Extreme Weather

We wrapped up our non-fiction extreme weather unit this week.  Students worked collaboratively to take notes on different subtopics, and report their findings on weather posters.  Students were encouraged to use their knowledge of text features and display several examples on each poster.  Features included maps, captions, headings and illustrations.

Fascinating Non-Fiction

The students are thoroughly enjoying our current unit on non-fiction.  We have created two spaces in the room for students to share their knowledge with others.  One is an Innovative Word Wall on which students can create graphic representations of content specific vocabulary.  Another fun feature is our Did You Know.... wall.  Students love sharing out interesting and unusual facts with their classmates.

Fossil Finds

Students made their own fossils this week.  We learned that fossils form in sedimentary rock. Students used clay, Plaster of Paris and seashells to create their models.

Fun In First Grade

We had a very enjoyable and productive visit with our first grade buddies on Friday.  After a nice walk down the street, the fourth graders met their buddies and participated in a variety of friendship activities with the younger students.  We are looking forward to our return visit in the spring.

Fourth Grade Fitness Fun

The students enjoyed their afternoon at Gillette Stadium.  After enjoying lunch in the stands, the students were invited down on the field to exercise.  We were then joined by Revolution players Chris Tierney and Brad Knighton.  They spoke to the students about living a healthy lifestyle that includes exercise and eating healthy.

Science in Action - Stream Tables

The weather last week provided a wonderful opportunity for us to take our investigations outside.  Students used the stream table models to test how flood waters and slope affect erosion and deposition.

Fabulous Day in Fourth Grade

We had a wonderful first day.  I enjoyed hearing all about the students' summer adventures.  They had an opportunity to share their experiences during the My Summer Scoop activity.  We followed up with a special ice cream treat for snack.  I am looking forward to another great day tomorrow.

Character Traits

The students have been working cooperatively in book clubs to identify character traits for the main character in each text.  They thoroughly enjoyed their final project, a life sized version of that character.  Students worked to identify the traits based upon each character's thoughts, words and actions.

Jake - Help, I'm Trapped in the First Day of Summer Camp by Todd Strasser

Henry - Chocolate Fever by Robert Kimmel Smith

Ralph - Runaway Ralph by Beverly Cleary

Socks - Socks by Beverly Cleary

Science Fair

The students did a fantastic job presenting to families last night and to students this morning.  We received many compliments from visitors about how interesting the projects were.  I was very proud of the students.

Author Visit - Jeff Kinney

How lucky we were to receive a visit from the author of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, Jeff Kinney.  The students were completely mesmerized by his presentation.  He spoke to the children about his upcoming book project, taught them a bit about the art of cartoon creation and answered  questions from the audience.

Field Day Fun

A chill was in the air, but that didn't dampen the fun.