4th Grade MP3 Campus

School Data is open on the 1st for parent reviews. These are due by the 5th. We hope the cut and paste grade level newsletter will be helpful to supplement your remote learning plan reviews. Thank you for submitting in a timely manner and if you need help please reach out to your SLPC.

Topics: unit conversion, algebraic reasoning, winter iReady assessment, fractions

Activities: This month we tackled a variety of puzzles and tasks that centered around algebraic reasoning, we completed the winter iReady assessment and used results to help guide the focus of in class learning, and we tackled a challenging question (If I walked 10,000 steps how far would I go and how long would it take?). The 10,000-step question was a great jumping off point for talking about mathematical tools like rulers and stop watches and led to some great practice with unit conversion as we moved from feet to yards to miles and seconds to minutes and hours. We closed out the month by starting our work with fractions. We explored an activity called Fraction Talk where we look at a multi-color rectangle and discuss what fraction might represent each color. We also started to use number lines to help cement our understanding of fractions and their relationship to a whole.

Teacher Tip: An important part of math is being able to discuss and explain your thinking. One way you can support your student is by using sentence stems. This set of stems from iReady is printable and a great way to help your student talk about their thinking with them or can be used as prompts to help them dive deeper into their learning.

Reminder: We are halfway through the school year which means you should be about halfway through your math curriculum. If you are struggling (or flying through) reach out to your SLPC or myself for support and to help formulate a plan.

Teacher Info: Mrs. Kurashige, skurashige@meridian.wednet.edu

Topics: elements of a 5 paragraph essay, introduction paragraph, body paragraphs, conclusion paragraphs, nonfiction topics, informational paragraphs, web plans

Activities: The beginning of this month was focused on the Wax Museum 5 paragraph essays. Students used a model essay to identify the critical elements of an introduction paragraph, each body paragraph, and the conclusion paragraph. Then students used their workshop time to plan, draft, revise, edit, and/or publish their essays. There was definitely an excited buzz in the air. They also took time to take the reading portion of the iReady in class. After the iReady, we kicked off our informational paragraph unit. Students generated a list of topics they know a lot about and then chose one topic to focus on. They have planned their paragraph with a web and are ready to start drafting. Our end goal is for each student to have a collection of paragraphs to share. We also took time this month to celebrate our completed haikus with a Gallery Walk. During the Gallery Walk, students read each other's haikus and then wrote compliments to the author of the haiku.

Teacher Tip: Now that we have wrapped up the winter iReady, you will find fresh instructional activities in the iReady app. Doing the instructional activities for 15 - 20 minutes a day is a great way to fill in learning gaps.

Teacher Info: Mrs. Giesen, jgiesen@meridian.wednet.edu

Topics: Muscles

Activities: Students learned there are three types of muscle tissue: Skeletal, cardiac and smooth. We built two muscle “models” (the leg and the thumb). In each model students were required to perform a specific movement when pulling on a specific muscle. They kept rebuilding until they were able to meet that requirement. We learned that tendons attach muscle to bone and ligaments attach bones to bones.

Teacher Comment: Thank you for a wonderful start to my day fourth graders! It was a pleasure learning about the skeletal system with you. You had great attitudes and a natural love for learning. I look forward to seeing you next year as 5th graders for more fun in science. 😊

Teacher Info: Mrs DeWaard, hdewaard@meridian.wednet.edu

Topics: Engineering and Design Process, Time management, collaboration

Activities: Engineering and Design: Students create programmable models to demonstrate the knowledge and operation of digital tools and technological systems. Investigate balance and /or stability, effects of change in position on model’s movement, how force affects the motion of objects, modify an existing model or program to solve a problem. Observe and measure accurately to answer questions.

Challenge Project: Roller Coaster continued- Student teams continue to redesign their roller coasters to include more complex travel lines such as 180-degree revolutions, corkscrews, free fall drops. Student teams collaborated to problem solve issues and create the most creative and successful roller coasters. STEM projects provide hands-on learning. Curiosity is piqued and students investigate many workable solutions using critical thinking skills and explore by manipulating materials to design or solve a problem. STEM projects present opportunities to develop a mindset and a lifelong set of practices for asking questions, designing solutions, and communicating results. The roller coaster challenge is a multiple day activity.

Challenge Project: Ski Lift Chair and Rider- Students were asked “How can you use the materials provided to design and build a ski lift chair and a passenger”? Working with a partner, students generated ideas and drew diagrams for this two-part building project: #1 Ski Lift Chair, #2 Passenger. Constraints- Passenger must be a size that fits the chair and be wearing skis or a snowboard. The chair must hold the passenger. The chair must have a protective bar across the front to keep the passenger from falling out. The protective bar must raise and lower. The chair must have a way to attach to the ski lift line and hang so that the passenger is sitting in a seated position to safely travel up and down the lift line. Supplies available- clothes pins, craft sticks, tape, cotton swabs, tin foil, string, straws, and cardboard. As students worked, they tested their chair’s ability to hold the passenger and have the protective bar open and close. They modified parts and adjusted chairs to hang on the lift line correctly- without dumping the skier out.

Teacher Tip: Include Robotics, Engineering and Design Topics and activities in your independent Science Class review.

Teacher Info: Mrs. Brannen - lbrannen@meridian.wednet.edu

Topics: comprehension, 5 paragraph essay writing, speaking, listening

Activities: What can I say? I am SO PROUD of the fourth graders and their diligence in preparing for the Faces of History Wax Museum and the Share Fair. Although we were hoping for four campus days to prepare for the events, we were only left with three due to the snow that came our way. The cooperation of parents due to this shortfall of time was a true gift! Parents did an amazing job of showing support for writing. A special thanks to Mrs. Giesen who devoted class time to modeling an essay as well. She taught the fourth graders about the formatting of the essay (using an introduction, three key paragraphs for the body and a conclusion.) The excitement was contagious. As a teacher, it was wonderful to note student diligence and commitment to their own projec,t but also their willingness to help others. Our classroom looked like a busy workshop most days. Students added titles, completed their writing, put together timelines, organized information on their tri-fold boards and prepared for sharing. The week following our open house, each student was given time in class to present their boards and information about the individual they researched. This brought about excellent classroom discussions and opportunities for learning more about key times in history. Congratulations again, fourth graders, on a job well done! It has been a joy to work with you this semester.

Teacher Tip: Keep reading a variety of books! Maintain a balance . . . you can read silently, read aloud and listen to others read to you! Keep filling your world with reading!

Teacher Info: Mrs. Elgersma, gelgersma@meridian.wednet.edu