The holiday season is in full swing and we have been busy in the classroom! Students are working on completing a science/reading mini-research project and in the computer lab students took part in the Hour of Code! To check out what has peen happening around our school click on the buttons below: In our current literacy unit we are learning about the craft and structure of literature, specifically realistic fiction, narrative poetry, historical drama, and journal entries. Our main focus will be on how authors use vocabulary, structural elements, and point of view to communicate information and ideas. Our essential question guiding this unit is: How do authors use different ways of telling a story? We have been reading selections about the American Revolution to help us answer this question. One 4th grade Common Core standard for reading literature states that students will be able to "determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including those that allude to significant characters found in mythology (e.g., Herculean)." WOW, huge task for a fourth-grader! Last week we spent a significant amount of time on allusions and I'm proud to say that students are doing well. We analyzed allusions found in our reading text and in My Side of the Mountain. Speaking of My Side of the Mountain... We are close to finishing the novel! To celebrate we will be having a feast on December 23rd. The theme of the feast will be "My Side of the Big Woods" (or "Little House on the Mountain") to represent our novel and the novel Mrs. Schlafer's class is finishing (Little House in the Big Woods). The feast will include foods that would have been eaten in each novel, showcasing how the characters lived off the land. A letter about the feast went home last Friday and included a list of suggested foods. (Please be aware of the nut allergies in the class. If you have any questions please contact me.) On the sticky wall below, please leave a comment to let us know what you will be bringing to our feast. In math we have begun to talk about division; how it relates to multiplication and strategies to help solve problems. Students are working hard to create a division lap book that will be used as a reference throughout this unit and for years to come! This week we focused on vocabulary: Homework Project: Today, students are coming home with details and instructions for a My Side of the Mountain project. This project will be completed at home and is due next Monday. Your child will be bringing home a copy of the text to help them complete the project and needs to be returned to school when finished. Please encourage your child to start working on the project right away! Everyone is busy during the holiday season, but I don't want students to wait the the last minute and rush through their work. They should be handing in their BEST work and be proud of their efforts! If you have any questions about the project please contact me at [email protected]. I will also be at Homework Club this Thursday. If your child has questions or needs assistance, consider having them join us! (written permission and a ride home @ 4pm is needed to attend Homework Club) Have a GREAT week! ~ Mrs. D
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AuthorMrs. Stacie Dempsey Archives
June 2015
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