Promote Symmetry!

As we move into our next math unit, the kids will be exploring symmetry with 2-D shapes.  I introduced this online geoboard today in class.  The kids were very excited to explore!  Here's the link to explore more at home:

http://www.mathplayground.com/geoboard.html

Equivalent Fraction Games

Here are two games for extra practice with equivalent fractions.  Understanding equivalent fractions is a student learning expectation (SLE) in 4th grade math, so everyone must be able to recognize and diagram these by the end of the year.  Enjoy the fun!

Equivalent Fractions with Pictures Matching (Easy)
http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/mathgames/fractions/memory_equivalent1.htm

Create Your Own Equivalent Fractions (Challenging)
http://illuminations.nctm.org/activitydetail.aspx?id=80

http://www.green-planet-solar-energy.com/equivalent-fractions.html

Space Shuttle Construction - We Need Your Help!

Our space shuttle construction is almost here!  Next week, all three fourth grade classrooms will be working on building a space shuttle simulation in conjunction with our studies of the Southwestern United States.  I am hoping families from our class are able to help one way or another.

Karaoke Machines

To help project our voices, we have used karaoke machines in the past.  If you have a karaoke machine you are willing to loan to this project, please let me know.  You are welcome to bring them in any time next week, and you will have it back at the end of the day on Friday.

Parent Volunteers

Having parent volunteers also makes this project work a lot smoother.  Our construction times, for both Monday and Tuesday, will be from 1:00-2:15.  If you are able to help, let me know.  There is no limit on the amount of volunteers we need – the more, the better!  Simply let me know if one of these afternoon times works for you.

Thanks again for everything you do to help support our class’s learning.  This is a wonderful project that the kids will remember for a long time.

April Reading Log

Today the kids received their reading logs for April.  Try to provide a chance for your child to read at least twenty minutes each day, which includes books, magazines, and online articles.  If s/he reads that day, color in the appropriate rain cloud.  For your convenience, have your child keep this in his/her red folder.  Sign it the night before April 30th, and have your child bring it in then.

Updates for the Week of April 1

Good afternoon!  We had a great first day of Iowa Assessments (formerly known as Iowa Tests of Basic Skills) today.  Thanks for having the kids ready to go!

Here’s a look at our week:

Math àThe kids will continue working with percents, specifically converting them to decimals and fractions.  Each table also started tracking their chosen baseball team to collect real-world data.

Reading àI introduced “Rube Goldberg Machines” to introduce the comprehension skill “Cause and Effect”.  We will work on this quite a bit these last several weeks of school (also, it is part of the report card).  Additionally, make sure your child works with his/her spelling words each night as s/he has in the past (5 minutes or so).

Social Studies à  The kids are continuing to learn about life in the Southwest.  Their collages from last week look awesome, and this week brings information about economies, industry, and natural features including the Hoover Dam and the Rio Grande.

Science à  Later this week, each student will have an opportunity to go on a rock collection hunt at home.  Details are attached – if you have any extra 12-egg cartons, send them this way J!  We will use these samples throughout our Earth Materials unit.

Behavior à  The kids will be focusing on giving their personal best efforts throughout the day.  This has never really been a problem, but since Iowa Assessments are this week, this topic is more relevant than ever.

Other àA big thanks goes to everyone who is bringing in snacks this week.  The kids are certainly excited about having morning snack this week!  Also, there will be a few updates on our blog this week.  For extra practice, make sure your child sees these games.  I’ll show them off at school as well.  Lastly, shuttle week is next week.  If you’re interested in helping construction on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday from 1:00-2:15, send me a note!

 

Summary

1. Percents, Decimals, Fractions
2. Cause and Effect
3. Southwest Economy
4. Rock Collection
5. Personal Best Always!
 

Fractions, Decimals, and Percents Conversion Game

The main focus from Unit 9 is using equivalent fractions and decimal values to figure out percents.  Below is a fun game your child can play to reinforce their understanding of these concepts.  If s/he would like to watch the full episode of Cyberchase from where this game is taken, the episode is Season 3 Episode 4, titled "A Piece of the Action".

The Game:  http://pbskids.org/cyberchase/math-games/mission-magnetite/

The Episode:  http://pbskids.org/cyberchase/videos/a-piece-of-the-action-ep-304/#!/seasons-1-8/3

Updates for 3-25-2013

Math - The kids are finishing exploring perimeter (just add all the sides) and the area of a rectangle (one side times the other).  Later this week, we will begin using our knowledge of fractions and decimals to connect our understanding to percents.  While memorizing basic percents (i.e., 1/4 = 0.25 = 25%; 3/5 = 0.60 = 60%) isn't a fourth grade learning expectation, I am going to be pushing several of the kids towards being able to quickly calculate those.  Having that understanding is as helpful as having mathematical facts memorized!  Also, when the Major League Baseball Season starts, table groups will be selecting a baseball team to track the win-loss record, write fractions for games won, and calculate their winning percentages - what a great real-world connection!  Finally, there will be some new links to math games posted on our class blog in the coming days.

Reading - We will be focusing on the comprehension skill of analyzing character.  This will be done through our read-aloud book Loser as well as our whole-class story Me & Uncle Romie.  Of course, there will be lessons of fluency, vocabulary, grammar, and phonics interspersed throughout our Language Arts block as well.  Kids can also turn in their reading logs April 1st.

Social Studies - My favorite region of the United States (probably) is the Southwest.  The kids have already learned a little about conquistadors, and we will continue learning about climate, rain shadows, resources, and human interaction in the Southwest.  I will also have some bonus hands-on projects for those students who wish to try them at home.

Science - Our Earth Materials unit will begin next week, which focuses on rocks and minerals.  There are lots of connections in our lessons between Social Studies and Science, which makes teaching these concepts even more enjoyable.  The kids will walk away with some great projects and enjoyable learning experiences!

Behavior - We will continue to have energizers in the classroom that foster whole-class participation and are fully inclusive.  We will be playing Kitty Wants a Corner early this week, and later this week we will be playing a game to work on cooperation called 2x4. *Note* The kids made a wonderful transition back to school, so a big time kudos to you for having your child ready to get "back in the saddle" (sorry for the bad Southwestern cowboy joke).

Other - Next week will be the official Iowa Assessments week.  The kids have had a chance to work with differentiated groups (adjusted according to their level), and this week we will be taking a very small version of the test so they can get a "Sam's Club Taste Test" of what it will be like.  Also, last year I tried something new, and it worked really well.  I asked if there were families that wanted to bring in a very healthy morning snack for Iowa Assessments.  Families brought in foods such as granola bars, mixed fruit, string cheese, and bagels.  If you are interested in bringing a snack during a particular day, simply verify it with me.  Thanks for supporting the entire class!