Final Full Week of February...Already?

Good Afternoon,

We got a little taste of spring this week, and I think it was exactly what everyone needed this time of year to give them an extra boost of energy. This week we started our test prep units for writing and reading, and as we gear up for the Wisconsin Forward exam. It is always being reiterated to students that they have learned all year content and strategies that will help them do their very best. We hope to alleviate stress, anxiety, and nerves around the exam by teaching different test taking tips and strategies.

Week in Review:

Leader in Me: This week we learned about being loyal to the absent, which means speaking as if the person you are talking about can hear you.  Being loyal to the absent is a key behavior for building high trust. Invite your learner to share how they could be loyal to the absent using one of the scenarios below:

  • A friend is making fun of a new classmate.
  • Your friend asks what you think about the new student from another country.
  • At a party, your two friends are making fun of another student’s speech issue.

Writing: Writers began their writing test prep unit which looks a little different than year's past because what is being expected of them to write on the Wisconsin Forward. They need to write a short response to a text whereas in years past in was a complete essay. We talked about how they need to read the questions carefully, answer the question, cite text evidence, and then explain it to wrap it up. We use the acronym RACE to help them through this beginning process.

Math: Students reviewed the different types of angles to start the week Then, they used what they know about angle measures of pattern blocks to investigate protractors. They used protractors to measure more angles and discuss the protractor as a tool for measuring angles. Students extended their work with angles and explore attributes of polygons. They identified and drew parallel and perpendicular lines. They also practiced drawing a variety of angles and lines. We ended the week introducing students to line of symmetry, and they worked to define and create examples of polygons with one or more lines of symmetry.

Reading: Readers got a start on the test prep reading unit which provides tips and strategies related to what they will see on the Wisconsin Forward test. We relate all strategies back to things they have already learned about, and the focus this week was on characters. When reading we pay attention to characters motivations and change, as well as noticing the themes in our stories which are all things test makers may ask us about in a story.

Content: Students explored the role that air plays in enabling a sound vibration to travel. Students experimented with sound to understand how it moves through the air and then considered what would happen in an environment like space where there is no air.

A Look Ahead:

  • February 26th - Last day to order yearbooks
  • February 29th - NDLC Family Night 5:30-6:30
  • March 1st - Human Growth and Development Lesson
    • Yellow form went home to sign, and had information on what is covered. If you would like to see the presentation yourself just let me know, and I'd be happy to pass it along!
  • March 11th-15th - Knowledge-A-Thon Rush Week
  • March 19th & 21st - Student led Parent/Teacher Conferences
  • March 19th & 21st - Book Fair
  • March 22nd - Early Dismissal
  • Tuesday, March 26th, 2024 - 4th Grade Field Trip to Madison
    • Permission slips will be sent home next week!
  • March 29th & April 1st - No School

That's all for this week!

Have a great weekend!


Mr. VW




Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Halftime of April!

Image
Good Afternoon, This week the students finished up yet another round of forward testing with just the math sessions remaining next week. I have been proud of their continued efforts as testing can take a lot of time and energy, but remaining consistent with their effort is imperative. For them, finding the motivation to continue to be their best self, being kind, safe, and respectful as we head towards the end of the school year because as the weather gets better it can get harder to want to keep that energy high in the classroom as well. I'm excited for them to finish the school year strong, and be proud of all the growth they have made. Week in Review: Leader in Me:  This week we discussed how we can be upstanders, not bystanders, in bullying situations. A bystander is a person who is present at an event or incident, does not take part, and doesn’t help. An upstander is a person who speaks or acts in support of an individual or cause, particularly someone who intervenes on behalf...
Read more

Last Full Week in the Books!

Image
 Good Afternoon, Hard to believe the last full week of school has already passed. It's been quite an amazing year with so much to celebrate! I look forward to making each of these last days count, and making each 4th grader happy that they can call themselves NDLC Huskies when they finish! Hope everyone enjoys the beautiful weather this weekend! Week in Review: Leader in Me:  This week, we learned about 3rd Alternatives. A 3rd Alternative is a win-win solution that works for both parties. Combining strengths and being open to new ideas allow us to create better ideas called 3rd Alternatives. Watch the Landfill Harmonic video on Leader in Me Online and discuss these questions: Where did you see examples of synergy? Do you agree or disagree with this statement: Without synergy, there would be no Landfill Harmonic. Writing:  Writers are finishing up their 2nd graphic novels, and are working on some final revisions and edits before bringing that work home! Math: Mathematicia...
Read more

Hello March!

Image
Good Afternoon, As we turn the page on another month of the school year, my hope is to make the final months here everything and more for all students and families. I greatly appreciate the trust you put into me as your child's teacher, and I want to make sure if there is anything more you want from me in these final few months please do not hesitate to reach out and ask. It has been a great group of students to be around daily that have really grown in so many ways, and I am so proud of them all. I look forward to continuing to strive to be our best version of ourselves everyday with them these final few months. Week in Review: Leader in Me:  This week we learned about Habit 4: Think Win-Win and how to use this type of thinking to build good relationships. We have also learned how to make Win-Win Agreements! Together, view this resource: Everyone Can Win to learn more about win-win thinking. Writing:  Writers worked this week to understand what the prompt is asking them t...
Read more