Weekly Update

We had a pretty busy week in Room 21! On Tuesday, we had the wonderful news that Mrs. E. Williams had a baby boy named Benjamin! We all agreed that he was a very cute baby!!

Here's some other highlights of our week.

Math: We wrapped up the division unit early in the week and spent a couple of days reviewing before the test on Friday.

Reading: When we started our nonfiction unit this week, it was great to see how much the class remembered about nonfiction from 3rd grade! First, we talked about how important it is to make connections between what you already know and care about to the text. In addition, we've been looking at the text to identify what its structure is (cause/effect, problem/solution, etc.) which can help them understand the important information.

Social Studies: The class has some background knowledge about our new unit, Canada. A few students had traveled there and it was interesting to hear about their experiences. They also had A LOT of questions and are motivated to learn about their neighbor!

Science: We did a couple of activities this week that focused on the impact of weathering and erosion on our land. In the first activity, the students were given 3 samples of sand from different parts of the world and asked what differences they noticed. We then had discussions about why the colors and textures were different. It was interesting to hear them talk about how climate and types of rocks could be the reasons. In the second activity, in order to understand how waves can cause erosion, the students made a model of a beach being eroded by ocean waves. They even had houses on the beach and were so surprised to see how beach erosion impacted them!

Weekly Update

Wishing all of our families a Happy Thanksgiving!

Building our Turkey centerpieces!

There are so many things to be thankful for!

We were so fortunate to have the opportunity to SKYPE with researcher and scientists Mrs. Pennycook from a breeding colony at Cape Royds in Antarctica this week. As Mrs. Pennycook sat with the penguin colony she is researching, she shared with us her knowledge of penguin adaptations and what is it like to be a scientists studying penguins in Antarctica. We also, had a special meet and greet with a few of her friends!

Weekly Update

We have had a busy full week full of lots of new learning!

Math: We have started our unit on division. Students began by learning about how they can use their knowledge of multiplication to help the solve division problems. In this unit students learn how to use the Partial Quotients method to divide (also known as "low stress division"). Be sure to check out the homework help videos on our classroom blog coming next week! 

Science: Students have been exploring layers of the earth and tectonic plates. We have been studying patterns where volcanoes, earthquakes, deep ocean trenches, and plate boundaries are located to develop theories about how the earth's crust is moving.

Dancers of the Week(s)!

Weekly Update

Math: Students are using a variety of area models to multiply larger numbers. This week students explored cusianire rods and a more efficient strategy called "windows" to find the product of two multi-digit numbers. 

Reader's Workshop:
We have now begun a new interactive read aloud, Little Dog, Lost by Marion Dane Bauer a novel written in a poem structure. We will focus in on reviewing skills as well as introducing students to new elements of author's craft.

Congratulations to all students who ran for student council. You did a great job on your speeches and posters!

Dancers of the Week 

Homework Help: Multiplying 2 digit by 1 digit using the "Windows" (area model)

Math Manipulative/ Homework Help

Digital Cuisenaire Rods

Weekly Update

Reader's Workshop
We have officially completed our interactive read aloud, Mr. Popper's Penguins. Students enjoyed many penguin themed activities on Thursday's "black and white" day.




Social Studies:

4th Grade continued our "travels" to Mexico by learning about the Day of the Dead, a Mexican celebration on November 1st and 2nd. Mrs. Riviera, a JFK parent, created a special presentation for the 4th grade students. We all learned so much about this Mexican celebration and Mexican culture by listening to Mrs. Riviera share her family's traditions, touching a real sugar skull and banana leaf, and seeing a traditional Mexican alter. Thank you Mrs. Riviera!

Dancers of the Week

Weekly Update

Math: After students learning about patterns in our math minilesson, students worked on finishing their fact fluency games. They have worked on planning, designing, and creating these games over the last few weeks. Finally, students had a chance to try out another group's game, What a great way to continue to practice our math facts! 

Writer's Workshop:

The week students focused in on the planning stage of the writing process. After reviewing their journals for ideas, students developed a fictional story idea. This week students learned about planning the sequence of the story using a Story Mountain Map. Students were asked to think carefully about which event would be the top of the mountain, aka the heart of their story. Finally, students practiced using planning boxes to plan out the specific way they will write each event. We know good writers add dialogue, small action, the character's thoughts and feelings, and visual description using the 5 senses. We look forward to revising these stories next week. 

Social Studies:

In social studies we traveled to Mexico! Students are learning all about the geography, history, and climate of Mexico. We will continue our travels next week by learning about special Mexican traditions. 

 Dancers of the Week 

Weekly Update

This Tuesday students excitedly participated in their Puff Mobile race, the culminating activity for our Puff Mobile project. Students reflected on the Engineering Design Process used to build their Puff Mobile. We also reflected on the teamwork, perseverance, and collaboration it took for groups to be successful. 

Weekly Update

This week, fourth graders were treated to a presentation about the Natives of the Northeast, and about archaeology.  Students participated in an "archaeological dig" right at JFK.  Mrs. Silvia, of the Haffenreffer Museum at Brown University, brought real artifacts, and explained to the students how archaeologists find artifacts and estimate their age.  We look forward to learning more from this program throughout the year.  Thank you to the JFK PCC for funding this awesome experience!

Giving book talks is part of Reader's Workshop in 4th grade. Students practice speaking skills and help others find interesting books to read. 

Students sharing books they love!        

Dancers of the Week