4th Grade MP3 Campus

School Data is open on the first of each month for parent reviews. These are due by the 5th. We hope the cut and paste grade level newsletter will be helpful to supplement your remote learning plan reviews. Thank you for submitting in a timely manner and if you need help, please reach out to your SLPC.

Topics: math as a visual, factors and multiples, flexible thinking around numbers, equivalent fractions, algebra

Activities: This month in math class we focused on visual representations of numbers and the patterns that are evident. We broke down the numbers from 1-35 and looked for repeated shapes as well as other patterns that jumped out at us. One big idea that we noticed was prime versus composite since all of the prime numbers were a single layer circle made of smaller circles while the composite numbers were made of the factors (for example 12 was squares of four circles arranged in a triangular shape). This vocabulary was introduced but more importantly students started to apply it to the next task which small groups using vertical whiteboards to order a set of numbers from least to most flexible and provide justification for their choices using words, numbers, and pictures. Then the groups visited each other to provide constructive feedback, I have attached a few snapshots of this process, it was so cool to witness. We also took this new knowledge of the visible factors within the number and played a game which required students to choose a number which included a given shape (triangle for 3, pentagon for 5, etc.) and try to get 4 numbers in a row on the board. This game required strategy and an ability to "see" the factor within the number. After we wrapped up our first unit, we then dove into looking at fractions on a fourth-grade level. We have been reviewing what we learned about fractions in third grade, key vocabulary, and then applying our knowledge of factors to support the process of identifying equivalent fractions as well as comparing fractions with different denominators. Students worked in groups of 2 and 4 for most tasks this month and continued to fine tune the best way to use their collective abilities and share the work instead of relying on one team member to carry the team.

Teacher Tip: Fact fluency plays a big role in mathematical success. You may want to note if there are any addition and subtraction as well as multiplication and division fact families your student still needs to work on. Playing games is a great way to build speed and confidence with math facts, reach out to me if you want some suggestions for games you can play to increase multiplication fluency.
***Don't forget about your personalized learning path on iReady, the goal is to spend 15 minutes 3 times a week to help close any gaps your student might have as well as presenting grade level material and/or challenges.***

Teacher Info: Mrs. Kurashige, skurashige@meridian.wednet.edu

Topics: planning with a b-m-e chart, character chart, theme, indenting paragraphs, hooks, strong titles, temporal words and phrases, descriptive language, dialogue, dialogue punctuation, dialogue tags, strong endings, Narrative Writing Checklist, revising with a story checklist, “Show, Don’t Tell” description, editing with standard editing marks, spelling strategies

Activities: Students planned their stories (personal narratives) using a beginning-middle-end chart. Each day, we explore an element of personal narrative writing (e.g., hooks, catchy titles, dialogue, transitional words, temporal phrases, strong endings) and work to apply it to our own story. After students complete drafting, they join a Revise Conference where they read their story to a small group. During the Revise Conference, the students get written feedback on what the group members "loved about their piece" and what they would like to "add or change". The students then celebrate and make changes. At this point, most students are wrapping up drafting and many are already using their Revise Conference notes to revise their drafts. Students also enjoyed scoring my story with our Narrative Writing Checklist. They gave me solid feedback and are now using the checklist to improve their stories. We also take time to talk about spelling strategies and students are becoming comfortable using our Word Walls and their personal dictionaries.

Teacher Tip: I hope you will ask your student to share with you the standard editing marks that they have been using in class including how to show that a letter needs to be capitalized, missing punctuation, or that a word has been misspelled.

Teacher Info: Mrs. Giesen, jgiesen@meridian.wednet.edu

Topics: Speaking and Listening, Character Traits, Text Evidence, Responding to Comprehension Questions with Complete Sentences

Activities: Fourth graders recently completed the Mystery at Tale Town Elementary “escape room” activity, where they used comprehension clues to narrow down a list of suspects from 14 to 1. This engaging challenge focused on identifying key details and drawing conclusions from the text.

In connection with Hispanic Heritage Month and to strengthen informational reading skills, students explored ReadWorks articles about notable figures including Dizzy Gillespie (Cuban jazz trumpeter), Lionel Messi (soccer player from Argentina), and Frida Kahlo (artist from Mexico). Working in small groups, students read the texts, answered comprehension questions, and shared their learning with classmates. Our fourth graders have also begun a novel study of Frindle, where they are practicing comprehension strategies such as finding text evidence, identifying metaphors, describing character traits with supporting details, sequencing events, and comparing and contrasting characters. We have completed 10 out of 15 chapters so far. Students have also showcased their creativity through book project presentations, including cereal box book reports and dioramas. Each presentation featured a summary, recommendations, and highlights of key literary elements. These projects have provided excellent opportunities for students to build confidence in their speaking and listening skills. It's been inspiring to see them take pride in their work and encourage one another!

Next Steps: Thank you in advance for your support with our upcoming Faces of History project! Students have already selected their historical figures to study, and books will be distributed soon. We’ll begin the writing portion in November, with plans to complete it before winter break. Presentations are scheduled for the end of January. Keep an eye out for more details in the coming weeks! This project, first introduced two years ago, has quickly become a meaningful fourth-grade tradition that we’re excited to continue.

Teacher Info: Mrs. Elgersma, gelgersma@meridian.wednet.edu

Topics: Keyboard Fluency, Google Docs Formatting, Digital Citizenship

Activities: The month of October was spent practicing correct document formatting in Google Docs. Students practiced changing font size, style, colors, using the tab key, changing alignment, and document spacing as they created mystery shapes. They were able to explore numerous font styles and discuss the appropriate use of each. We spent one day practicing how to correctly type dialogue, including how to add quotation marks and indenting. These skills were then applied as students typed their short stories for Mrs. Giesen's Language Arts class. Once everyone has completed their short stories, we will then practice having them read using the Google Read/ Write feature and finally create QR codes.

As this month is Digital Literacy Month, we also spent time exploring internet safety and our digital footprint with Mrs. Richardson, our Technology TOSA. Students explored the importance of protecting the information they share online and why it is important not to share personal information. Finally, we discussed how social media and too much technology can influence how we feel. Students learned why it is important to take a break from media. Links to the materials used in these lessons can be found in the Google Classroom.

Reflection Questions: How should you format a document for Language Arts or other school classes? (Font style, size, color, alignment) Why?

Teacher Info: Mrs. Montgomery, rmontgomery@meridian.wednet.edu

Topics: Elements of Art: Line, Shape, Color, Space, & Texture; Principles of Design: Movement, Contrast, Balance, Pattern, & Unity; Techniques: portrait drawing

Activities: In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we explored the colorful, geometric molas of Panamá and the artwork of Fernando Botero and Frida Kahlo. Throughout the month, we had weekly art discussions about their work and used their styles as inspiration for our own projects. Molas, a traditional textile art created by the indigenous Guna people of Panama, inspired our chalk pastel drawings. Students used glue to define shapes and patterns, resulting in beautifully vibrant pieces that we laminated to preserve the chalk. Next, we turned to Frida Kahlo’s many self-portraits for inspiration, creating our own Frida portraits that focused on using lines and shapes to achieve accurate facial proportions. To welcome fall, students are now working on an adorable forest squirrel scene, complete with trees, mushrooms, and other plants & critters. We also read The Secret Life of Squirrels and discussed how the author used animal photography as her artistic medium for the illustrations.

Reflection Questions: If you have pets at home, ask if your student would like to try some animal photography of their own, just like author Nancy Rose!

Teacher Info: Mrs. Warnock, swarnock@meridian.wednet.edu