Diving in

Writing Workshop...

Over the past two weeks we've begun the process of drafting each of the events in our story arc. A lot of emphasis in the drafting phase focuses on showing, not telling. Creating a story, not just summering what happens. Incorporating action and dialogue...you get the picture. As we began building dialogue in our writing it became apparent that on the whole we didn't have a large working vocabulary of alternate words for "said." I think we'd all agree that sometimes said is the right word, but many times it's not. Using other words creates the opportunity to seamlessly portray a characters' emotions and responses to one another. So...we paused in our story writing to break down the two parts of using dialogue (the tag and the actual quote), spend a few days searching for words other authors have used in their books, list our favorites, and then began adding tags to books from Mo Willems series Elephant & Piggie. Oh my gosh, I don't think I've ever had so much fun working on dialogue! We read these to our first grade buddies, and then began performing them for each other. I took videos of these on my phone and will share once we've all read!!! Our goal will be to have our drafts finished or nearly finished in time to share with you at conferences. After Thanksgiving we will do our final editing and publish.

Reading...

We are midway through our second module of Ready Gen. The text we've been reading our way through is called Skeletons, Inside and Out. It's been SO interesting to read about the structure of skeletons in a variety of animals as we break down the structure of how informational texts are written. The students have analyzed and identified the main idea and key details in many different ways. I'm eager to begin the next text, called Movers and Shapers, where we'll learn more about the human body and other systems in addition to our skeletons (all appropriate). :)

Spelling / Words Their Way...

Our spelling program will launch either one week from today or the week after Thanksgiving (depending on when I have the materials in hand). I've been taking a class offered by the district on a program called Words Their Way. This program is unique in that it individualizes spelling instruction. This is something I will share more about at conferences next week!

Math...

Last week wrapped up Unit 2 and are sailing our way into Unit 3 and fractions! We will begin by working building how to share equally, write fractions, establish common language and the vocabulary of fractions, finding and writing equivalent fractions, and using fractions on a number line. Fractions are a HUGE part of our fourth grade math curriculum and standards. 

Science / Social Studies...

We spent most of the week beginning our powders unit. Students spent time establishing habits of scientists, identifying team roles, and making observations of two white powders (salt & cornstarch). On Friday we invited our 1st grade buddies over to share our social studies collages, which was the final component in our study of immigrant groups

I have been able to confirm almost all of our Parent-Teacher Conference times. Please be courteous and prompt at your designated time, and I will do my very best to keep our schedule on track as well. I look forward to visiting about current progress and how we can work together to support our kiddos!

Halloween recap...
Thanks to the planning of Jake K & Sofie's moms and the assistance of Grady's, Joey's, and Zoe's moms we pulled off a great party! Began by making edible mummies by strategically slicing hot dogs and wrapping them with skinny strips of crescent rolls. While baking we broke into 4 groups to rotate through pumpkin bowling, pin the tail on the ghost, toilet paper mummy wrapping, and witch's hat ring toss. After wrapping up the games we served refreshments while playing Ghost bingo. It think it was a success! ;)