countries of their ancestors next week. Students should come prepared to share on Monday.
F.Y.I. The Island Project for social studies will be due on October 24th. Details will go home next week, but each student will need white Model Magic and a piece of cardboard or foam core.... in case you have time to gather those materials this weekend.
The HEF Spelling Bee is being held at the middle school on Sunday, November 23rd. You can register at http://hinghameducation.org This a great event! Let me know if anyone needs help forming a team.
Ask your 4th grader...
So what, exactly, were we doing all week?
We practiced note-taking and looking for details to support a main idea. We read an amazing non-fiction story about harp seals and I gave the students three distinct main ideas from the story. While they read, they looked for details to support each main idea. At the end of the week, they used these notes to write three organized paragraphs about harp seals.
We began our reading skills groups this week. These flexible groups will meet every Monday- Wednesday to reinforce targeted literacy skills. This week we practiced summarizing using the Fab 5 (Who? Wants what? But, So, Then,) and looked at common and proper nouns.
Our Battle of the Books teams met for the first time! This reading incentive program culminates in a competition between teams in our classroom, in our grade, and then against the 5th grade! The "Battles" will be held at the end of April, so teams have time to collectively read 12 titles. Each student is asked to read at least two books from the list. They must complete a story map for each book they read that will help them prepare for the Battles.
Our Wisconsin Fast Plants are having a growth spurt! We have some flowers opening, so it's time for many students to pollinate. Everyone made "bee sticks" and moved them around the flowers to copy the actions of bees when they are looking for nectar. It was amazing to actually see the pollen on the bees' bodies and legs!
Weekend homework! In social studies, the 4th grade will begin a new unit on Immigration. What country did your ancestors come from? We are asking every student to share the names of the countries of their ancestors next week. Students should come prepared to share on Monday.
F.Y.I. The Island Project for social studies will be due on October 24th. Details will go home next week, but each student will need white Model Magic and a piece of cardboard or foam core.... in case you have time to gather those materials this weekend.
The HEF Spelling Bee is being held at the middle school on Sunday, November 23rd. You can register at http://hinghameducation.org This a great event! Let me know if anyone needs help forming a team.
Ask your 4th grader...
- What is your team name for Battle of the Books? Who's on your team?
- What is a "bee stick?"
- What did you learn about harp seals?