Class Update

Next, we worked to try to reconstruct each paragraph from it's parts to model how the introductory sentence builds with facts, evidence, and explanation.  Students are using what they now know to write expert essays about a chosen poet.  They will be writing about what inspired their poet and how this inspiration is evident in their writing. 

In math we began a new unit on multiplication and division. Fourth graders expand on the knowledge they developed in third grade.  To begin, we doing multiplicative comparison-- demonstrating how one set can be "n times as many" as another set.  In the pictures here you can see students modeling their comparison sentences using blocks.  We are also reviewing how multiplication and division are related.  In the coming weeks, we will delve deeper into multi-digit multiplication and division.  We are practicing multiplication facts throughout the day to make sure these are automatic.  Thank you for helping your child to practice at home.  Even a couple of minutes in the car makes a huge impact!

Building began in genius hour this week-- it was very exciting!  Our first project uses a lever, and students began problem solving how they wanted to approach it.  We discussed about how our first try will not always be perfect  and problem solved what to do if we failed the first time.  How would we react if something went wrong?  What could we do next?  How could we solve the problem?  Students are keeping "Challenge Charts" of the roadblocks they encounter and how they solve them.