First off, welcome back from Spring Break and welcome to the last quarter of 4th grade! Can you believe how quickly this year has flown by?!
This week was a great week back. The kids worked so hard with Ms. Stein to review and prepare for Monday and Tuesday's Writing STAAR test! They are so ready! We kept things pretty easy going in Math and Science.
Math:
This week we focused on measurement. We practiced using measurement benchmarks to estimate the length of things (ask about out "king fu" practice). I introduced the customary and metric units of measurement (ask about the 2 kingdoms). We practiced converting length and weight in the customary system. And lastly, we started getting serious about STAAR review for math. With one month left, I think it's time that we start talking about the STAAR test more and get the kids comfortable with the format. In class, we do something called the "strategy lounge" where children who not only get he STAAR practice of the week correct, but also use good strategies to avoid common errors get rewarded by getting to hang out in a specially made "lounge" area in the class. Those students who missed the problem or didn't use a strategy get a chance to work with me to review and go more in depth with the problem.
Next week, we continue with measurement conversions in customary and metric units with lots of hands on practice.
Science:
This week was all about food chains and webs. We read an article about the Savannah's energy pyramid, we played a food chain game and explored webs in an ecosystem. We also had our awesome field trip with Keep Austin Beautiful at Bear Lake. The kids learned a lot about invasive species and pollution in our own backyard.
Next week, we talk more in depth about producers and get ready to build our ecocolumns. We could always use some extra 2 liter bottles, so if you have some, send them my way!
Tomorrow is round one of STAAR, so give your kiddo some extra love as you send them to school. I get to be test proctor more than teacher these next two days, but I will also be their cheerleader! Writing rocks!
This week was a great week back. The kids worked so hard with Ms. Stein to review and prepare for Monday and Tuesday's Writing STAAR test! They are so ready! We kept things pretty easy going in Math and Science.
Math:
This week we focused on measurement. We practiced using measurement benchmarks to estimate the length of things (ask about out "king fu" practice). I introduced the customary and metric units of measurement (ask about the 2 kingdoms). We practiced converting length and weight in the customary system. And lastly, we started getting serious about STAAR review for math. With one month left, I think it's time that we start talking about the STAAR test more and get the kids comfortable with the format. In class, we do something called the "strategy lounge" where children who not only get he STAAR practice of the week correct, but also use good strategies to avoid common errors get rewarded by getting to hang out in a specially made "lounge" area in the class. Those students who missed the problem or didn't use a strategy get a chance to work with me to review and go more in depth with the problem.
Next week, we continue with measurement conversions in customary and metric units with lots of hands on practice.
Science:
This week was all about food chains and webs. We read an article about the Savannah's energy pyramid, we played a food chain game and explored webs in an ecosystem. We also had our awesome field trip with Keep Austin Beautiful at Bear Lake. The kids learned a lot about invasive species and pollution in our own backyard.
Next week, we talk more in depth about producers and get ready to build our ecocolumns. We could always use some extra 2 liter bottles, so if you have some, send them my way!
Tomorrow is round one of STAAR, so give your kiddo some extra love as you send them to school. I get to be test proctor more than teacher these next two days, but I will also be their cheerleader! Writing rocks!