Dear 4th Graders and 4th-Grade Parents,
Wow it’s November already! And we have the December calendar up on the wall too! Time is flying, but we’re getting plenty accomplished. We’ve certainly had an eventful week and a half… Here’s the recap:
INQUIRY: SCIENCE
- Our 4th graders are now well on their way to becoming scientists! In preparation for upcoming experiments, we studied and dissected the Scientific Method. We watched short video clips that illustrated the steps in the process (1. Ask a question or make an observation, 2. Formulate a hypothesis, 3. Design and conduct and experiment, 4. Analyze results, and 5. Draw conclusions). We brainstormed how we would design “fair” experiments that would lead to valid results, which we can count on. We made both observations and inferences and differentiated between the two. Most difficult of all, we practiced using some challenging scientific vocabulary/concepts, like hypothesis, constant, manipulated variable, and responding variable. Though our brains hurt a little with the effort, they came out of it stronger. We could tell because we flexed these new brain muscles while watching MythBusters Young Scientists Challenge. Students were able to identify the parts of the Scientific Method in the MythBusters’ methods. We also got to “meet” the winner of the Discovery Education Young Scientists Challenge-- he was only 11… So this years’ 4th graders are only one year away from being able to enter themselves! Good thing we’re exercising our scientific brain cells now!
- On Wednesday the 4th, we dissected a lima bean to see what we could discover. Once we understood the parts of the lima bean seed, we were ready to start our first major experiment- germinators! We followed the example found in this excellent Zoom video clip. Some students chose to put their seeds in the closet, while others chose the window. We wondered, would the placement make a difference? We’ve since been monitoring the results by making observations about every other day. Many students also brought lima beans home to start germinators there. Some students are even trying out different types of beans to see what happens-- a great idea!
- On Thursday 11/5, we went outside to plant, photograph, and experiment with Ms. Jeanette, the environmentalist who told us the “Happenings in Our Habit” story. We worked in 3 rotating groups so that everyone got a chance to do a bit of everything. In planting a rain garden, we got to be a part of creating something lasting on our school grounds that will help prevent runoff pollution. 4th Graders: Be sure to show your parents the garden you helped plant!
- We’re still chatting about watershed issues. This week Ms. Bragg shared this news story about the Chesapeake Bay that she heard yon her commute to work.
- What is your favorite step of the Scientific Method and why?
- What does “hypothesis” mean?
- What Spanish word is “manipulated” related to?
- What is the difference between a manipulated variable and responding variable? Can you give an example of each?
- What is the difference between an observation and an inference?
- What was the coolest part of the MythBusters video?
- Do you think you might want to enter the Young Scientists Challenge one day?
- What did you find out when you dissected the lima bean?
- How is a lima bean like a baby plant packed inside a lunch box?
- What’s happening with the germinators in the classroom? Why do you think that is happening?
- Explain what happened with the erosion soda bottles? What was in the bottles and why did you get different results?
- What type of plant did you plant?
INQUIRY- VA STUDIES
- Jamestown! Jamestown! Jamestown! It was fabulous! We had a terrific tour guide (Mr. Buddy) and the 4th graders did me proud by conducting themselves respectfully and by showing off their substantial knowledge. Some highlights: seeing the aracheological dig, meeting the Jamestown “witness,’ boarding the Susan Constant and going down to the ‘tween deck, sitting in a dugout canoe, hearing a musket go off, constructing a “waddle,” going inside a yi-haken, scraping leather with a clam shell, seeing historical interpreters making arrowheads and knives out of stone, and (of course!) the bus, where we got to spend lots of quality time with friends. I can’t wait to share photos of our adventures! Thanks to all the parents who came and helped out-- you were great!
- Lately, we have been researching and discussing two new elements of Jamestown: its diversity and its early democratic government. See questions below.
- What was your favorite part of the Jamestown fieldtrip?
- What did you learn that you didn’t know before?
- What were the three cultures that were represented in early Jamestown?
- What is an “indentured servant”?
- How is being a slave different from being an indentured servant?
- When did the first Africans arrive in Virginia and how were they treated?
- How did the arrival of women in Jamestown change the colony? Why did the Virginia Company want to send women?
- What is a “burgess”? Do you have one in your room?
- Who could become a burgess in 17th-century Virginia?
MATH
- All 4th graders took a pre-test on multiplication and division last week so that teachers could determine what they already know. This helps us tailor instruction appropriately. The new math unit will begin with the start of 2nd quarter (Monday the 16th). Students will find out who their Math teacher will be that same day. It’s likely that many students will have the opportunity to work with a different teacher.
- This Tuesday, the whole 4th grade took a “benchmark” multiple-choice math test. It covered all the essential 4th grade math standards that we’ve been learning this past quarter (graphs, coordinate grids, place value, comparing, ordering, rounding, adding, subtracting, estimating, etc.). This was an excellent opportunity for 4th graders to show off all the skills and concepts they’ve mastered.
- Ms. Lang spoke to us yesterday about an exciting opportunity for 4th graders to tackle some challenging math problems… It’s Math Olympiad time! Tryouts will be held on Monday. Ms. Bragg sent 4th graders an Angel-mail message with links to sample problems and more information. 4th Graders: Tell your parents what Math Olympiad is all about.
- Basic facts are so important! We’ve been having fun preparing for this next unit by playing fun basic fact games on portaportal. Many students discovered the multi-player function of these games this week. Several have even made after-school appointments to meet online and enjoy playing/practicing together. We discussed how studying with colleagues is often more fun and more effective than studying alone. This works for VA Studies/Science flashcards too! Parents: Please help your 4th graders by joining in on the fun and giving them time and space to practice basic facts. Unfortunately, many 4th graders have the procedures and the logical thinking skills down pat, but they are slowed down in their computations by gaps in basic facts knowledge. Working on this area will truly help them succeed.
- How did the benchmark test go?
- Do you think you might want to tryout for Math Olympiad?
- Can you show me the best math fact games? Can we play one together?
READING
- This Monday we began reading our first novel as a group. It combines both historical fiction and mystery. Students were surprised to find that they liked the book because the cover seemed so unappealing. This made me think about that well-worn phrase: “You can’t judge a book by its cover.” 4th Graders: What do you think? Can you? Why or why not?
- Mr. Rollins has the honor of being our first guest reader. He brought us a book that helped us to think about intellectual risk-taking. The discussion was very interesting and students shared many examples of famous risk-takers. Ms. Bragg is still looking for more guest readers-- parents can sign up any time!
- What genre(s) does this book fit in?
- Do you like it so far? Why?
- What did you think about the cover?
WRITING/WORD STUDY
- We studied how contractions are made and learned the basic word study process that we will follow for the rest of the year.
- We finished out our “Me Bags” by doing a fun writing activity. Each student kept back a “mystery item,” which they didn’t reveal or explain. These items were added to the “mystery pile.” Then students chose one item from the pile to use as a seed for a story. We wrote stories about characters who might own the chosen object and used our imaginations to speculate about what the object was for. The stories that resulted were very interesting and many made us laugh. After our “silent gallery walk,” we ended up next to our own item and had the opportunity to share a sentence or two from the story that was written about it. Then we explained what our object (stuffed animal, book, ring, glasses, etc) was really all about and what it said about us.
- Students also wrote about their Jamestown this week-- either chronicling their fieldtrip experiences or composing a piece of imaginative historical fiction.
- Will you share one of your writing pieces with me? What is your favorite part?
ANGEL MAIL
- Ms. Bragg often sends out interesting links and opportunities to 4th graders over Angel mail. Recent messages have included a book recommendation site (kidsreads.com) and two writing contests (Goosebumps Contest, Flat Stanley Contest). 4th Graders: Be sure to check your Angel-mail for messages from Ms. Bragg, so that you can take advantage of this cool stuff! And share these with your parents as well!
- Are you going to enter a writing contest? What are your ideas?
- Have you explored the book recommendation site?
GUIDANCE
- Last week we celebrated Red Ribbon Week. Ms. Seaver has been chatting with all TJ students about the reasons for staying drug free. We also stressed making healthy and helpful choices by stating how we “lend a helping hand.” Each 4th grader cut out an outline of their hand and wrote something helpful that they do for others on it. These are proudly displayed on our lockers.
- How do you lend a helping hand?
- Why are you staying tobacco-free?
JOBS, PAYROLL, AND OUR MINI-SOCIETY NAME
- We’ve held our first payday! Each employee had to initial to receive their money. Hannah R., our payroll accountant, did a beautiful job of keeping the process organized. Students discussed safe places for keeping their money because we’re going to make this as real as possible. If Ms. Bragg misplaces a one hundred dollar bill, Mr. Baxter isn’t going to give her another one. Similarly, TJ bucks that are lost will not be replaced. So we’ll need to manage our money well!
- I can also announce our class mini-society name: “The Flaming Pigeons.” Yes, it is unusual… But we’re keeping it happy, fun, and inspirational-- “Flaming” as in we’re “on fire” with success and knowledge... We’re on a “hot streak.” Students are currently working on flag designs, which are due Monday. So far, entries have reminded Ms. Bragg of a rising phoenix-- definitely inspirational!
- How much do you get paid and how often?
- What are your job responsibilities?
- Are you designing a flag? What is your concept?
AGENDAS, READING LOGS, AND HOMEWORK IN GENERAL
- Let’s make sure that we’re actually using our agendas. 4th Graders: When you set down to do your homework, treat your agenda as a to-do list. As you finish each item, check it off. You’re not done, until you’ve checked everything off. Before putting your agenda away, check your calendar and see if you have anything special to look forward to the next or in the coming week.
- 4th Graders: If you forget/misplace your agenda or reading log, use a piece of scratch paper for the day. Everyone makes mistakes, but that shouldn’t prevent us from being responsible!
Announcement: We welcomed a new student into our classroom this week-- Skyler Gomez. She’s been with us two days and is already fitting in well.
Have a fantastic weekend!
-Ms. Bragg
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