Updates!

The week flew by in 4T! Here is a sneak peek into our week.

We started Unit 4 in math. We began by reviewing extended multiplication facts.  We then learned the area model for multiplying double-digit numbers. We ended the week by converting liters to millimeters.

In reading, we began studying social issues and students are participating in social issue book clubs. They will be reading books where characters face challenges such as bullying and fitting in. We discussed how reading about social issues not only teaches us about different struggles people face, it can also teach us how to deal with situations if we face them ourselves. I'm so impressed with the conversations students have had in their book clubs!

In science we continue to study the three types of rocks. We learned this week that rocks are formed in different ways and that there are three main types; sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic.

In writing, we are in the middle of a picturing writing unit! Students are writing stories about winter and learning how famous illustrators use watercolors to add to their writing.

We had reading buddies with our friends in Mrs. Gaynor's class on Friday! It's amazing to see how far both classes have come in their reading this year!

As always, the students are free to leave an extra pair of sneakers in the classroom during the winter for P.E. if they would like.  Please continue to send your children to school with appropriate clothing for winter. They will be going outside as long as it's not too chilly.

I hope you all enjoyed your weekend. I spent mine skiing at Loon. I'm very excited that it finally feels like winter!

Best,
-Ms. Tingle

Multiplication Madness!

Today, we began learning how to multiply two-digit numbers! We began by using the area model to solve problems. Next, we will learn partial products, and then the traditional method.  Although it will be extremely tempting to teach your child the traditional method, I urge you to encourage your child to solve the problems the way they are being taught in school. Solving problems using partial products or an area model fosters an understanding of place value, which is the foundation of math. 

Here are two videos that explain the area model and partial-products.  

Everyday Math-Partial Products

Again, thank you for your continued support!

-Kellie Tingle

Welcome Back!

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday with their family and friends. We had a great first week back in 4T!

In science, we finished up our unit on weather. We investigated how windsocks work by building our own and testing them using our fan at different speeds to simulate wind speeds! We also learned all about the different types of clouds and the kids made Animotos to demonstrate their knowledge. You can check them out on Seesaw! Next week, we will begin studying geology!
 

Math this week was all about decimals! We practiced modeling decimals with fraction circles and base-ten blocks. We learned about the metric system of length and converting meters, centimeters, and millimeters. We finished the week by comparing decimals. 

In reading, students are learning all about extreme weather! We are working in groups to investigate extreme weather by reading, taking notes, and creating a presentation to share with the class. I'm so impressed with how hard the students are working on these projects!

In writing, we are learning the similarities and differences between personal and persuasive writing. Students are taking their personal essay and making changes to turn their writing persuasive.

A huge thank you for the inside recess games families have donated to our classroom. The kids are putting them to great use!

I hope you all had a relaxing weekend!

-Ms. Tingle