Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Lego WeDos in the STEAM Lab


Please refer to February's post for an explanation of the Lego WeDo performance task. 










Saturday, February 3, 2018

Fourth Grade in February

February
What's Happening In Our Classroom!


Reading
Students are continuing to learn and apply the comprehension strategy of determining importance during reading workshop. The students will be reading a variety of passages and texts and determining the difference between interesting and important information. As always, I will begin by modeling, and then the kids will eventually apply the strategy on their own.  When applying their strategies independently, they will be doing so using fiction and nonfiction texts that are appropriate for their reading level.


Writing
We have started the genre of informational writing.  The students are learning how to craft an informational piece.  The reading comprehension strategies of inferring and determining importance will be applied as the kids research their topic and read carefully to determine which information is most essential.


During the mini-lesson portion of writing workshop, I model the note taking process for the kids using texts from Reading Workshop.  Mini lessons will focus on note taking (paraphrasing and quoting information), citing research, and using text features to elevate the complexity of writing.  This unit will be about two months long.  During this time the kids will write several informational pieces and learn how to write with a teaching tone.  They will become experts on their topic along the way.

Math
In February, we will finish our math unit on measurement and shapes.  Our next unit is Fraction Cards and Decimal Grids. In this unit, students will learn parts of rectangles, comparing fractions and decimals, adding and subtracting fractions and decimals, and computation with rational numbers. Learning will be differentiated through small group instruction as well as extension activities that will challenge all students.


Useful Links:














Young AmeriTowne
Students are learning about the Free Enterprise and Economics.  Over the next few weeks we will be discussing choices and decisions, supply and demand, banking, checking accounts, how government works, how to write a deposit slip/check, how to fill out a job application, and how to interview.  These are just some of the concepts we will explore.  The fourth grade will be attending Young AmeriTowne on Friday, March 9, 2017.


Technology
Next week in our technology rotation, students will be going to the STEAM Lab to work with Lego-WeDos.  Our focus will be on building and programming Legos, collaborating creatively with others, and having the openness and courage to explore an open-ended task.  Students will also look at how designing and refining their ideas will lead to success with Legos.


February is Kindness Month!  
  • We will be working on developing and strengthening our classroom community.  
  • Secret Pal Valentine Breakfast - February 14th
March  
  • Colorado Connection Concert in Music - March 8th (9:45-10:15)
  • Young AmeriTowne Field Trip - March 9th
  • Spring Break - March 19th-23rd
  • CMAS Testing Schedule (see below) - March 28th-April 11th


Gold Rush CMAS Schedule 2018
March

26th
27th
28th
29th
30th
3rd  Grade





9:00-10:30
Russell
conflict?


English Language Arts (ELA) Unit 1
English Language Arts (ELA) Unit 2
English Language Arts (ELA) Unit 3
5th Grade
10:15 - 12:00


English Language Arts (ELA) Unit 1
English Language Arts (ELA) Unit 2
English Language Arts (ELA) Unit 3
4th Grade





1:30-3:00


English Language Arts (ELA) Unit 1
English Language Arts (ELA) Unit 2
English Language Arts (ELA) Unit 3
April

2nd
3rd
4th
5th
6th
3rd Grade
9:00-10:30
Math Unit 1
Math Unit 2
Math Unit 3








5th Grade
10:45 - 12:15
Math Unit 1
Math Unit 2
Math Unit 3


April

9th
10th
11th
12th
13th
5th  Grade





10:00-11:45
Science Unit 1
Science Unit 2
Science Unit 3


4th Grade





1:30-3:00
Math Unit 1
Math Unit 2
Math Unit 3


ELA  3 Units @ 90 min
Math 3 Units @ 65 min
Science 3 Units @ 80 min