News and Notes 5/15

News and Notes

From Fourth Grade 

Less Than One But Greater Than Zero

The fourth grade mathematicians have transitioned from fractions to decimals.  Looking at numbers that are greater than 0 but less than 1 seems to produce unique apprehension in people (and not always just children.)  It has been exciting this week to see students grow in their comfort level in talking about fractional numbers!  Since we use decimals and fractions all the time in "real life," it is really important that these fourth grade mathematicians appreciate the importance of these unique numbers and are also confident to work with them in different problem-solving contexts.  This week we discovered that decimals and fractions are really two different ways to talk about breaking a whole into equal parts.  The "lightbulb" moments during math this week were really noteworthy.  As we move forward and work with decimals and fractions in our upcoming measurement unit, it will be so important that students come with confidence to this essential family of numbers!

World Changers

Throughout this school year the fourth graders have learned about different "Great Minds."  We have defined a "Great Mind" as someone who has changed the world using their mind.  From artists to inventors, we have discovered many inspirational and interesting people.  We have learned about people who discovered great scientific principles and people who fought for social justice and made changes in their cultures.  Recently the fourth graders have started introducing their own "Great Minds" to their classmates.  Maybe it comes from their own reading or someone they hear about outside of school, but it seems like the fourth grade is overflowing with ideas about people who have changed their world using their minds.  I can't help but think that somewhere down the road we will look at these fourth graders and we will be able to note how they have changed their own worlds by using their minds.  The creativity, compassion, and innovation that these students demonstrate each day is a testament to their developing abilities to be world-changers.

  

Breaking News!

It took us a little longer than we had hoped, but this week the fourth grade writers finally published their own fourth grade newspaper.  After doing out-of-school work on researching and drafting articles we took to the task of editing and formatting in the classroom.  In the end we had formulated a really interesting and exciting little newspaper that demonstrates that kinds of information that is relevant to life in fourth grade.   We are happy to have published our first edition of The Simonds Fourth Grade Monitor and hope that our friends and families will enjoy reading our thoughts!

Scientific Testing

Next week the fourth graders will participate in a unique assessment: the Science NECAP.  This is a standardized test that comes to fourth, eighth, and eleventh graders in the state of New Hampshire.  For these fourth grade scientists, it is an opportunity to recall all of their great science learning and explorations over the past few years.  It is a unique test because it involves an inquiry activity which is meant to mirror the kinds of hands-on scientific learning we do in school all the time.  It may sound strange, but the response to the Science NECAP testing is usually very positive.  The students from past years have described this test as "fun" and "interesting."  The Science NECAP will most certainly be a good chance for these fourth graders to show what they know about science!  Thank you to families who continue to support our students during this spring full of testing!