Reading: Our learning targets for reading this week were 1) paraphrase (rewrite) text in your own words and 2) determine the meaning of unknown words. We used "Casey at the Bat," a 3 page narrative poem, and worked with reading partners to work through the poem stanza by stanza. Throughout the week we also listened to recordings and recorded our own voices to practice fluency, help with comprehension, and learn how to pronounce new words. The kids did a FANTASTIC job. Next week we'll continue with the poem; we'll look at setting, theme, and work on summarizing. Ask your kids whether they think Casey is a hero or not! Ask them to read the poem to you.
Writing: Thanks for your awesome feedback on your students' short writing pieces! We've worked on them all week: first the kids used a graphic organizer to summarize their short stories. Then they wrote their rough drafts, revised with a peer, and finally, met with you! I'm so pleased with the way they are applying our learning goals to their work. I can see them making an effort to use specific words and description. The graphic organizer helped them sequence their events. We will finish these "short and sweets" next week! Ask your kids about their strengths as a writer. What are they good at? Ask them about what they hope to improve as the year moves on.
Greek & Latin Roots: This next set of 5 lessons (five weeks) will focus on Latin bases. Our first base is "audi" or "audit," meaning to hear or listen. This week we set a new pattern in which we will work together in class more and less at home for homework. The kids' first assessment wasn't as strong as I'd have liked to see, so we are going to try some supplemental activities to practice and use the words beyond what the curriculum provides. I'm looking forward to seeing their growth.
4th Grade Math: We continued working on long division this week in math. We reviewed how to do the long division model and continued using it with three digit division. We also reviewed composite and prime numbers, factors, and multiples. Students made an explain everything slide showing how to complete a long division problem too! Ask your student to show you their Explain Everything slide and see if they can tell you the difference between a factor and a multiple.
Standard: 4.NBT.6 Find whole-number quotients and remainders with up to four-digit dividends and one-digit divisors, using strategies based on place value, the properties of operations, and/or the relationship between multiplication and division. Illustrate and explain the calculation by using equations, rectangular arrays, and/or area models.
Science: Upon seeing the kids' finished presentations, we noticed that a portion of the kids in class didn't meet the requirements of the visual presentation. Though we outlined the requirements at the beginning of the project, reviewed them throughout, showed them student samples, and went through the rubric, there were still some who "missed the boat" on adding a significant element to their presentations: text! We gave them an extra day to revise if they chose; many did and we are so pleased with their self-correction! We started presentations this week and the kids are doing a fantastic job presenting their findings in a clear, confident way. Ask your kids to share their presentation with you!
Social Studies: This week we used many of our Social Studies classes to work on our science bibliography. We did read chapter 2 lesson 1 about Regions! We will be learning background information in Chapter 2 about regions and then will begin reading about specific regions.
Miscellaneous:
- We are looking to bringing Girls on The Run- Chicago to Whittier this spring for 3rd - 5th grade Girls. Girls on the Run-Chicago is a non-profit organization that inspires girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running. The program combines training for a 5K (3.1 mile) running event with lesson plans designed to promote positive choices and an active lifestyle. The program at would meet 2 days after school per week starting in February and would run for 10 weeks with a 5 K race in May. The team would likely run inside if it is cold outside and outdoors when the weather is nice. If you would like additional information check out www.gotrchicago.com. The team needs to have at minimum of 8-10 girls to be considered. If you think your daughter would be interested or you would like to be an assistant coach please reach out to me by 12/7. kristenalfonsi@gmail.com
- A huge thank you to our magnificent PTO for providing us with a stipend to put toward our classroom. Over the course of the first trimester, we have been able to purchase reading notebooks, poetry books, math teaching tools, and several supplies for teambuilding/ STAND activities. We are grateful for all that the PTO does for us, and especially for the generous financial gift!
