I'm so proud of the hard work students are putting forth in 4W! We are working on a variety of learning targets across the curriculum, but I will highlight a few in this post. "I can use specific details from the story to describe a character in depth" ![]() Students completed reading Stone Fox at the end of last week. It was a tough end to a great story and there were some tears. We realized however, that the author must have done quite an excellent job of writing to have us all so emotionally wrapped up in the characters and events of the story. While the ending was hard to accept, this week we moved forward to look at our characters more closely. During WORKJOBS, students viewed a short screencast about character traits. This screencast will remain available on my website for students to revisit when/if needed throughout the year. Next, each student chose a character they would like to study more closely. Students identified traits for their chosen characters and then located evidence in the text to support their opinions. Finally, students organized their information into a paragraph that would later be shared on our class blog. "I can write a paragraph that includes an exciting introduction, interesting supporting details, and a strong conclusion." ![]() Students are working on developing well organized paragraphs. This week, we practiced with the information we gathered on our Stone Fox characters. While we continue to examine the author's purpose in the things we read, we discovered that we must be clear about our purpose when we are writing as well. We determined that the our purpose with our character paragraphs was to inform the reader. Students published their writing on Kidblog so they could share their work with the class. Next week, small groups will be reading, and giving feedback on these character pieces. I am thrilled with the enthusiasm students are showing for writing and for Kidblog! "I can draw inferences from a text and refer to details and examples in the text when explaining my inferences." Students worked diligently this week on a written assessment for the reading of Stone Fox. Students were asked several text-dependent questions in which they needed to return to the text to locate evidence to support their inferences and opinions. This is challenging work for fourth grade students. It requires a great deal of patience and perseverance. I am enjoying watching students improve in their stamina and ability! NOTICE AND NOTE!![]() The second of our six sign posts was introduced this week. Aha! Moments are moments in a story when suddenly a character understands something, realizes something, or finally figures something out. When we notice this in our reading, we should stop and ask ourselves, HOW MIGHT THIS CHANGE THINGS? Noticing these moments and noting them by thinking about the key question will help students read more closely and learn about the conflict and theme. "I know how to use the engineering design process." 4W students enjoyed using the engineering design process this week! We did some reading, looked at several different diagrams that showed the process, watched some short Design Squad clips, and had some great discussions about working with others and solving problems in groups. The real learning came from DOING, however! THE CHALLENGE: Build a tower that can support a tennis ball at least 18 inches off the ground while withstanding the wind from a fan. MATERIALS: paper, straws, string, tape, and popsicle sticks We did not finish completely, but it was AWESOME watching students work through the process together in their small groups. Students first worked together to brainstorm ideas. Next, students planned a design. Finally, students are now in the building, testing, and redesigning phase. What they don't know is that I'm going to change the rules next week. He, he. More opportunities for learning! Ask your child to share about this process with you! "I can create a line plot to display a data set." ![]() Unit 2 in math has been all about place value, data collection, and data landmarks. All classes will be testing at some point next week and then will move on to Unit 3 which focuses on multiplication, division, number sentences and algebra. My class worked on several projects this week involving data collection, data reporting, and large numbers. I can take a break when needed to keep myself focused. Also, I can have fun because after all, I AM A KID! Movement breaks are needed and encouraged. Sometimes we do this together as a class, and sometimes students make these choices on their own. Learners in 4W are getting very good at self regulating and noticing when the mind and body needs a quick break to recharge and refocus. Ask your child what we have determined are appropriate ways to take breaks and for how long we take them. Below is a picture I took during one of our breaks...dancing!
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