4th Grade
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Novmeber 3rd, 2023

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4th Grade News

Dear parents,

We ask for your help to support our mathematicians to develop a positive mathematical identity. We encourage them to always think about the infinitive opportunities they have on a daily basis to learn and grow as thinkers. Here’s an article we find helpful from our Bridges Program that might help you understand the power of using Language Intentionally.

Happy Reading!

Using Language Intentionally

It is important for teachers to support families in developing students' positive mathematics identities. For example, families can help their students change negative inner voices by harnessing the power of the word yet. When a child says, “I can’t do this,” re-voice the language to say, “You are ready to learn something new!” or “You can’t do this yet. I’m here when you are willing to try again!”

The language we use with children is critical in fostering a growth mindset, so they see themselves as doers of mathematics. Families have more—and earlier—opportunities to foster a growth mindset by modeling language intentionally. As teachers, we can build families’ capacity to use language that reinforces student agency and helps children develop a positive mathematical identity.

When we praise effort or behavior, we’re helping a child take pride in something they can control. The next time they aren’t successful, they’re more likely to work to overcome the obstacle rather than decide they just can’t do it. Share this graphic depicting common phrases adults use that can interfere with developing a growth mindset with families to help them shift toward language that supports a growth mindset.

Minor changes in the language we use can be compelling. These changes, though subtle, help students see themselves as mathematicians. There is power in our words.

Weekly Learning Goals & Tasks

English Literacy

Learning Goal

Launching a Whole-Class Research Project

What readers & writers are doing at school...

This week our researchers will be writing to grow Research-based Ideas by nurturing thoughtful responses to nonfiction reading and reading responsively. They will be conducting collaborative conversations and tackling complex texts through small-group work. Before getting ready to teach others, they will be using their Learning Progression to self-assess their knowledge. When Preparing for Group Presentations To Research Well

What readers & writers could be doing at home...

Session 11 Homework - Friday, November 10

Spanish Literacy

Learning Goal

Ser el capitán de su propio trabajo.

What readers & writers are doing at school...

Los escritores se convertirán en su propio capitán de trabajo, usando todo lo aprendido durante el taller de escritura para mejorar sus escritos de manera independiente. Harán una lista para verificar que cosas necesitan revisar, mejorar y terminar.

What readers & writers could be doing at home...

Leer durante 20 minutos, sin interrupciones para desarrollar la resistencia a la lectura. Registro de lectura

Mathematics

Learning Goal

Students will be able to use the geoboard to compare fractions with unlike numerators and denomenators.

What mathematicians are doing at school...

Students name fractional parts on the geoboard and describe the parts relationship to one another. Their observations are then extended into comparing fractions with unlike numerators and denominators and adding fractions with like denominators.

What readers & writers could be doing at home...

Monday, Nov 6 , 2023 Pages 53,54
Thursday, Nov.9,2023 Pages 55, 56

Science or Social Studies

Learning Goal

What tigers are doing at school..

Students will continue to research their extreme weather topic and begin to synthesize the data they are collecting in order to organize their thoughts and ideas. They will start to brainstorm actions they can take in order to make a positive change and lessen human impact on the environment.

What tigers could be doing at home...

Students can continue their research into their topic by asking family members, looking for resources they have within the home, using the suggested websites to look online.

Social Emotional Learning Program

Learning Goal

We will learn to recognize when we are experiencing strong emotions and can use strategies to get calm. We will practice stopping, thinking, and using calming strategies to “cool off,” so we can act usefully in response to situations that cause strong emotions.