We started our new class incentive chart this week, too. The kids will work toward scrabble letters and when they complete a phrase, they earn that reward (ex: hat day or extra recess). And next week we will start Homeworkopoly. Kids who complete their homework and bring their charged iPad and assignment notebook every day get to play on Fridays. It'll be a fun way to reward hard work and organization.
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Reading: We are still reading Shiloh and nearing the climax. The kids read in partners this week and did a great job working on fluency, expression, and supporting one another's good habits. The reactions that the kids had at the end of the chapter 8 cliffhanger were priceless- yelping, gasping, screaming... and tons of chatter. Just what I hoped for! During workshop we've been learning how to jot our thinking as we read. Prior to this we learned about what type of thinking readers do when they read, and now we're learning how to express it. This will develop into rich conversations about reading. In small group, we've been working on summarizing using the "Someone... wanted... but... so... then..." outline. Ask your readers what happened at the end of Chpt 8 in Shiloh. Ask them about our #hashtag reactions. Writing: We are typing our narrative drafts! Next we will revise. The kids will receive feedback from me, their writing partners, and I'll ask them to bring their work home to you, too. With guidance from me, you'll give them specific feedback about what you liked and want to see more of in their pieces. Stay tuned! Ask your kids how they ended their narratives
4th Grade Math: We are almost done with Module 2 already, Metric Measurement. We will do our last lesson on Monday, review on Tuesday, and test on Wednesday. Ask your kids the difference between mass, length, and capacity.
Social Studies: We will wrap up our mapping mini-unit next week and move on to government. Talk to your kids about the type of government we have, and the role we play in our democracy.
Science: We've moved on from learning about physical weathering to learning about chemical weathering. We simulated acid rain with vinegar. On Tuesday we'll see the results of the second part of our experiment. Ask your kids what happened to the limestone when it mixed with vinegar (it bubbled- a LOT- this lets us know a chemical reaction occurred).
Miscellaneous: Halloween is on Tuesday! Our parade is at 12:30 and our classroom party will follow. I'll email the individuals who have signed up to bring refreshments. Thank you!
