Monday, October 1, 2018

October News

Math

The start of Fall Break will mark the completion our study of arrays, factors, and multiplicative comparisons in Unit 1.  When we return, we will begin our second unit pertaining to data and measurement. Our investigation of measurement will commence by gathering data on the height of fourth graders and first graders.  The students will then learn how to represent and compare the data they collected using bar graphs and line plots. They will determine range, mode, outliers, and whether the data is concentrated in one area or spread out.  Additionally, they will learn how to draw conclusions based on the data collected. They will then have the opportunity to create their own survey question, survey their classmates, organize, represent, and analyze their data.
You can support your child at home by continuing to practice multiplication math facts so he/she knows them “in a snap!” You also have access to Pearson Realize, as I mentioned in an earlier email.  Your child’s username and password is in his/her HW planner. On this site you can access video tutorials, games related to our content, and the math workbook.

Science
Students are currently researching their chosen endangered animal, how human behavior impacts their animal’s ecosystems, their animal’s place in the food chain,  and the impact on the ecosystem if the animal were to go extinct. Students are expected to include a call to action in their final product in order to encourage others to save their species.  The end product will be a brochure that the kids create and share with one another.

Reading
This month in Reading Workshop we will continue to think deeply about our reading, determine if we are truly reading “just right books” at our level that will help us grow as readers, and analyze our characters’ traits while providing evidence from the text as support. These are reading strategies we focused on in September, and we will continue to do so in October.  We will build upon these strategies by studying the theme of our class read aloud and independent books. Additionally, we will study how our characters change throughout the story, as well as provide specific evidence from the text that explains the reasons behind this change. Furthermore, the kids are working hard on writing reading responses that provide a detailed description of their character; traits, behaviors, motivations, obstacles, struggles.   
As always, I could really use your support at home….please encourage your child to read.  Volume matters!! As you discuss your child’s book with him or her, ask what kind of person the main character is and how he/she can prove that.  This will support what we are doing in class and give your kiddo a chance to show off his/her skills!
                                                                              
Writing                                                                                                                                         
During Writer's Workshop the students will continue drafting and eventually finish their narrative.  The lessons modeled will include how to write a reflective ending, editing/revising, using dialogue, and incorporating figurative language and sensory imagery. As always, I meet and conference with the kids to help them incorporate modeled techniques into their own piece.   
Buddy Time
We have been meeting weekly with our second grade buddies in Mrs. Graham’s Class.  The kids are forming a great bond as they enjoy a good book with one another. Recently, they utilized storylineonline.net and listened to some wonderful texts together.

Technolgoy Co-Teaching with Mrs. Fleet
4th Graders used Seesaw to communicate their understanding of numerical patterns. Students created posters that had factor pairs listed and built as an array for a given number. To communicate their understanding, students reflected on the strategies they used to determine each factor pair and explained how they would know when all factor pairs had been found. After recording their videos, students listened to other videos and created a list of qualities for great videos. They then reflected on their use of Seesaw as a way to communicate the critical thinking they used to find factor pairs. 

Upcoming Dates
October 19th: Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Field Trip
October 8th-12th: Fall Break
October 31st: Halloween (more information to come)

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