I hope everyone was able to enjoy the sunny days over the weekend!
I can't believe that it's almost October! Here's a 4th grade update:
Morning meeting: The children have been unpacking quickly and starting the day with greetings, activities, shares, and our morning message. Children continue to share a physical object or news/stories, and are now picking classmates for a questions or comments.
Math: We finished our first unit on geometry and are about to wrap up our unit on large numbers and statistical landmarks. We now have a "number of the day" that is announced with enthusiasm by a new student every day. The children are also practicing their math skills on the website Sumdog, which I am able to tailor for each student.
Reading: Our current read aloud is The Young Man and the Sea. Besides enjoying the story, children are reviewing story elements and learning strategies to think about their books. These are applied in their partnership work. It's amazing to see all the books that are being read!
Cursive: Every day after lunch and recess, the class is practicing a new cursive letter. It's a very calming activity post recess that the children seem to enjoy.
Social Studies: We have begun to delve into Maine Studies Weekly and the children are thinking about social studies themes: geography, history, government, culture, citizenship, and economics.
Spelling: Spelling baggies went home today and each student has a list that's unique to them. These baggies are kept in reading baggies (AKA Mama Kangaroo) with the idea that they will be practiced every day. Each baggie has a "study card" that gives suggestions for practice. Quizzes will be on Friday. Any words that are incorrect will go back in the baggie for another week of practice.
Writing: Every student has written a personal narrative and I am conferencing with all students. Our next unit will be writing realistic fiction. Many students are now experimenting with Storybird, a website that inspires students' creative writing through beautiful artwork. It's been great to see the class collaborating on writing!
Reflection Circle: Closing each day by reflecting helps us end the day on a positive note. Today's question was about gratitude. Responses ranged from being able to go to a great school to baking apple bread.
Odds and Ends: Bringing red folders and reading baggies (which now also have the spelling baggie) every day is essential to our classroom running smoothly. Your signature on our weekly reading log is your way of communicating that you are aware of your child's reading. Ultimately, we want the children to be independent in these routines, but your support is greatly appreciated.
Fun Stuff: It's our apple bread baking week! Small groups of children are working together to read a recipe, measure, mix, collaborate, and have fun! These are the kind of activities that not only taste good, but build our classroom community.
Volunteers: I am still in the process of creating a volunteer schedule. If you expressed an interest on your family questionnaire, I will be in touch with you soon.
Thanks for all you do! This is an amazing class! Yours truly, Renee
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