Post #5

YET........

The girls have learned the power of yet. This math problem is hard; I can't do it YET. I can't find the answer to this Wordly Wise question YET. I love the determination the girls are displaying during challenging assignments and their eagerness to take academic risks. Many girls have solved the "Inspector Gadgets" and in doing so have practiced dozens of computations. Their cubby doors are adorned with "Math Chicks."

We had a good discussion about math homework and the absence of worksheets and practice pages. There are two reasons I didn't assign Math Journal/Study Link pages this week.  Reason #1-I want the girls to focus on attention to detail during computation and to become fact wizards, hence the Math Contract.  Mastering these two skills in fourth grade will set them up for success in middle school and beyond. Reason #2- We spend a great deal of time doing math. And I do mean doing math. They are explaining, drawing, writing, and solving math throughout the day. Their enthusiasm and engagement during math instruction is incredible and I'm just not convinced they need additional practice time. There are enrichment opportunities on our Fourthie site. Several girls were introduced to Solve Me Mobiles. Enrichment is not just for the early finishers, so encourage your daughter to check out the activities and ask for an account. The girls enjoyed problem solving with the 12 year old winner of America's Got Talent. Our geometry unit is coming to an end. The girls are completing an art/geometry project and will take the chapter assessment on Thursday. 

Subjects, predicates, and sentence expansion started with a cup of tea. The girls watched a simple sentence expand and used this example as inspiration in the second writing lab. We will begin working on the first book report (movie trailer) next week. Please encourage/remind your daughter that her fiction novel should be finished by Tuesday. 

The girls explored the role, responsibilities, and qualifications of the president during History4Fourthies. They tried to balance the budget and decided on a team of advisors. Some were

more successful than others. Each girl chose (blind choice) a president from the 20th century. They will research the president and create a presentation for the class. More on that next week.

We want our Fourthies to be global citizens and demonstrate the four pillars of global competence (investigate the world, communicate ideas, weigh perspectives, and Take Action). Newsela strengthens their non-fiction reading and opens up their world. The girls selected an article from a country of interest and summarized their reading for a collaborative map. We will use the map as a geography lesson and examine events from around the world. 

A few item of interest:

* Blessing of the Animals- 10/3

* Parents Technology Night-Tuesday, October 4th  (It will be like a party:) Hope you can join us!

* Author CeCe Bell is visiting St. Catherine's on 10/6.  A flyer went home with the girls. Here it is.

* Fall Conference Sign-up

* Special Week Sign-up

* Homework is posted for the week for family planning:) 

* Carpool Helper Calendar- Alice will represent our class next week.

Girls- Your mystery question is........ with Fourthie read about Russia?? Add your answer here.

Want to add to our class pet ideas? Click here. Be ready to vote on a birthday month.