We are in the final weeks of the school year. Upcoming events and topics
include U.S. Regions, Geology, more MCAS testing, multiplication and division,
data/patterns/functions, and our Regions/State Fair/Breakfast which is on
Wednesday, June 10th this year.
The week before vacation each student in the 4th grade chose a state to
research. All of the requirements and a timeline for completion are in each
students’ state folder. Students have also been given a research book to keep
all of their notes together and organized, including their bibliography.
Students may also wish to use any other organizing device that works for them
(3 ring binder, etc.). Additionally, this project will include a detailed look
at the regions in class, and a state research project done at home, their
presentation board. This study will culminate with our 7th annual
Regions/Fair/Breakfast to be held in the Sprague School cafeteria on
Wednesday, June 10th. It should be absolutely terrific. I’m really looking
forward to it already.
In Science, we are studying Geology. In class, we will begin by looking at
some rocks and minerals, brainstorming some differences, and talking about the
three types of rocks. Students will make some observations about their rock,
and “Dr. Rocks” (aka Bill Amory) will add his two cents as well. We will be
recording and plotting the latitude and longitude of earthquake activity on a
world map. This will lead us into a discussion about plate tectonics and
different geological components of the earth. This study has an exciting field
trip that highlights five different geological sites in Wellesley. It is
scheduled for the morning of Friday, May 29th. We will also have a special
visitor regarding Arbor Day, Wednesday, April 29th.
Most of our reading, writing and researching is being done in the content
areas of U.S. Regions and Geology. Students are writing Research Reflections,
and in class, I am giving lessons on Research Guidelines, Internet Use, Note
Taking, and Writing Good Papers. Mrs. Mandel, our Librarian, is going over
bibliographies and plagiarism. Students will also be creating pieces of
writing about each region here in class. National Geographic’s Pictureshow CDs
on the regions are being viewed in class. In addition, I also created a
classroom link to our website for students to gain further information
electronically about their state and region. Also, there will be a handy,
easy-to-use reference on appropriate bibliographies for 4th graders on the site.
Lastly, in Reading, we will begin our Author Study on Newbery Award winning
author, Mildred Taylor. Students are reading two short novels, or novellas, in
class, and meeting in three small groups with an adult to discuss their notes
and reactions to the reading. I will read two of her books aloud, Song of the
Trees and Gold Cadillac, to students, and possibly, The Well. This study will
culminate with a wonderful video, narrated by the author, discussing her books
and the time in which she wrote many of these stories. Mildred Taylor is still
alive today. She is most recognized for her Newbery Award winning book, Roll
of Thunder, Hear My Cry.
Other than that, we’re not doing much in 4M! Actually it’s a really busy and
interesting place to be...
Until next time.... Ms. H. :)
