In Writing Workshop we had our fourth grade publication celebration. We split up into different groups among the whole fourth grade and got to read the stories to students who we don't usually get to work with. I love how these stories took me to many different places! We began our opinion writing unit this week. The students learned how to write an essay by choosing a topic or something they feel strongly about, and supporting that topic with three details. We call this structure boxes and bullets. The box being the main idea, and the bullets the three supporting details. Right from the beginning the students wrote an essay on something they felt strongly about, and now we are working on going back and revising that writing to follow the boxes and bullets structure.
In Reading Workshop we started our non-fiction reading unit. Ms. Martin, Ms. Mihok and I decided to pool all of our non-fiction books together and divide them into categories in an effort to create a larger non-fiction library for the fourth graders. Each student chose two books they believed they were experts on and explained in their book groups why they thought they were an expert on this book. We discussed the differences between fiction and non-fiction and started to think about how certain headings or other text features can help us think about what each page is mostly about.
In Math we are in the middle of topic 5. We have learned how to multiply by tens and hundreds and also how to break apart numbers to make it easier for us to multiply. These strategies will help us when we learn how to multiply using mental math. Keep practicing those facts at home!
In Social studies we continue to learn about the Iroquois way of life. One thing we have learned about the Native Americans and recreation is that they played the game of lacrosse. I brought in an old "woodie" lacrosse stick to show the kids and they loved seeing how this compares to lacrosse sticks that are made today.
As you are aware, together with our buddy class, we are having a Thankgiving feast this week! The kids are all very excited about this and we will have some fun activities planned for them on Friday. If you haven't had a chance to sign up, we have a couple more volunteer slots available. Please visit the link below. Thank you to those who have already signed up to donate an item or volunteer!
I attended a yoga benefit yesterday at Siena college as a fundraiser for the Ronald McDonald House and the Africa Yoga Project. The AYP helps educate youth in Africa using the transformational practice of yoga. The day allowed me to reflect on all that we have to be thankful for as this holiday season approaches. Thank you to each and every one of you for letting me work with your amazing children everyday and for your continued support. I am beyond grateful.
Namaste,
Mrs. Riegel
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