Reading: We enjoyed the next few chapters of Shiloh this week. Our focus thus far has been on character development and the main events of the story. We talked a lot about which events count as "plot points" that move the story along, versus those that tell us about the characters or are written to keep the story interesting. We've also worked on finding evidence in the text to support our descriptions of the characters. Beyond the structure of the story, we as readers are grappling with the fact that the main character, Marty, is "sort of" lying by hiding Shiloh. He hasn't directly lied, but hasn't told anyone about it yet, either. The kids are really into the story - ask them about how Marty has hidden Shiloh and what his plans are for the future.
Writing: We did several fun exercises to build fluency and develop ideas this week, including writing from a word and making observations. I can start to see our kids settling into the routines; we are still in the early stages of reinforcing focused work time, helpful partner talk, and expectations for writing. I'm excited by how things are developing! Next week I'll have the students pick a topic that they'd like to work through the writing process and publish. Ask you kids what they think they might pick to publish!
4th Grade Math: This week in math we have continued our place value unit. We have used the information we learned last week (bundling numbers and moving them over in place value units) and are now comparing numbers. We have also been working on where to place commas in a number and how to read a number. This week-end you can write a number out for your student then ask them to read the number to you!
- · CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.4.NBT.A.1 Recognize that in a multi-digit whole number, a digit in one place represents ten times what it represents in the place to its right. For example, recognize that 700 ÷ 70 = 10 by applying concepts of place value and division.
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.4.NBT.A.2 Read and write multi-digit whole numbers using base-ten numerals, number names, and expanded form. Compare two multi-digit numbers based on meanings of the digits in each place, using >, =, and < symbols to record the results of comparisons.
Science: This week we started our Land and Water Unit. We had a lot of fun with our first experiment and learning about land and water. We watch a short 'rap" film on the water cycle http://www.flocabulary.com/water-cycle/ which the students loved! On Thursday we work with science groups and watch as we saw warm water become a lake or stream near our "land." Students we able to see how water evaporates and comes back to the earth. Ask them about the steps of the water cycle- especially today with this rain! With your permission they could also recreate the experiment at home by putting hot water in a bowl, covering it with plastic wrap, and putting ice cubes or an ice pack on top!
Social Studies: We have continued learning about current events. On Monday we talked about where to find current events and the "safe" places for students to look. We also looked at the newspapers to find information. Then later in the week we received their email addresses and logged onto a great news website for kids, newsela.com. Today we look at the different website that are available on our blog and read an article from http://www.timeforkids.com. We read the article together and then fill out a Current Events sheet. We will continue to look at the different types of current event sheets available to the class next week.
Miscellaneous:
- If you're looking for a fun, low-stress way to get involved, please consider volunteering at the Whittier Library! Volunteers come in for about an hour per week to help students check out, locate books, and shelve returned books. If you're interested, please contact our librarian, Laurie Conley, at lconley@op97.org or stop by the library. You will be MUCH appreciated!
- The School Improvement Team (SIT) will host New Family Night dinner on September 16th 5:30 to 7:00pm. This night will provide a great chance for families who are new to Whittier to meet some staff members, hear information about Whittier’s resources, and learn about opportunities for involvement in a school activities/organizations. A light dinner and childcare will be provided.
- Don't forget! WISE starts next Monday after school!
