In writing we are in the process of choosing our realistic fiction story idea. Students may choose to use a true story from their writer's notebook as inspiration or they may think of an issue or topic they care deeply about to plan their stories. During this unit students will learn to use a story arc, create believable characters, develop the heart of the story, and create a closing to wrap up the story. We look forward to sharing these stories when they are complete,
Students were excited to meet with their reading groups last week and begin getting to know the characters in their new stories. Groups are meeting 2-3 times a week to discuss the shared reading and discuss the text. Reading these fiction stories will also serve as mentor texts for our current writing pieces.
We will be wrapping up our first math unit on Multiplicative Thinking this week. The conceptual knowledge we have built will support our work in Unit 2: Multidigit Multiplication and Early Division. I strongly recommend student practice their math facts to build fluency. This means that they can efficiently solve one digit problems without hesitation. Regular practice through games is a great way to build student confidence and fluency. I recommend the old-fashioned game of War. Players flip two cards and say the equation (i.e. "4 times 3 equals 12") The player with the greater product wins the round and keeps those cards. The player with the most cards in the end is the winner!
I am disappointed that our outdoor field trip to Shelburne Farms had to be canceled. We are hoping that it will be rescheduled for the Spring as it is a great program that enhances our study of geology. For now we will continue our study in the classroom. Check out students experimenting with weathering, and other recent fun events.
Table 2 doing the "sugar shake".
Mrs. Locke as a Mystery Reader
Ms. Leister reading our 9th Red Clover Book
4th Grade October Be a Star Celebration
Congratulations to Cole and Isabel!
Our class celebrating "Be a Star" with a PJ day!
