Saturday, December 19, 2015

Happy Holidays!

I want to wish your families a very happy holiday! I can't believe we only have three days left before our winter vacation. We have been very busy learning in 4T over the past two weeks.

In science, we finished up learning about the water cycle. We did an experiment to see just how quickly water can evaporate.  We learned that puddles don't magically disappear, the water changes into water vapor.   We also began learning about different types of weather tools. On Thursday, the students made their own anemometers. Unfortunately, we weren't able to test them outside because of the rain, but our fan did the trick! Kids tested out different ways of putting the anemometer together to see which would work best!  If you have the following items in your recycle bins, we can use them for our weather tools!
  • Small water or soda bottles
  • Large soda bottles
  • Small plastic food containers with lids- plastic sour cream containers, tubs of butter, tubs of salsa. 







In reading, we are focusing on finding the main idea and details of non-fiction texts. After finding the main idea and details we practiced writing summaries of what we read.  We have read several articles on natural disasters around the world.  When we return from our break we will begin researching natural disasters!

In math, we are continuing to learn about fractions! We have spent the past week learning about equivalent fractions and strategies for comparing fractions. We've spent time discussing how to use pictures and words to show our thinking in math. We will learn about decimals after break.

In writing, we are finishing up writing essays. When we return from the break we will change our personal essays to persuasive essays.

We also took some time to paint reindeer and make cards for our reading buddies in Kindergarten!














We are in need of sanitizing wipes, hand sanitizer, and soft tissues. Any donations would be so greatly appreciated! 


Have a wonderful holiday!
-Kellie

Sunday, December 6, 2015

Week #14

I can't believe we are already done with our first week of December! We had a week full of learning in 4T!

In science we began our weather unit. We are working with our friends in Ms. Hildreth's class to research and learn all about the water cycle. The students did a great job taking notes and illustrating diagrams of how the water cycle works. 


In math we began our unit on fractions. We discussed when we use fractions in our everyday lives! Many students shared stories of using fractions while cooking. We then used fraction circles to investigate equivalent fractions. 

In reading, we learned about different types of text structures readers encounter while reading non-fiction. We also discussed strategies for tackling difficult parts of non-fiction reading. Sometimes books or articles have too many facts or misleading headings and we have to ask ourselves, "What is most important?"

In writing, students brainstormed people, places, and ideas that are important to them and then wrote a thesis that can be supported with stories and evidence from their own life.  We will continue to develop our essays over the next few weeks.

 I asked the students if they could give a gift for Christmas to anyone in the world, who would it be and why? Here are a few of their responses from kidblog. It was amazing to see how kind and caring your children are!


We had a mystery skype with a class is Missouri. 4T continues to do an excellent job during our Skypes!

Tomorrow begins week #15! Only 13 more days until our holiday break! 
-Ms. Tingle