Let's pause and applaud...

It is time we take a moment to celebrate achievement and share some of the really cool things our students are doing.

Math

We just wrapped up a unit that focused on data and measurement.  I'd like to share some of the work our students did to work toward proficiency in the following standard:

Make a line plot to display a data set of measurements in fractions of a unit (1/2, 1/4, 1/8). Solve problems involving addition and subtraction of fractions by using information presented in line plots.

Our work began with the fourth graders measuring one another's heights and recording the data to the nearest 1/2 inch.  They worked in cooperative groups to collect and represent the data.  They analyzed the data using their knowledge of range, median, and outliers. Next, the students measured the heights of first graders from Mrs. Barrows' class.  Again, they worked in teams to collect and represent the data.  They needed to create one representation that would allow their audience to draw conclusions about the two groups and how their heights compared. Our next lessons had the students measuring crayons of varying lengths and recording those lengths to the nearest 1/4 inch.  The students worked together to add the lengths of crayons and find the difference between the longest and shortest crayons in their collections.  Our final performance task asked that students measure ten plastic bugs to the nearest eighth of an inch, accurately record the data in a table, prepare a line plot representation of the data, and then use that data to solve problems involving the addition and subtraction of fractions with like and unlike denominators.  I don't know about you but this certainly wasn't the math I was doing in the fourth grade.  While our work with this standard is not finished, the students are well on their way to proficiency.  I hope you enjoy the photos from our crayon and bug lessons!

English Language Arts

The Daily Cafe is up and running in our classroom.  What is the Daily Cafe?  Visit my S'more flier to learn more about the Daily Cafe.  In short, it is a structure that affords the students time to practice their reading skills and strategies with independence so that I can deliver individualized instruction to all students.  Students spend time reading to self, reading to someone, listening to reading, working with words and working on writing.  Our Wonders Reading Program is our core curriculum and is a great resource for mini lessons and reading materials that offer rigor, variety, and interest.  Students can read texts of their own choice and at their own reading levels during the Daily Cafe.  Wondering what it looks like in the classroom...check out our photos!

Social Studies

Here are those commercials I promised!  These should give you a small taste of what the students have been working on.  I've also attached the scoring rubric so that you can see the project criteria too!

Find the project rubric HERE.

Thank YOU

A giant thank you to you for supporting our classwork in your homes.  My students come to school with amazing background knowledge.  This is because them come from such caring families.  The conversations you have, the books you read together and all the neat things you do with your children enrich learning.  Thank you!

I am proud to say that I conferenced with all of my students families.  I love that we set aside time to meet and discuss student progress, review work samples in the student portfolio and set goals together.  I am so blessed to teach in a community where the parents care so deeply about education.  THANK YOU!

Remember, the student portfolios will always come home at report card time.  Please review the student portfolio with your child.  You'll be amazed at the growth you'll see.

Teaching your children is a joy and a pleasure. Please contact me at once with any questions you may have as we continue to move through the year.   

Happy Thanksgiving!
​Marie