Gombert Project Arrow

Week of March 9th

Last week, we began the final chapter of Call It Courage; however, we were not able to complete it. We will finish it during the upcoming week. In addition, students will continue composing written responses using the RACE writing structure. Each learner is making great strides in their writing. Finally, an assessment will be given for the novel, and students will also have additional time to work on their one-pager. I am looking forward to another wonderful week of learning. Have a great weekend!

Week of March 2nd

During the upcoming week, students will continue reading and analyzing Call It Courage by Armstrong Sperry. Students continue to be engaged throughout the reading process, and there have been many rich discussions about the content of the text. Some of these conversations have been initiated by students. Our goal will be to complete a written respoonse in connection to chapter 4. Finally, we will conclude our novel study by reading and responding to chapter 5. Any additional time we have willl be spent on working on the one-pager project.

Week of February 23rd

Students will begin the week by spending some much-needed time working on our one-pager project. They have been given the task of creating an illustration that relates to one of the following options: symbolism, characters, setting, significant events, etc. It is important that they take their time to do their best work and use the resources that have been provided in order to create a product that meets or exceeds the set expectations.

We will also continue reading Chapter 4 of Call It Courage. I am certain that the students will remain engaged by the suspenseful events that Armstrong Sperry thoughtfully integrated throughout this wonderful text. We have had some wonderful conversations about the rich language, as well as the motives behind Mafatu’s (the main character’s) choices. I can’t wait to dive back into our reading to discover what will happen next and how each student will interact with the text.

Please be aware that this will be a short week due to Teacher Institute Day, which will take place on Friday, February 28th. Also, students will have their monthly game day on Thursday, February 27th.

Week of February 16th

Students will continue reading Call It Courage while engaging in rich, thoughtful discussions about the text. This week, they will complete their RACES writing for Chapter 3 before moving on to Chapter 4. As we read, we will continue to uncover the meanings behind the figurative language in the text to deepen our understanding. We will begin the new chapter with a brief vocabulary review to strengthen comprehension and then read and discuss it together as a class.

I have been very impressed with the students’ engagement and the depth of their discussions. I am confident they will continue to enjoy exploring this complex and meaningful text.

Have a great week, and enjoy the weather!

Week of February 9th

During the upcoming week, students will continue reading Call It Courage. I’ve been so impressed with their knowledge of figurative language. We’ve also begun dabbling in the symbolism in the text. The goal is for students to identify logical reasoning to support their opinions.

We were unable to complete Chapter 3, so we will continue reading and discussing this chapter during the upcoming week. In addition, students will work on their one-pager. Thus far, they have identified adjectives that describe four different characters within the text. My hope is that your children will be able to share their work with you during Open House.

Please be aware that Open House will take place on February 10 from 5:30–7:00 p.m. I will be in attendance and am very excited to meet you for the first time. Our classroom is Room 157. I hope you have a wonderful weekend, and I’ll see you soon!

Week of February 2nd

Students have been really enjoying the novel Call It Courage by Armstrong Sperry and have been extremely engaged throughout the reading process. Please be aware that students are listening to the text being read aloud due to its complexity. This novel would be quite challenging for students to read independently, and there would be several missed opportunities for rich discussion. The use of figurative language and sensory details has been a major focus during our conversations. We have also integrated the Depth and Complexity icons to help students delve deeper and engage in higher-level thinking.

During the upcoming week, students will spend time discussing Chapter 2 and will use the RACE strategy to compose a written response focused on symbolism. We will work collaboratively to complete the restate, answer, and evidence components of this writing structure. However, students will be responsible for explaining and interpreting their evidence with a partner. Moving forward, they will be encouraged to independently complete all written responses. Our goal is to complete Chapter 3. If time permits, we will begin a one-pager. A one-pager is a single-page response where students show their understanding of a novel using key quotes, brief writing, and visuals to explain important ideas, themes, or symbols.

Finally, class will be canceled on Friday, February 6th, due to an author visit. Have a great week!

Week of January 26th

We had one day of Project Arrow last week. During that time, we focused on learning about the RACES strategy to support student writing. This week, students will be completing an additional response for Chapter 1 of Call It Courage. We will continue reading, engaging in thoughtful conversations, identifying examples of figurative language, and completing written responses that relate to the text. Our goal will be to read Chapters 2 and 3 during the upcoming week.

Week of January 19th

During the upcoming week, students will be participating in iReady testing. As a result, there will not be class on 1/20 and 1/21. The remainder of the week, students will continue reading and analyzing Call It Courage. Students were hooked after reading the first chapter of the novel. This led to students having engaging and thoughtful conversations about the text.

Students will also focus on the Depth and Complexity icons and use them to connect their ideas to the text. Writing instruction is a key part of our work. Students will learn a writing structure that helps them identify appropriate evidence and explain its meaning and importance.

To support the structure of their writing, students will learn the RACES acronym:

R – restate the idea using words from the question

A – answer the question

C – cite evidence to support your thinking

E – explain or interpret the meaning

S – sum it up

Initially, this will be a shared task, but eventually students will be responsible for completing their responses independently. If time permits, we will move on to chapter 2 of Call It Courage.

IMPORTANT-Please aware that the deadline for the Ten Book Reading Challenge has been EXTENDED. Students will have until January 26th to complete their challenge. If you have any questions, please contact me. Have a great weekend!

Week of January 12th

Last week, we began building background knowledge for Call It Courage by Armstrong Sperry. Students completed a short author study, learned about Polynesian culture, viewed a book trailer, and made thoughtful predictions about the novel.

During the upcoming week, students will participate in a Mutual Ground presentation on January 13th and 14th. As a result, Project Arrow will be canceled on those days. I look forward to seeing the students on Thursday and Friday. During this time, we will begin reading and discussing Call It Courage.

I would also like to remind you that the end date for our Ten Book Reading Challenge is approaching. Students will need to have all ten books completed by January 19th.

Finally, second‑quarter progress reports will be sent home on Friday, January 16th. Have a great week.

Week of January 5th

Happy New Year, and welcome back 4PA! I am very excited to see each learner on Monday, January 5th. We will begin our time together by sharing a few highlights from winter break and completing some New Year–themed activities.

This week, our class is beginning Call It Courage by Armstrong Sperry, the inspiring story of Mafatu, a young boy who sets out on a courageous journey of self-discovery and resilience. As we read, students will build background knowledge, explore key vocabulary, and engage in thoughtful discussions that deepen their understanding of the text and its themes. Please continue encouraging your child to stay focused on the Ten-in-Ten Book Challenge—consistent reading at home makes a meaningful difference. Have a great week!

Week of December 15th

During the upcoming week, students will be completing learning tasks related to “The Old Man and His Affectionate Son.” This will include annotation as well as a task we were not able to complete last week, Chalk Talk. The goal is for students to exhibit higher-level thinking skills and remain fully engaged during their learning time.

Please be aware that students will remain in their classrooms on Thursday due to the winter party. In addition, students will be participating in winter-related activities within their classrooms on Friday.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season. It has been an extreme pleasure to observe how your children have flourished since the beginning of the year, and I look forward to many new and exciting learning opportunities upon the students' return in January. Enjoy this time, and be safe!

Week of December 8th

Last week, we pivoted and decided to focus on a shorter text instead of beginning our novel study. Mrs. Kerner and I realized that there would be too many interruptions prior to winter break, and we want to take sufficient time to delve deep and examine the text. Therefore, we will begin Call It Courage when we return from break.

The title of the text we began last week is entitled "The Old Man and His Affectionate Son." This story is about an aging father lovingly cared for by his devoted son, whose kindness highlights the strength of their bond. Each learner was shown several images and was encouraged to use higher-level thinking to determine how they related to one another. Students also used inferential thinking and worked to synthesize throughout the lesson.

During the upcoming week, students will read the text and participate in a task entitled Chalk Talk. They will take an active role and respond to higher-level thinking questions through the use of written conversations. The goal will be for students to to learn from one another and gain a deeper understanding of the text.

They will also engage in a team debate carousel. Students will respond to the following dilemma: A society does not have enough resources to feed all of its people. There is a proposal to take all people over the age of seventy into the mountains and let them fend for themselves. I am eager to observe their responses. Have a great weekend!

Week of December 1st

I hope that each student had a relaxing Thanksgiving break. I am excited to see the students and look forward to continuing the learning process.

Week of November 17th

This week, we will review adjectives as well as the meanings of linking and action verbs. Students will explore several examples. If time permits, conjunctions will also be introduced. Each learner will study both coordinating and subordinating conjunctions. The use of interactive learning structures will continue to be integrated to support and maximize student learning. I am looking forward to continuing our grammar journey in the upcoming week.

Finally, I would like to express my gratitude to you for entrusting your child's education to me. I feel extremely fortunate to work with such wonderful and supportive parents. It is an absolute honor to teach your children. I hope everyone enjoys a relaxing and enjoyable Thanksgiving Break!

Week of November 10th

Last week, we only had three days of Project Arrow. As a result, we were unable to complete all of the learning tasks that had been planned. Please refer to last week's update to view the upcoming learning opportunities that students will be partaking in. Stay warm, and have a great week!

Week of November 3rd

During the upcoming week, students will complete their annotations for the story "Lenny's Red-Letter Day." Each learner will also undergo training to learn about the Socratic Seminar. Students will learn about the purpose of a seminar, view examples of exemplary learners engaged in a discussion, and take notes on what they see and hear as they watch the seminars. We will have many conversations about how to interact with one another and behave. Also, the students will be tasked with creating a personal goal for themselves that they will work towards achieving. Have a great week!

Week of October 27th

During the upcoming week, students will be completing background building for an upcoming story entitled "Lenny's Red-Letter Day". They will also be introduced to new vocabulary and work to learn the meanings of the words through the use of Quizlet and Blooket. We will then begin the process of annotating the text. This process will be scaffolded. We will begin working as an entire group, and eventually, students will collaborate with a partner to complete their work. Each learner will be encouraged to make inferences, search for examples of symbolism, identify various perspectives, uncover themes, and pinpoint ethical issues within the text. I am looking forward to observing some great thinking this week! Have a great week!

Week of October 20th

During the upcoming week, students will dive into our grammar unit. Before we begin, each student will complete a pre-assessment to determine their current understanding of the eight parts of speech. We will then start reading from our Grammar Town textbook and engage in in-depth discussions.

In addition to reading from the textbook, students will participate in interactive learning routines designed to reinforce their understanding. These activities will also provide opportunities for students to communicate and collaborate with their peers.

I am looking forward to an AWESOME week of learning! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Week of October 13th

During the upcoming week, students will uncover implicit themes within the poem "Birdfoot's Grampa" by Joseph Bruchac. They will also be using a forced analogy, including images, to uncover a hidden meaning within the text. A pictorial forced analogy is when someone uses a picture or visual comparison to link two things that don’t really go together — just to make a point. Students will discover how the author Joseph Bruchac used the toads in his poem as a metaphor for Native Americans being mistreated and displaced from their land.

Students will then be completing a Depth and Complexity organizer that will focus on patterns, details, big ideas and text-to-world connections. If time permits, we will begin our grammar unit. Students will be using a text entitled Grammar Town by Michael Clay Thompson during direct instruction and examination of the eight parts of speech.

PA conferences will take place on Thursday, October 16th from 4:30-8:00 p.m. and Monday, October 20th from 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. and 4:30-8:00 p.m. Please contact Mrs. Kerner and me if you would like Mrs. Kerner to attend the homeroom teacher's conference and discuss your child's current progress. Have a great week!

Week of October 6th

We took some extended time to wrap up our study of the four types of conflict. Please refer to last week's update to review how our week will begin. Once our author study is complete, students will be reading, analyzing, and annotating a poem entitled "Birdfoot's Grampa". We will focus on the point of view of the text as well as uncover implicit themes. If time permits, students will also be completing a Depth and Complexity organizer that will focus on patterns, details, big ideas, and text-to-world connections.

Week of September 29th

During the upcoming week, students will be wrapping up their learning related to the four types of conflict. They will apply their learning by reading short passages and identifying what type of conflict is present. If time permits, we will begin an author study of Joseph Bruchac. He is the author of a short poem entitled "Birdfoot's Grampa". He is also of Native American descent, and his poem includes a distinct metaphor that relates to the cultural heritage and experiences of this group of people. Students will be doing research and recording their findings about Bruchac. This author study will help students to make connections that will deepen their overall understanding of the text during the close reading process, and it will provide necessary background knowledge. Have a great week!

Week of September 22nd

During the upcoming week, students will continue to learn about the four types of conflict. In addition, we will work to make personal connections to each type of conflict in order to soldifiy understandings. Students will also be responsible for writing a parapraph citing text evidence for each text read in connection with character vs. self, character vs. character, character vs. nature, and character vs. society conflict. Have a great week!

Week of September 15th

Last week, we read the first chapter of the novel entitled Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt. We had a wonderful discussion about the text. I was especially impressed by the students' understanding of how the title was a metaphor for how the main character felt internally. During the upcoming week, we will continue our study of point of view. In addition, students will learn about character vs. self, character vs. character, character vs. nature, and character vs. society conflict. Literary texts will be used to help students apply their learning and focus on the type of conflict being examined. They will also be viewing short video clips from popular movies to enhance their knowledge. Have a great week!

Week of September 8th

During the upcoming week, each learner will complete a literature pre-assessment. The assessment will be used to determine students' knowledge of theme, change, their ability to interpret implicit ideas as well as conflict. We will then transition to learning about point of view. Students will learn about 1st Person, 2nd Person, and 3rd Person points of view. They will also discover what 3rd Person Limited and 3rd Person Omniscient points of view are and will be taught how to identify them when reading texts. Finally, we will be moving on to the next First Chapter Friday. I am confident the students will be excited about our next book. Please contact me if you have any questions. I am looking forward to an AWESOME week of learning!

Week of September 1st

Last week, students participated in team building tasks and began learning about the structure and routines of 4th grade PA. It has been such a pleasure getting to know each and every student. Students were also given a writing assessment. This will be used to help gauge their current abilites as writers. In addition, we were able to introduce our very first novel during "First Chapter Fridays". I was able to share a book entitled Ways to Make Sunshine by Renee Watson. Students were extremely engaged and many wanted to continue reading beyond the first chapter of the book. Please click HERE to view the book, watch a short trailer, and learn about the author. I will continue to expose students to different genres of books throughout the year. These books may be a great addition to your child's reading repertoire. I would encourage you to have conversations about the books that are introduced over the course of the school year.

Please be aware that students will be participating in iReady assessments during the upcoming week. Therefore, PA classes will be canceled on Tuesday and Wednesday. I am looking forward to seeing them on Thursday. We will wrap up the written assessment, complete a grammar pre-assessment, and move on to the introduction of another novel. If you haven't filled out the parent survey, please feel free to do so as soon as you can. Click HERE to be taken to the questionnaire. Finally, I would like to remind any students who have not yet turn in their supplies to bring them in as soon as possible. Enjoy the remainder of your weekend.

Week of August 25th

I am extremely excited to have a new crew of PA students, and I am confident we are going to have an awesome year! Students will begin Project Arrow on Monday, August 25th. This week, we will begin to create a community in our classroom through the use of team building activities. They will be encouraged to communicate and collaborate with one another to be successful. Students will also be given a preview of the learning opportunities that will occur during the upcoming school year.

We will begin setting the stage for independent reading within our classroom. Students will be asked to consider what good readers do. We will then practice these behaviors and build stamina for reading. In addition, students will be introduced to "First Chapter Fridays". This will be a routine that will enable students to be exposed to various genres of books. I will be sharing books throughout the year to inspire each learner to enjoy the love of reading. I am looking forward to increasing students' reading repertoires.

Please be aware that your child will be bringing home a teacher bio, student letter, and a supply list on Monday, August 25th. You can also find a digital copy of the supply list as well as the schedule on the homepage of the PA Google site. Please have your child bring in their supplies no later than Friday, August 29th. Be aware that the digital copy of the supply list can be found on the last page of the document. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Thank you.

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