Fourthies Class of 2027: August 2018

It doesn't get any better than this!

I love my new Fourthies. It's only been a measly four days but I can already see their personalities, recognize their voices, and anticipate their questions. My guess is that they probably have me figured out too:) This is the first blog post. Expect one every Friday. I will provide curriculum highlights and also include important nuts and bolts. Homework is also posted for the week. I've asked the girls to read the posts with you. I'm happy to answer any questions you might have, but you also have a "classroom expert" living in your home who most likely can answer your questions.

Our day begins with the lighting of "The Lamps of Learning." Your Fourthie can explain.

This week was spent learning the Fourthie routine, exploring our Fourthie Site, while dabbling into curriculum. The girls were introduced to EdPuzzles and Musical Moments. A Musical Moment is how we practice calculating and EdPuzzles are problem solving with a twist. An EdPuzzle is a video clip with embedded word problems. All problem solving will begin with a solution statement. September's EdPuzzles will reinforce the importance of Goodness (September's virtue). Here's an example:

The first math unit reviews reading and writing large numbers, estimating, and working with factors and multiples. Additionally, we will review key geometry terms and introduce several new concepts.

The girls checked out a fiction book. They should be reading a little each night. Next week we will create a multimedia presentation about the summer reading, Because of Winn-Dixie. Our class read-a-loud is 100 Dresses by Eleanor Estes.

Vocabulary and spelling were introduced this week. Vocabulary is our main focus. Be on the lookout for lots of creativity with vocabulary. Every Thursday, Fourthies celebrate Three Word Thursday (3WT). 3WT is a creative writing assignment and has been a favorite activity for several years.

The girls spent some time reflecting on last year and then wrote goals for this year. Ask your daughter about the squirrel who didn't give up. Several girls mentioned how much they loved their Personalized Learning (PL) block of time. PL is built into our schedule this year. The girls brainstormed on a Padlet. The sky's the limit when it comes to PL.The only requirement is that when the learning is complete, a final project is shared with the class. Take a look at their brainstorming here.

Swimming begins on Tuesday. Please send an extra snack. There's something about swimming that makes kids ravenous. The girls brought home a letter about swimming and it is linked on the blog.