News and Notes 10/9

News and Notes

From Fourth Grade

  

Applying Patterns

As the fourth grade mathematicians finish up their work on patterns, this week we looked at a variety of applications for patterns.  We observed how growth patterns occur in geometry.  We saw how multiplication has its own types of patterns.  Using the tables and drawings we have been working on recently, we were also able to do some work with functions.  We played games online with "input-output" machines and saw patterns come to life.  Observing, continuing, and describing patterns in math is kind of like solving a puzzle.  Students who are eager puzzle-solvers are quick to attempt to identify and describe patterns.  Not only are we developing problem-solving skills and a deeper awareness of number sense, this study of patterns has also encouraged stick-to-itiveness in these awesome fourth grade mathematicians.

Wondering

I wonder... These are some of my favorite words as a teacher.  The innate curiosity of children is one of the greatest tools in our learning toolbox.  This week in reading workshop we started talking about how to use wondering and questioning to help guide our reading.  We started by selecting an informational book about slithering reptiles called, Slinky, Scaly, Slithering Snakes.  Before even cracking the book open, we worked on creating a gigantic list of questions and "I wonder..." statements about the subject of snakes.  The fourth graders were brimming with inquisitiveness, as demonstrated by the length and depth of

their list of questions.  As we read through the book we found the answers to many of our questions.  We also found that the more we read, the more questions we developed.  That curiosity and learning led to more curiosity and learning.  What a great cycle for these fourth grade readers!

Explorers

Adventure,  intrigue, surprises, conflict, discovery...  The fourth graders have begun learning about the age of exploration.  From Christopher Columbus to Amerigo Vespucci, the fourth graders are learning about an important time of history that helped form the world we know today.  As we learn more about these European explorers, we will be able to learn about the history of our world that will eventually lead to the formation of our country.  Some of the topics associated with the explorers are complex and difficult to address, which has already led to some interesting and thought-provoking discussions.  The fourth grade historians are proving themselves to be thoughtful, inquisitive, and understanding "explorers" of history.