Our fabulous fourth graders continue to enthusiastically learn and grow. In math we are working on decimals. Having just finished fractions the students have a good grasp of the abstract concept of a decimal. They will learn to order decimals from smallest to largest as well as add and subtract. We will make the experience more concrete by using base ten blocks for hands on activities.
Reading is thinking, and we continue to have students tune into their thinking as they read "just right" books. I have enjoyed working with small groups of children to reinforce the skills being emphasized. I have also enjoyed reading the students' readers notebooks, and I continue to work with them to think more deeply about their reading.
In writing the children have published their personal narratives, and after working so hard they will now begin writing persuasive essays.
In social studies the children have been exploring the different regions of our country. The emphasis has been on map work, but we will also be looking at the different cultures of the regions.
Our investigation of the solar system is our next unit in science. We have begun observing the phases of the moon in our moon journals, and we will next learn about the planets and the sun.
Stay tuned for future updates.