May 13, 2022
May 13, 2022
Washburn-Norlands Field Trip
Washburn-Norlands Field Trip
January 21, 2022
January 21, 2022
Hello Fourth Grade Families!
Hello Fourth Grade Families!
Would you believe me if I told you that Monday is our halfway point for this school year? We are having such a good year together that it feels kind of sad - however, we intend to make the most of our time together! I am grateful to have another 87.5 days with this Crew - I am really enjoying my time with them!
Would you believe me if I told you that Monday is our halfway point for this school year? We are having such a good year together that it feels kind of sad - however, we intend to make the most of our time together! I am grateful to have another 87.5 days with this Crew - I am really enjoying my time with them!
It has been a couple of months since I have updated this class page. Between the holdiay season and planning both in-person and remote learning throughout this latest Covid surge, it was hard to find the time! Thanks for doing your part to keep kids healthy and learning - I finally had all of my students in class for the first time in a VERY long time. It was magical.
It has been a couple of months since I have updated this class page. Between the holdiay season and planning both in-person and remote learning throughout this latest Covid surge, it was hard to find the time! Thanks for doing your part to keep kids healthy and learning - I finally had all of my students in class for the first time in a VERY long time. It was magical.
We are chugging right along in both Math and Modules. We spent the past few weeks learning several ways to solve a multidigit multiplication problem. Most students are feeling really good about their new skills and actually enjoy practicing! This is a very important skill that I would like all of the students to feel confident in before moving on to 5th grade so we will keep at it.
We are chugging right along in both Math and Modules. We spent the past few weeks learning several ways to solve a multidigit multiplication problem. Most students are feeling really good about their new skills and actually enjoy practicing! This is a very important skill that I would like all of the students to feel confident in before moving on to 5th grade so we will keep at it.
In Modules, we are studying animal defense mechanisms. Your student has an animal that they have been reseraching and that they will be writing about. We started informative essays this week and I am really pleased with the improvement in writing skills overall.
In Modules, we are studying animal defense mechanisms. Your student has an animal that they have been reseraching and that they will be writing about. We started informative essays this week and I am really pleased with the improvement in writing skills overall.
COMING UP -
COMING UP -
CHEWONKI: On Monday, Chewonki will be coming in to show us some of their animals and to talk about the defense mechanisms of some animals found in Maine.
CHEWONKI: On Monday, Chewonki will be coming in to show us some of their animals and to talk about the defense mechanisms of some animals found in Maine.
LEARN TO SKI/SNOWBOARD: On February 11, February 18, and March 4th, we will be heading to the Camden Snow Bowl to partake in the learn to ski/snowboard program. Thanks to those of you who have already handed in paperwork. If you never saw anything come home, reach out to me and I can send you another copy.
LEARN TO SKI/SNOWBOARD: On February 11, February 18, and March 4th, we will be heading to the Camden Snow Bowl to partake in the learn to ski/snowboard program. Thanks to those of you who have already handed in paperwork. If you never saw anything come home, reach out to me and I can send you another copy.
WATER BOTTLES: If you have an extra water bottle that you can send in with your child and could perhaps even live in thier locker, please do! They are resorting to using paper cups and I can't tell you how often we are mopping up spilled water these days... at least the classroom floor is getting a regular rinse!
WATER BOTTLES: If you have an extra water bottle that you can send in with your child and could perhaps even live in thier locker, please do! They are resorting to using paper cups and I can't tell you how often we are mopping up spilled water these days... at least the classroom floor is getting a regular rinse!
As always, please reach out to me with any questions or concerns!
As always, please reach out to me with any questions or concerns!
I hope you all have a great weekend!
I hope you all have a great weekend!
Missy
Missy
November 19, 2021
November 19, 2021
Hello Fourth Grade Families!
Hello Fourth Grade Families!
The Poetry Cafe was a success! It was great to see so many students muster the courage to read their poems in front of their classmates. The poems and posters looked great and kids were really proud. It was awesome. Pictures are below but please let me know if you would like to come to the school and see the poetry display for yourself. It will be up for a while longer.
The Poetry Cafe was a success! It was great to see so many students muster the courage to read their poems in front of their classmates. The poems and posters looked great and kids were really proud. It was awesome. Pictures are below but please let me know if you would like to come to the school and see the poetry display for yourself. It will be up for a while longer.
Monday is the only day of school next week and we will be using it to wrap up our learning about the first colonies of America, to play some math games, and write letters of gratitude to others in our school community. We have been playing a game all week called 'Colonization' which is a simulation of the colonists journey on the Mayflower and the first year in the new world. Students have had to work together to make decisions about what they will bring with cargo limitations, which people they will invite to travel with them (doctors, carpenters, blacksmiths - both groups reluctantly decided to bring a teacher!), and how they should develop the community. As the game progresses, the face certain hardships and have to make adjustments to their colony. I have witnessed so much good discussion, reasoning, group collaboration, and compromise. It has been a fun way to spend the week before Thanksgiving.
Monday is the only day of school next week and we will be using it to wrap up our learning about the first colonies of America, to play some math games, and write letters of gratitude to others in our school community. We have been playing a game all week called 'Colonization' which is a simulation of the colonists journey on the Mayflower and the first year in the new world. Students have had to work together to make decisions about what they will bring with cargo limitations, which people they will invite to travel with them (doctors, carpenters, blacksmiths - both groups reluctantly decided to bring a teacher!), and how they should develop the community. As the game progresses, the face certain hardships and have to make adjustments to their colony. I have witnessed so much good discussion, reasoning, group collaboration, and compromise. It has been a fun way to spend the week before Thanksgiving.
Speaking of Thanksgiving, the St George CDC is hosting another community Thanksgiving dinner (to-go!) this year. If you or anyone you know would like to participate, please go to this website or call 372-2193 to place an order. For a little community service project, our class made little ornaments to go with some of the meals (picture below) - they looked great!
Speaking of Thanksgiving, the St George CDC is hosting another community Thanksgiving dinner (to-go!) this year. If you or anyone you know would like to participate, please go to this website or call 372-2193 to place an order. For a little community service project, our class made little ornaments to go with some of the meals (picture below) - they looked great!
I hope you all have a great weekend!
I hope you all have a great weekend!
Missy
Missy
November 12, 2021
November 12, 2021
Hello Fourth Grade Families!
Hello Fourth Grade Families!
We packed so much into a short week, it feels like we hardly had a day off yesterday! Today's trip to the museum was a success. Pictures are below! The class enjoyed all the different ways that artists make art and I hope that they can apply this knowledge next week as we find artwork that helps enhance our poetry.
We packed so much into a short week, it feels like we hardly had a day off yesterday! Today's trip to the museum was a success. Pictures are below! The class enjoyed all the different ways that artists make art and I hope that they can apply this knowledge next week as we find artwork that helps enhance our poetry.
As this Poetry Module comes to a close, the final performance task is to write an original piece of poetry along with an essay that explains what their poetry is about and where they got their inspiration for the poem. There is such a range of topics in our poetry, from nature and the changing of seasons to four wheelers, grandpas, and halloween candy. Some are funny, some are poignant, and all are very original. I look forward to sharing these with you!
As this Poetry Module comes to a close, the final performance task is to write an original piece of poetry along with an essay that explains what their poetry is about and where they got their inspiration for the poem. There is such a range of topics in our poetry, from nature and the changing of seasons to four wheelers, grandpas, and halloween candy. Some are funny, some are poignant, and all are very original. I look forward to sharing these with you!
I hope you all have a great weekend!
I hope you all have a great weekend!
Missy
Missy
Classroom Updates
Classroom Updates
October 29, 2021
October 29, 2021
Hello Fourth Grade Families!
Hello Fourth Grade Families!
As we went around our closing circle this afternoon, I asked the students what they were most proud of week. The majority were very proud to finish their literary essays about a famous poet and what inspired them to write poetry. We printed out copies so that they could take them home to show you. Let me know if your child's didn't make it home and I can send it home. They were very happy with the results of their hard work!
As we went around our closing circle this afternoon, I asked the students what they were most proud of week. The majority were very proud to finish their literary essays about a famous poet and what inspired them to write poetry. We printed out copies so that they could take them home to show you. Let me know if your child's didn't make it home and I can send it home. They were very happy with the results of their hard work!
There were also several students that were really proud of their informational posters about indigenous tribes of Maine. Since Indigenous Peoples Day, we have been researching and learning about the people that lived in Maine for thousands of years before European settlers arrived. I have attached some pictures below!
There were also several students that were really proud of their informational posters about indigenous tribes of Maine. Since Indigenous Peoples Day, we have been researching and learning about the people that lived in Maine for thousands of years before European settlers arrived. I have attached some pictures below!
The Halloween festivities were also a big hit this week. Although we didn't win the door decorating contest, our design was fabulous and what is even better is how well we all collaborated to create something really cool. I hope you were able to watch the parade - but if not, I have attached some pictures of the little goblins before we left the school.
The Halloween festivities were also a big hit this week. Although we didn't win the door decorating contest, our design was fabulous and what is even better is how well we all collaborated to create something really cool. I hope you were able to watch the parade - but if not, I have attached some pictures of the little goblins before we left the school.
I hope you all have a great weekend!
I hope you all have a great weekend!
Missy
Missy
October 15, 2021
October 15, 2021
Hello Fourth Grade Families!
Hello Fourth Grade Families!
We are long overdue for a classroom update - there is a lot to share!
We are long overdue for a classroom update - there is a lot to share!
In modules, the questions that have been guiding our learning are "What makes a poem a poem?" and "What inspires writers to write poetry?" We have completed reading Love that Dog by Sharon Creech which is a poetry journal written by the main character, Jack. Not only do we get to witness Jack's journey as he discovers poetry and realizes that he really enjoys it, but we are introduced to some famous poets and their work along the way.
In modules, the questions that have been guiding our learning are "What makes a poem a poem?" and "What inspires writers to write poetry?" We have completed reading Love that Dog by Sharon Creech which is a poetry journal written by the main character, Jack. Not only do we get to witness Jack's journey as he discovers poetry and realizes that he really enjoys it, but we are introduced to some famous poets and their work along the way.
Currently, our class is researching the lives and the inspiration behind the writing of Robert Frost, Valerie Worth, and Walter Dean Meyers. Students have selected one poet to become an expert on and next week, we will begin writing our essays about these poets.
Currently, our class is researching the lives and the inspiration behind the writing of Robert Frost, Valerie Worth, and Walter Dean Meyers. Students have selected one poet to become an expert on and next week, we will begin writing our essays about these poets.
Our final unit will be all about finding inspiration in our own lives and writing our own original poetry. When possible, we are taking our school work outside and while I don't always think to take a picture in the middle of a lesson, I did happen to snap a few of the kids reading. We have been so fortunate with the weather this fall!
Our final unit will be all about finding inspiration in our own lives and writing our own original poetry. When possible, we are taking our school work outside and while I don't always think to take a picture in the middle of a lesson, I did happen to snap a few of the kids reading. We have been so fortunate with the weather this fall!
In math, we have just begun Unit 2. We are learning about area and perimeter, factors and multiples, and next week dive into prime and composite numbers. We will also be converting units of time which will require deepening our multiplication skills. With such a small group, I feel fortunate that I can really individualize the instruction and carve out time to work with 1:1 with students, focusing on skills that need more practice.
In math, we have just begun Unit 2. We are learning about area and perimeter, factors and multiples, and next week dive into prime and composite numbers. We will also be converting units of time which will require deepening our multiplication skills. With such a small group, I feel fortunate that I can really individualize the instruction and carve out time to work with 1:1 with students, focusing on skills that need more practice.
In Crew, we have been talking about goal setting and have set some classroom goals that we are working toward. Today, we completed a small group challenge to see how many cups we could stack in ten minutes only using string and an elastic band. Groups set a goal for themselves and then after 5 minutes, we stopped to see if we needed to revise our goal or create additional action steps in order to achieve our goal. It was a challenge that required communication, collaboration, and a little bit of patience! Pictures are below.
In Crew, we have been talking about goal setting and have set some classroom goals that we are working toward. Today, we completed a small group challenge to see how many cups we could stack in ten minutes only using string and an elastic band. Groups set a goal for themselves and then after 5 minutes, we stopped to see if we needed to revise our goal or create additional action steps in order to achieve our goal. It was a challenge that required communication, collaboration, and a little bit of patience! Pictures are below.
We have also spent a lot of time talking about giving our BEST EFFORT and how that looks and feels. As a class we came up with some 'helpful thoughts' to bolster persevere when we notice that our effort level is starting to drop.
We have also spent a lot of time talking about giving our BEST EFFORT and how that looks and feels. As a class we came up with some 'helpful thoughts' to bolster persevere when we notice that our effort level is starting to drop.
In other news, we have new pen pals from Santa Rosa, California that we will be writing to throughout the year! We will be sending our introduction letters next week. Some students would like to include pictures of themselves. Please reach out if you do not want your child's picture to be sent. They can always draw one instead.
In other news, we have new pen pals from Santa Rosa, California that we will be writing to throughout the year! We will be sending our introduction letters next week. Some students would like to include pictures of themselves. Please reach out if you do not want your child's picture to be sent. They can always draw one instead.
Speaking of pictures, school pictures have been sent home - please let me know if you didn't get yours. Retakes will be November 9th if you are not happy with the first one.
Speaking of pictures, school pictures have been sent home - please let me know if you didn't get yours. Retakes will be November 9th if you are not happy with the first one.
I hope you all have a great weekend!
I hope you all have a great weekend!
Missy
Missy
September 17, 2021
September 17, 2021
Hello Fourth Grade Families!
Hello Fourth Grade Families!
Whew - it has been a very busy two weeks! The first week was all about getting to know our Crew. I think we are building a strong sense of community in our classroom which will pay off as we work together throughout the year. I am really happy to have this group!
Whew - it has been a very busy two weeks! The first week was all about getting to know our Crew. I think we are building a strong sense of community in our classroom which will pay off as we work together throughout the year. I am really happy to have this group!
We dove right into our Math and Module lessons this week. In Math, we are learning about place value and rounding whole numbers to any place. This can be a tricky skill but everyone made progress this week!
We dove right into our Math and Module lessons this week. In Math, we are learning about place value and rounding whole numbers to any place. This can be a tricky skill but everyone made progress this week!
Our first Module is all about poetry! Our guiding questions are, "What makes a poem a poem?" and, "What inspires poets to write poetry?" Our final project of the Module will be to write some original poetry and read it aloud at a "Poetry Cafe" later this fall. I know this will be a big challenge for some students as almost all of this Crew has mentioned that they don't really like to read aloud in front of others. One idea to help prepare them for this is to ask them to read aloud to you. If you are like me and always feel short on time, consider having them read to you while you are cooking supper or doing other boring household chores!
Our first Module is all about poetry! Our guiding questions are, "What makes a poem a poem?" and, "What inspires poets to write poetry?" Our final project of the Module will be to write some original poetry and read it aloud at a "Poetry Cafe" later this fall. I know this will be a big challenge for some students as almost all of this Crew has mentioned that they don't really like to read aloud in front of others. One idea to help prepare them for this is to ask them to read aloud to you. If you are like me and always feel short on time, consider having them read to you while you are cooking supper or doing other boring household chores!
I am attaching pictures from the past two weeks. Please don't hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions! Enjoy your weekend!
I am attaching pictures from the past two weeks. Please don't hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions! Enjoy your weekend!
