Festival of Trees

At the Warner Town Hall every December there is a special kind of gathering.  A whole collection of creatively decorated Christmas trees are put on display to demonstrate the spirit of the holidays.  The businesses and organizations across the town take part in this special holiday event.  The students at Simonds School are responsible for decorating one of the trees.  This year's theme was Inspiring Joy.  The fourth graders enjoyed creating some "gifts" to hang on the tree, with the help of some generous classroom volunteers.  This week we were able to take a little walking tour of the Festival of Trees.  What a great way to enjoy the spirit of the holidays!

Simple Machines

The fourth grade scientists have been learning about forces, motion, and simple machines.  Recently we took a little bit of time to have a free exploration time.  Check out all the great contraptions that the fourth grade scientists created using their understanding of physical science!

News and Notes 12/13

News and Notes

From Fourth Grade

Perfection and Practice

Although it certainly isn't always true, the old saying “Practice makes perfect” is a good way of looking at many important foundational skills. In math this week the fourth graders reviewed and practiced their addition and subtraction computation skills. Starting out these lessons, it was evident that the fourth grade mathematicians had already invested much time and energy over the past few years to the subject of addition and subtraction. We quickly reviewed the meaning of regrouping and connected our recent study of place value to our work on addition and subtraction. The fourth graders were then asked to dig more deeply into their understanding, not only applying their computation skills to finding sums and differences of number problems, but also making connections to other recent math subjects including: applying a variety of problem-solving strategies, rounding and estimating, and solving multi-step problems. Although we are still learning and sometimes making mistakes, the fourth grade mathematicians are certainly demonstrating how practice makes our work more perfect!

Characters in Conflict

In reading workshop this week the fourth graders worked on applying multiple comprehension strategies to a single text. We began by asking questions and wondering about the text. As we read, we focused on asking questions related to the structure of the story. Once we started to hear our questions answered, we identified which questions were answered directly and then which questions we had to make inferences to answer, those questions which were answered more indirectly in the text. The fourth graders did a great job of balancing these different reading skills. In the end we had many days of great dialogue about the text. The next step is for us to be working even more diligently on applying these strategies to our independent reading!

Hour of Code

In honor of Computer Science Education Week, our fourth graders took some time to learn about computer programming this week. Using a very exciting and user-friendly online resource called “Hour of Code” (www.code.org), the fourth graders discovered the basics of computer programming. As our education continues to become more and more intermingled with our technology, it is essential that our students be familiar and skilled with technology. This Hour of Code challenge was one small and fun way to help our students see how computers work and how they can become computer programmers, even in fourth grade!

Engineering Club- NASA Rovers

During lunch and recess on Mondays, a small group of fifth graders have been participating in "Engineering Club."  The first challenge we tackled this fall was the NASA Rover challenge.  The fifth graders were given a limited list of supplies and were told to design a moving rover.  The following video shows the end results of their hard work and creative efforts!

News and Notes 12/6

News and Notes

From Fourth Grade

Mental Math

“Show your work.” “Find the exact answer.” These are the kinds of things that students are used to hearing in math class. This week, however, they were presented with a seemingly contradictory list of directives: “Don't write any work, and find the approximate answers.” In our latest math unit we are exploring addition and subtraction of whole numbers. As a piece of this unit, we are looking at how mathematicians can manipulate numbers in their heads and solve problems using different “mental math” strategies. The fourth graders were all very vocal about their concerns when they were asked to try to solve some addition and subtraction problems without showing any work. Adding to their confusion was the direction that their solutions didn't have to be exact. Skills like rounding and estimating to find sums and differences are essential to success in math. We talked this week about how a good mathematician will know how to solve problems using the paper and pencil methods, and will also know how to get an estimated answer in their head using rounding and other mental math strategies. These mental math strategies include things like breaking apart numbers into more user-friendly pieces, and adding or subtracting a small amount to make a problem more manageable. With each passing day, the fourth graders opened their minds up to the possibilities of trying to solve problems using mental math strategies. We will continue to practice these skills throughout the year, finding different opportunities when estimating, rounding, and mental math problem-solving will be helpful in real and practical ways.

Persuasive Arguments

Rhetoric, logic, and persuasive arguments were the topic for this week's writing adventures. The fourth graders have entered the world of persuasive writing and seem to be thoroughly enjoying the study. This week we just scratched the surface of this deep field of writing. We looked at the definitions of key words and identified the difference between arguing with someone and debating with them. We also discussed how a persuasive argument should be composed. We determined that we should have a strong opinion statement followed by multiple supporting details and ending with a strong restatement of the opinion in our conclusion. We practiced these skills both orally and in written form on various topics such as the best school events and the best kind of dessert. As we dig deeper into the world of persuasive writing, watch out for the persuasive skills of these fourth grade debaters.

Not So Simple

This week the fourth grade scientists continued with their exploration of simple machines. We did experiments to learn more about screws and levers this week and discovered that these simple machines aren't actually so “simple” after all. We identified how these machines make work easier by spreading the effort over a longer distance. From simple machine building toy sets to a life-sized book lifting machine, we have enjoyed creating simple machines in our classroom. We have also enjoyed being able to use different online resources to explore more about the physical science behind and practical applications of simple machines.  

Thankful

The fourth graders made lists of all the people, things, and opportunities for which they are thankful.  We turned these lists into works of art by using online word art programs.  We input our lists and selected the designs, colors, shapes, and fonts that best represented ourselves and our thankful lists.  In the end is a great collection of gratitude art pieces.  Enjoy!

Talkin’ Turkey

As a part of our Thanksgiving-themed work this week, the fourth graders created turkeys.  Now, don’t be fooled, these construction paper turkeys are actually story-tellers and data-sharers.  That’s because they are glyphs.  A glyph is a creative graph that shows information in an artistic way.  These turkey glyphs show information we collected about our favorite parts of Thanksgiving meals.  After creating our glyphs we played a little probability game to compare and contrast our holiday eating preferences.  What a fun way to learn more about data collection, analysis, and probability!

News and Notes 11/22

News and Notes

From Fourth Grade

Problem Solvers

At the end of each math unit in fourth grade there is a lesson focused on problem solving. With each lesson comes a different strategy for how to solve problems. This week we explored the problem solving strategy of making a list or table. The fourth graders were given some tricky questions and asked to use this, and other strategies to find the solution. Working in pairs, the fourth graders read their assigned problems carefully and determined what their best approach would be. It was impressive to watch the effort and determination these mathematicians had during this potentially challenging time. By the end of the lesson the class sat in a circle and presented their problems and solutions to each other. It was neat to see how many different ways students found to solve problems. It was also exciting to see connections being made between different strategies and problems. This room of problem solvers is becoming more and more confident in their problem solving skills!

Changes

In our continued look at story structure, this week in reading we focused on characters. We looked at a few different read aloud books in class and discovered how characters change and grow in stories. We identified main characters in the stories and then followed their progress through the pages of the book. We identified the different conflicts and forces that caused the characters to change. The fourth grade readers did a great job of making connections to the characters as they were reading, which demonstrates a deeper understanding of the story. During our independent reading time we focused on identifying and describing the characters in our own texts. We made sketches of the characters and also made lists of characteristics we observed in these characters. It is fun to dig more deeply into our understanding of the stories that we are reading!

Lots of Potential

Potential and kinetic energy were on display this week in fourth grade. To begin our study of forces and motion, we were introduced to a few key scientific terms: potential energy and kinetic energy. The fourth graders defined potential energy as “stored” energy while we discovered that kinetic energy is energy “in motion.” Using tennis balls, the fourth graders demonstrated their understanding of potential and kinetic energy. As we look at simple machines in the coming weeks, it will be important for us to continue to think about work and effort in relation to these different types of energy.

Motion

Today the fourth graders began exploring the world of physics.  We began by looking at forces and motion. We discovered two different key terms that will help guide our discoveries over the coming weeks: potential energy and kinetic energy.  Using tennis balls, the fourth graders demonstrated the difference between potential energy, which is sometimes called "stored" energy, and kinetic energy, which we think of as energy in motion...

News and Notes 11/15

News and Notes

From Fourth Grade

The Grand Encounter

This week the fourth graders learned about the “grand encounter” between the Native Americans and the European explorers. We put together our knowledge of the motivation and life of the explorer as well as the culture of the Native Americans. Depending on the situation, we saw how some encounters were very positive, leading to lifetimes of cooperation and success. Other encounters were difficult to learn about because they were filled with fighting and disease which lead to a major loss of life. Through these difficult topics, the fourth graders have demonstrated a strong ability to respect the study of history and the value it plays in our lives today. We look forward to learning about the next stage in the history of the United States of America!

How a Story is Built

We have transitioned in reading to a new strategy – identifying story structure. As we returned to reading narratives (stories), the fourth graders were eager to dig more deeply into their understanding of the text. We came up with three characteristics common to all stories: characters, setting, and plot. We practiced identifying these three components during our read aloud time. We also began identifying the characters, setting, and basic plot in our own individualized daily reading books as well. Understanding how a story is built, down to the most basic elements, is a great way to dive more deeply into understanding that story. These fourth grade readers are demonstrating a keen skill in identifying how a story is built.

Comparing and Ordering

As a part of our study of big numbers, this week the fourth graders practiced comparing two different big numbers. Taking two numbers with five or six digits and determining which is larger can be a complicated task. We worked together to break down the meaning of these large numbers by recalling our understanding of place value. We then looked at each place value in turn and determined from there which number is greater. By the end of the week we were able to take this important skill further by ordering multiple larger numbers from least to greatest. We also applied this skill to different meaningful contexts, like comparing the depths of different oceans and looking at mileage from different locations. This “big number” math is a very practical and essential piece of the world of mathematics and the fourth grade mathematicians are just eating it up!

Thunder Cake

In our reading workshop time this week, the fourth graders have been reading the story Thunder Cake by Patricia Polacco.  This story is about a little girl who is afraid of thunder.  Her grandmother helps distract her from her fear by creating a special treat: a "thunder" cake.  As she works through the steps of making the cake, the little girl forgets her fears and enjoys the adventure with her grandmother.  At the end of the book, the author included a recipe which the class wanted to have shared with them...

Grandma's Thunder Cake

Cream together, one at a time
1 cup shortening
1 3/4 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla
3 eggs, separated
    (Blend yolks in.  Beat whites until they are stiff, fold in.)
1 cup of cold water
1/3 cup pureed tomatoes

Sift together
2 1/2 cups cake flour
1/2 cup dry cocoa 
1  1/2 tsp baking soda 
1 tsp salt
     
Mix dry mixture into creamy mixture.  Bake in two greased and floured 8 1/2 in. round pans at 350 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes. Frost with chocolate butter frosting.  Top with strawberries.      

Place Value

The fourth grade mathematicians have been exploring big numbers recently.  In our "greater than, less than"  version of the traditional card game "War," the fourth graders built big numbers and compared them with their partners.  Here are a few photos of the mathematicians at work...

News and Notes 11/8

News and Notes

From Fourth Grade

 

A Place to Value

In math we have begun exploring BIG numbers.  In order to understand numbers with many digits, we have learned the importance of identifying the placement of each digit.  Once we know where the digit is placed we can then determine the value of the digit.  A 7 moved from the tens place to the hundred thousands place has a very different value, even though it is the exact same digit.  The fourth graders practiced saying large numbers, as well as writing them in standard, word, and expanded form.  We also took time this week to use a variety of hands-on tools to help with our understanding of place value.  From the traditional “base ten” blocks, to place value charts, to digital place value activities, we have really enjoyed exploring these big numbers.  Understanding the base-ten system of numbers is essential for success in higher-level mathematics!  

STOP and Question

The fourth grade readers are continuing to ask questions.  This week we took our reading comprehension strategy of “asking questions” to a new level by practicing the skill of “stop and question.”  While we read our nonfiction texts, we paused periodically to question the text.  The fourth grade readers worked hard to formulate specific questions that were based on what they were reading and understanding in their texts.  Nonfiction texts can often times be intimidating for a young or beginning reader, but practicing the strategy of asking questions helps our fourth grade readers to dig deeply into their reading.  They are on the road that leads to reading for meaning, which is a great place to be!

Expertise

What are you an expert at?  This was the question that was posed to the fourth graders this week.  In their writer’s notebooks they formulated a list of things they do well.  From gymnastics to fishing to baking chocolate chip cookies, this class is full of some very talented individuals.  We took this “expert list” and turned it into a brainstorm for our new writing assignment: write a “how to” paragraph.  The fourth graders are all very eager to work on their instructional paragraphs!  This week we took our brainstorming list and focused on one topic we wanted to share with others.  From lists of supplies to step-by-step directions, the fourth grade writers are on their way to creating a great collection of instructional paragraphs.  We are excited to continue this work next week by writing the rough drafts of our “how to” paragraphs!  Before we know it, we’ll have a whole class collection of interesting and informative instructional paragraphs on all of our areas of expertise!

News and Notes 11/1

News and Notes

From Fourth Grade

Spooky Learning

This week we went all out.  Since Halloween is a favorite holiday among fourth graders, we devoted some learning time to festive Halloween-themed content.  In math, we found patterns relating to the collection of trick-or-treating goodies, while in reading we devoted time to recalling our favorite spooky stories.  On Thursday the fourth graders joined the Simonds School community for the annual costume parade.  After the parade we came back to enjoy some goodies from our amazing room volunteer, Diane Brunetti.  We also demonstrated our artistic side by decorating our own pumpkins and gourds.  Fourth graders love diving into the spirit of the season, and so this week we had some seriously spooky learning going on in our classroom!

Questioning

The fourth grade readers are asking questions.  This week we made the transition from simply wondering about things while we are reading to asking direct and specific questions of the text.  We collected our helpful “w” question words (who, what, where, when, why, and how).  As we read together about animal senses, we practiced asking questions about the content of a nonfiction text.  Independently, the fourth graders continued this questioning strategy by recording questions in their reader’s notebooks.  While they were reading about muscle cars and chocolate and the Beatles and all manner of interesting things, the fourth graders were asking all kinds of important questions.  We took some time this week to discuss why asking questions is important.  The fourth graders were eager to share how having a question in mind helps to motivate and direct their reading.  It gives the reader a goal, the fourth graders said.  We discovered that asking questions while we are reading is kind of like making a puzzle.  What a great way to dig deeper into our reading! 

Kindness

This week the fourth graders had a special guest – our very own guidance counselor, Mrs. Cermak.  We had a special classroom guidance lesson on the topic of kindness.  Mrs. Cermak read a great book title Each Kindness that made us all think about how we can show kindness to others.  The fourth graders were then asked to brainstorm simple ways they can show kindness.  These ideas are posted outside Mrs. Ceramk’s office.  We welcome you to come take a look at the great ideas about kindness, and then see how the students at Simonds School are putting these ideas into action!  

Halloween

Superheroes and princesses, witches and ninjas were all in attendance at the annual Simonds School Halloween celebration.  Many thanks to our room volunteers for all of their work to prepare festive snacks and crafts for our classroom celebration!