Fourth Grade B

Dear Fourth Grade Parents,

The fourth graders have participated enthusiastically in all of our activities this week!

In Reading, we…

• are nearing the conclusion of The City of Ember by Jean Du Prau.  The fourth graders have been so involved in this sci-fi book that they asked Mrs. G. if they could write a musical about it!  We are looking forward to seeing their creative interpretation of this story!  They continue to put a lot of effort into comprehension questions, vocabulary exercises, and journaling responses.

In Math, we…

• went on a $10,000 “shopping spree” designed by Ms. Spallone.  This project required the fourth graders to search the web and find merchandise that they wanted to purchase. Once they collected their data, they totaled up the cost to see if they reached ten thousands dollars, checking their work with estimation and rounding to the hundreds place.  Students’ purchases ranged from televisions to jewelry to jacuzzis.  Many included generous charitable donations and gifts for others.

• reviewed distance conversions using rulers and map scales.

• Estimated the number of pistachios supplied by Ayanna.  Ask your child how close his/her guess was to the actual number!

In Writing, we…

• continued our study of the  parts of speech.  This week, we identified verbs, differentiated between helping verbs and action verbs. And edited for subject-verb agreement.

• enjoyed hearing Ceridwyn share her Halloween poem, our Poem of the Week.

In Theme, we…

• started our new Social Studies thematic unit on the Civil War.  We began by reading about the context that led up to the war.  During this unit, the fourth graders are becoming journalists who will report on various aspects of the war.  At this time, they are researching the pre-war lifestyles of different populations who lived in the Northern and Southern United States.  They have been captivated by their research and are sharing important discoveries about the power dynamics operating in the country at that time.  Despite the painful nature of this period in American history, the fourth graders will hopefully be empowered by discovering the agency and determination employed by everyday people to ensure that freedom for all, at least in embryonic form, was achieved.  As in our Encounters unit, the children are presented with materials appropriate to their developmental level.  We will make every effort to be sensitive to the emotions engendered by learning about some of the injustices that characterize this period.

We also…

• wrote cards for victims of Haiti’s recent earthquake as part of the “Messages of Hope” appeal led by Jane Goodall’s “Roots and Shoots” organization.  If you would like to find out more information about this neat organization, check out: http://www.rootsandshoots.org/.

• welcomed Gina Haney, a Practicum II student from NLU, to 4B.  Gina will be joining us on Fridays as she completes her Practicum.

Notes:

• Thank you so much for all of your wonderful ideas about projects to support Haiti.  The administration, faculty, and student council are currently in discussion about the direction Baker’s school-wide relief efforts will take.  Stay tuned for details!

• Zinnia informed us that a community meeting will be held this Saturday, January 23, at 8:30 am at the Evanston Civic Center to discuss the potential closing of Evanston’s branch libraries.  If this is an issue of concern to your family, your presence at the meeting can make a difference!

Have a great weekend!

Kerah & Emily J

Dear Fourth Grade Parents,

The fourth graders have been working hard this week!

In Reading, we…

• continued reading The City of Ember by Jean Du Prau.  The fourth graders have been really engaged in the plight of this sunless city!  They are working hard to respond to both literal and inferential comprehension questions and are learning a lot of new vocabulary.

In Math, we…

• estimated with money and solved story problems involving money.

• used runners’ logs to practice combining tenths of miles, increasing our familiarity with common fraction and decimal equivalents.

• converted between fractions and decimals in the tenths place.

• reviewed distance conversions using rulers and map scales.

In Writing, we…

• continued publishing our fables and step-by step directions.  Check out our bulletin board!

• began to identify parts of speech.  This week, we focused on common, proper, and plural nouns.  The fourth graders also enjoyed playing the “Nifty Sixty Noun Game.”

• practiced creating more complex, descriptive sentences in preparation for our unit on narrative writing.  We started with simple “seed” sentences and then added adjectives, “juicier” verbs, adverbs, and similes to “grow” our sentences.

In Theme, we…

• completed the Inquiry component of our science thematic unit on Light, Sound, and Electromagnetism. The fourth graders enjoyed experiments involving color wheels, telegraphs, and pitch, to name a few, and put so much effort into their typed lab reports!

• had an interesting discussion with Sophia about the difficulty teens are facing in finding jobs in the current economy during Current Events.

We also…

• cheered for Henry, our 4B representative at the Baker Geography Bee.  The and the rest of the contestants showed grace under pressure as they faced several tough questions!  Congratulations!

• shared our beautiful “I Have a Dream” poems at our assembly honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  Thanks also to Ayanna for reading “All the Love for the President-Elect” by Suzan-Lori Parks.  Please ask your child about all of the meaningful contributions that each class made to our assembly.

• learned some new Spanish vocabulary, including “la pelicula” and la piscina,” from Henry, who was in charge of Palabras de la Semana.

Notes:

• Reminder: There will be NO SCHOOL tomorrow, January 15, due to Records Day or Monday, January 18 in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.  We hope you will have a meaningful holiday!

Have a lovely long weekend!

Kerah & Emily J

Dear Fourth Grade Parents,

Welcome back!  It has been so wonderful to be back with the 4^th graders this week!

In Reading, we…

• started a new science fiction unit.  We are reading The City of Ember by Jean Du Prau.  This book really ties in to our study of light in science!

In Math, we…

• began a new unit, “Money, Miles, and Large Numbers,” which focuses on everyday mathematical applications.

• calculated our lunch bills and made change after visiting a fictitious food court.

• practiced inputting and interpreting monetary amounts on the calculator and attempted to “beat the calculator” by computing mentally.
• solved some multi-step story problems involving money.
• practiced inputting and interpreting monetary amounts on the calculator

• estimated with monetary amounts.

• developed strategies for making change from $1.00, $5.00, $10.00, and $20.00 bills.

In Writing, we…

• continued publishing our fables and step-by step directions.  Check out our bulletin board!

• read and watched excerpts from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech in preparation for writing our own “I Have a Dream” poetry.  The 4^th graders noted Dr. King’s powerful rhetorical style and had so many important questions and comments about the Civil Rights Movement.

In Theme, we…

• began the Inquiry component of our science thematic unit on Light, Sound, and Electromagnetism. Students chose from 15 questions about our topics and are now engaged in an investigation of their question.  They are in the process of doing experiments that relate to their research question and writing formal lab reports.  In Tech, they have been learning to create tables in Microsoft Word in order to record their data.

• were delighted to learn more about sound and light from Julia Mossbridge, Joseph’s mom.  Using a sulphur light, she taught us more about the principles of reflection and absorption.  We also learned about the way the brain impacts how we process sound.  Ask your child to do the key exercise with you!  Thanks so much for enriching our unit, Dr. Mossbridge!

We also…

• participated in the preliminaries” of our Baker Geography Bee!  The Geography Bee will take place next Wednesday, January 13 at 1:30 in Carlson.

• were fortunate to have a workshop with Jim Bisenius about bullying.  We hope that many of you were able to attend his parent presentation.

Notes:

• Reminder: There will be NO SCHOOL next Friday, January 15 due to Records Day or Monday, January 18 in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

• Baker will be having an assemblies in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on Thursday, January 14.  The TIM assembly will be held at 11:00.

• Thank you all again so much for such thoughtful holiday gifts.  Please look for thank you notes in your child’s Friday Folder!

Happy New Year!

Kerah & Emily

Dear Fourth Grade Parents,

It has been a fun-filled week in 4^th Grade!

In Reading, we…

• continued our mysteries unit with literature circles for Who Stole the Wizard of Oz by Avi.  The children are doing a great job of leading our book discussions and are finding many clues for their Detective’s Notebooks!

• loved hearing Sophia’s story, “England in France.”  Check out her display in the Reading Corner!

In Math, we…

• split geoboard squares into thirds, sixths, and twelfths to explore area and size relationships among fractions.

• designed a colorful “quilt” of symmetrical and asymmetrical fourths and some “fractions flags” with various fractions.  Both are displayed on our math bulletin board – take a look!

• combined various fractions to make wholes, writing equations to represent our drawings and making observations about equivalency.

• learned how to add and subtract fractions with both like and unlike denominators.  We also learned how to simplify fractions. 

• estimated the length in yards of the yarn that Tyler supplied for us.  Ask your child how close his/her guess was to the actual number.

In Writing, we…

• continued working on our fables, focusing on using dialogue and teaching a moral through the actions of our animal characters.

• wrote beautiful poems about peace that we will turn into cards to share with our friends from the Cheyenne River Youth Project.

In Theme, we…

• were excited to start our new science thematic unit on Light, Sound, and Electromagnetism.  The students are in mixed groups with the other 4^th and 5^th graders and will rotate to each topic during the course of our unit. In each group, students are performing experiments and applying the scientific method.  Our fun visit to the Museum of Science and Industry on Thursday really added to this unit! 

• had an interesting discussion with Eva about the new trend of having chickens as pets during Current Events.

We also…

• enjoyed another student council assembly.

• learned some new Spanish vocabulary, including “la cobaya” and “la nadacion” from Seth, who was in charge of Palabras de la Semana.

Notes:

• Thank you so much to all of you who volunteered to participate in the holiday toy drive for children living on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation.  Please remember to bring your contribution to school on Monday.

• Please remember to send in consent forms if you are interested in participating in the H1N1 vaccination clinic at school.  Thanks!

• Reminder: The rough draft of your child’s outside reading project for our mysteries unit is due on Monday. 

• Ms. Kampwirth’s Pre-K A class is planning a fundraiser/recycling program. They will be collecting phones, inkjet cartridges and laser toners. They will recycle them and use the money raised to plant trees in Uganda with the help of Heifer Project International. The trees will help to clean the air and plant crops without the soil washing away. Please feel free to send in these items next week! You can learn more at: http://www.fundingfactory.com/. Thanks!

Have a great weekend!

Kerah & Emily J

Dear Fourth Grade Parents,

The fourth graders worked hard and played hard this week!

In Reading, we…

• finished reading The Children of the Morning Light: Wampanoag Tales as Told By Manitonquat.  The fourth graders really enjoyed this genre!

• started our mysteries unit with literature circles for Who Stole the Wizard of Oz by Avi.  Ask your child what clues s/he recorded in his/her Detective’s Notebook!

• loved hearing Owen’s story, “The Journey of Eliot Flyer.”  Check out his display in the Reading Corner!

In Math, we…

• solved cluster problems with addition and subtraction, as well as some division story problems.

• learned strategies for multiplying and dividing by multiples of ten.

• used “landmark numbers” to compute the distances between numbers up to 1,000.

• used multiplication to “leapfrog” between numbers on the thousands chart.

• estimated the number of clothespins that Harper supplied.  Ask your child how close his/her estimate was to the actual number!

In Writing, we…

• continued writing our very convincing persuasive letters.

• were introduced to fables, our next writing genre.  We discovered that fables are stories that feature animal characters and teach “life lessons.”  We listened to fables retold by Arnold Lobel and Jean de la Fontaine and are now in the process of filling in story maps for the fables we will write ourselves.  The first step is to figure out the moral we would like to teach in our fable!

• practiced using quotation marks in preparation for using dialogue in our fables.

• loved hearing Jack’s beautiful orginal poem, “Fall.”  Look for his poem on the bulletin board!

In Theme, we…

•  continued typing our reports  on the Pilgrims.

• read about the time period between the Mayflower’s arrival and the breakdown of relations between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag.  We are filling in a timeline that highlights important encounters in this sequence of events.  Many of us were surprised to learn that both groups worked hard to maintain peace for 50 years before conflicts escalated.

• had an interesting discussion with Henry about the anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall during Current Events.

We also…

• had our first evacuation drill of the year.  We could not have been more impressed with the way the 4^th graders (and the whole school) followed directions and waited respectfully at the Baha’i Temple.

• experienced the colonization exercise that Ms. Wilson explained to you at Back to School Night.  After the 8^th graders gradually “took over” our classroom, the 4^th graders made the connection between their experience and that of the Wampanoag.  We debriefed and shared our feelings about the experience during our Drama time, and then had a special lunch and treat with the 8^th graders.  If you have any questions about the exercise, feel free to contact Ms. Wilson.

• learned some new Spanish vocabulary, including “serpiente” and “oso polar” from Ayanna, who was in charge of Palabras de la Semana.

Notes:

• Our field trip to the Chicago International Children’s Film Festival has been rescheduled for Wednesday, November 18.  We are looking forward to this fun field trip next week.  Please make sure that your child dresses warmly, as we will be walking to the Wilmette Theater.

• Mr. Dunafin would like to remind the 4^th graders to bring goggles and swim caps (as needed) to swimming, as he only has a limited supply to loan out.

• On Monday, November 23, we will have a special “Encounters” Day on which the 4^th graders will share what they have learned about the lifestyles of the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag.  Between 1:00 and 3:00, the children will share their reports as well as some interactive activities based on their topics.  Feel free to join us for any part or all of the afternoon!

Have a great weekend!

Kerah & Emily

Dear Fourth Grade Parents,

It has been a busy week in fourth grade!

In Reading, we…

• continued reading and analyzing Wampanoag creation stories excerpted from The Children of the Morning Light: Wampanoag Tales as Told By Manitonquat.  This week, we read some tales about Maushop’s negotiations with Old Man Winter and Grandfather Sun.

In Math, we…

• completed our research for Mr. Yum Yum!  We found 12 very different 3-D arrangements for a box of 200 candies.  We are now eagerly awaiting our compensation in chocolate!

• figured out factors of and memorized division facts for multiples of 6,7,8,9, and 12.

• found some shortcuts for subtraction with the help of Frogurt the Frog.

In Writing, we…

• wrote rough drafts of our persuasive letters.  We hope to mail our final drafts next week!

• continued using the “Publisher” program with Ms. Patrick in order to format our interviews in journalistic style.

In Theme, we…

•  continued typing our reports  on the Pilgrims.

We also…

• appreciated your invaluable input at conferences.  We love having the opportunity to share with both you and your child how pleased we are with their progress!

Notes:

• Our field trip to the Chicago International Children’s Film Festival has been rescheduled for Wednesday, November 18.  We are looking forward to this fun field trip – finally!

• Please read the enclosed information about our new reading unit.  Thanks!

Have a great weekend!

Kerah & Emily

Dear Fourth Grade Parents,

It has been a fun week in fourth grade!

In Reading, we…

• continued reading and analyzing Wampanoag creation stories excerpted from The Children of the Morning Light: Wampanoag Tales as Told By Manitonquat.  The 4^th graders are becoming very comfortable identifying the elements of myths and legends in these stories as well as figuring out the life lessons the stories teach.

In Math, we…

• received an exciting communication from Mr. J.P. Yum Yum, illustrious president of the Yum Yum Candy Corporation!  Mr. Yum Yum has requested our assistance in designing multilayer candy boxes containing 200 chocolates each. After we figure out all the possible box sizes, we will choose our favorites and explain to Mr. Yum Yum which box we think will be most attractive to customers and why.  We will also create colorful covers for the candy boxes.  We can’t wait to sample the chocolates and to see which box size and cover Mr. Yum Yum chooses!  In the process, we will realize that we now know how to do multiplication problems with three variables!

• figured out factors of and memorized division facts for multiples of 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, & 11.

In Writing, we…

• filled in graphic organizers for our persuasive letters after modeling the process using the smartboard. 

• learned to use the “Publisher” program with Ms Patrick in order to format our interviews in journalistic style.

• enjoyed hearing Ceridwyn’s wonderful “Pickle Story.”  Check out her display in the reading corner!

In Theme, we…

• began typing our reports  the Pilgrims.

• filled in Venn diagrams describing the similarities and differences between cultural universals for the Wampanoag and the Pilgrims.

• learned all about this year’s world series, or “Amtrak series,” from Jack, who was in charge of Current Events.

We also…

• had a ball celebrating Halloween today.  The 4^th graders enjoyed parading in their costumes and couldn’t have had a better time at the Halloween party organized by our room parents.  Thanks so much to all of you who contributed to this fun event!

• learned some interesting new Spanish vocabulary, including “ helado” and “calabaza,” from Zinnia, who was in charge of Palabras de la Semana.

Notes:

• Many of you have thoughtfully inquired about making contributions in memory of Donna Quirke Hornik.  Below are three options her family has suggested if you are interested:

1) Neuro-Onc Research Fund in honor of Donna

Box 30

Children’s Memorial Hospital

2300 Children’s Plaza

Chicago, IL 60614

Or: https://secure.childrensmemorial.org/friends/foundation/donations.asp

In the field marked “My gift should benefit…” please type in “Dr. Stewart Goldman” (Donna’s doctor)

2) Jill’s House

751 E. Tamarack Trail

Bloomington, IN 47408

Or:

http://jills-house.org/donate.php

3) The Donna Quirke Hornik Fund

(supports children’s dance scholarships – not currently tax-deductible)

2649 W. Greenleaf Ave #1E

Chicago, IL 60645

• Next Tuesday, we will be attending some short films at the Wilmette Theatre as part of the Children’s Film Festival.  We are looking forward to this fun field trip!

• Please remember to set up a time for your child’s conference if you have not yet done so.  The link to sign up is:

http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0Ag7ib9s2bJFJdEtjTmVxbDdWaFpPeUZ4ZXlDLUNIX1E&hl=en

Have a wonderful Halloween!

Kerah & Emily J

Dear Fourth Grade Parents,

It has been another eventful week in fourth grade!

In Reading, we…

• finished our reading of Mayflower 1620: A New Look at a Pilgrim Voyage.  This week we read about the Pilgrims’ first encounters with the Wampanoag and learned more details about the process of settlement.  We also wrote our own “Mayflower Compacts” after reading the original document.

• started a new unit on fables, myths, and legends.  We will be reading and analyzing many Wampanoag creation stories excerpted from The Children of the Morning Light: Wampanoag Tales as Told By Manitonquat.

• completed our first outside reading projects of the year.  The 4^th graders really put a lot of effort into these projects, which they will present to their classmates on Monday.  We hope they enjoyed the books by Joseph Bruchac as much as we did and that they provided a window into some of the issues facing contemporary American Indian youth.

In Math, we…

• continued solving multiplication and division word problems and figuring out how to allocate remainders.  Please know that although the division algorithm may not be new to your child, approaching it in these real-life contexts and having to use logic to allocate remainders is a new application for them.  With practice, they will develop more comfort with and confidence in this new skill.

• practiced solving 2 by 1 digit multiplication problems using various strategies.  The 4^th graders are being encouraged to use the strategies that are most comfortable for them.

In Writing, we…

• wrote some spooky “web” poems to get us in the Halloween spirit.  Web poems allow children to layer language by using their understanding of the parts of speech.  We then turned our poems into cards to send to children in who will be spending the holiday in the hospital.

• had an opportunity to test-drive the smartboard in the library in order to practice outlining our persuasive paragraphs.

• identified and corrected some sentence fragments and run-on sentences.

In Theme, we…

• continued our write-ups about the Wampanoag and research about the Pilgrims.

• were fortunate to have a visit from Sophia’s mom, Elena, to enrich our understanding of the historical and cultural context of Morning Girl.  Elena not only shared her knowledge of Taino and Ciboney/Arawak culture from a Cuban historical perspective, but also treated us to some Cuban refreshments that go back to the Tainos: plantain and yucca chips, guava paste, and malta (a malt non-alcoholic beverage).  Thanks, Elena!

We also…

• had lots of fun exploring the sun in our Sunrise groups this morning!  We were all disappointed that the weather did not allow us to go to the beach, but we made up for it in fun activities.  Ask your child all about them!

• enjoyed hearing folktales told by storyteller Sherry Norfolk.  The 4^th graders got a kick out of hearing Ms. Norfolk’s many voices!  We hope many of you were able to join her for her evening concerts as well.

Notes:

• Conferences are approaching on Wednesday, November 4! 

Your conference time is at: ____________________

You have not yet signed up for a time.  Please email me to let me know what time is convenient for you.  I currently have openings between 1:00 and 4:00.

• Fourth grade conferences will be will be structured as follows: For the first half of the conference, the student will meet with his/her parent(s) and teachers in order to share his/her fall portfolio.  We will also share student-, parent-, and teacher-generated goals and affirmations at this time.  Please fill out the attached “Goals and Affirmations” form prior to your child’s conference so that we can use this time most effectively.  The second half of the conference will be a time for teachers and parents to meet independently to discuss students’ progress this fall.  Thanks!

• Feel free to join us for our Halloween party next Friday, October 30 at 2:20!

Have a restful weekend!

Kerah & Emily