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My name is Aurora Kennedy and I am the 4th Grade Teacher, 3rd Grade Science Teacher, and Elementary STREAM Coordinator. I have been teaching for 9 years and I have been at BSS since 2019. My daughter, Mia, is currently in the Preschool program at BSS!
Fourth Grade at Blessed Sacrament is all about preparing for the big jump to Middle School. Students begin thinking, working, and learning in leadership roles both within the classroom and with the wider school community! This is also when they start to view themselves as the "big kids" in the building - after years of looking up to and working with role models in the upper grades, they finally have the chance to step up and be the example for others.
My favorite STREAM project my students create is...
It's Time for...A Lemonade War!
It's Time for...A Lemonade War!
Our year kicks off with a big, collaborative project based off of the novel The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies. Students are divided into five groups, each assigned a different day of one week in September/October to sell lemonade during afternoon dismissal. All proceeds from our Lemonade War go directly to the Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, which funds and supports research for pediatric cancer!
Using the marketing strategies from the novel, students work together to outline a Marketing Plan. They are required to set the price for their lemonade, snacks, and other items for sale. In addition, this plan includes their ideas for posters, flyers, and other marketing materials, as well as a budget plan. Groups are given a budget of $10 to spend at Walmart for any supplies they think they would like to utilize to either additionally sell at their stands, or to use as more marketing materials. The possibilities are endless!
Students have two-three weeks of planning and preparation time working with their groups for 3-4 work periods per week, which vary in length from 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on scheduling and space constraints. Their final work period is always an entire morning long of planning out, building, and prepping the materials they will need to set up and sell!
During the Lemonade War Week, each group of students works together on their assigned day to sell to families waiting in our dismissal line. Families love supporting the students and a great cause at the same time! After selling has concluded each day, the group tallies up their total profits for the day.
The following week, all groups begin the reflection portion of the project. They are tasked with creating a presentation on their group's marketing plan, pricing, strategies, as well as the effectiveness of their plan. Their presentation includes a cost & profit analysis and individual statements from each group member on what they felt were the most effective and least effective parts of their plan, and how they would improve their plan if they were to complete this project again. These reflections are kept for the following year's class to review prior to beginning the project. In addition, each group member completes a self-evaluation on their effectiveness as a group member and an evaluation for their group on how well they worked together and why. The groups present to each other, then at least one other class in the school!
Accomplishments
Accomplishments
In the Fall of 2021, Blessed Sacrament School 4th Graders had a goal of raising $300 to help fund research for childhood cancers. Through the dedicated work of our students and the generosity of our community, we raised $1,891, helping to fund over 30 hours of cancer research through The Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation!
Diocese of Raleigh Standards Covered
Diocese of Raleigh Standards Covered
Math Standards
4.NBT.1.1 Explain that in a multi-digit whole number and a decimal number, a digit in the one’s place represents 10 times as much as it represents in the place to its right, up to the hundredth thousands and to the hundredths.
4.NBT.1.2 Read and write multi-digit whole numbers up to and including 100,000 using numerals, word and expanded form.
4.NBT.2.1 Fluently add and subtract multi-digit whole numbers up to and including 100,000 using the standard algorithm with place value understanding.
4.MD.3.1 Represent and interpret data using whole numbers.
Reading, Writing, and Speaking & Listening Standards
RF.4.2 Create readable documents through legible handwriting (cursive). Students create documents in cursive that are easy for others to read.
W.4.4 With some guidance and support from adults, use digital tools and resources to produce and publish writing as well as to interact and collaborate with others; demonstrate sufficient command of word processing skills using the 6 + 1 Traits of Writing.
SL.4.1 Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one on-one, in groups, and teacher led) with diverse partners on grade 4 topics and texts, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly.
SL.4.4 Report on a topic or text, tell a story, or recount an experience in an organized manner, using appropriate facts and relevant, descriptive details to support main ideas or themes; adjust speech as appropriate to formal and informal discourse.
L.4.1 Demonstrate command of the standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
L.4.2 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.
L.4.3 Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening. a. Choose words and phrases to convey ideas precisely. b. Choose punctuation for effect. c. Differentiate between contexts that call for formal English and situations where informal discourse is appropriate.
Religion Standards
Essential Concept 5.3: Catholic Social Teaching
Students will:
5.3.i Understand that one is responsible for caring for others
5.3.j Give examples of people who suffer
5.3.k Participate in parish/school collections of food, clothing, toys, etc.
5.3.l Participate in Catholic charitable outreach
Information and Technology Standards
4.SE.1: Understand issues related to the safe, ethical and responsible use of information and technology resources.
Students will:
•4.SE.1.1 Understand the guidelines for responsible use of technology hardware. (NETS.S.5.a)
•4.SE.1.2 Understand ethical behavior (copyright, not plagiarizing, netiquette) when using resources. (NETS.S.5.a)
•4.SE.1.3 Understand internet safety precautions. (NETS.S.5.a)
4.TT.1: Use technology tools and skills to reinforce classroom concepts and activities.
Students will:
•4.TT.1.1 Use a variety of technology tools to gather data and information. (NETS.S.6.b)
•4.TT.1.2 Use a variety of technology tools to organize data and information. (NETS.S.6.b)
•4.TT.1.3 Use technology tools to present data and information. (NETS.S.2.b)
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