First weekend in October, and boy have we been busy. In the last two weeks 4H has started science, social studies, and research/ extensions. Now our brains are as full as our schedule. In social studies we are beginning our study geography and preparing to learn about the regions of the U.S. The kids have begun by creating maps of the regions of their homes, what fun! In research and extensions, we have started to learn about Central America, El Salvador and more importantly, our sister city, Teosinte, establishing the start of a year long relationship with children and families in a country very far away from our own with whom Arlington has a deep connection. In science, we have begun our weather unit. We talked about the layers of the Earth's atmosphere and are currently learning about and observing the water cycle.
In reading, we continue to monitor our thinking as we read using comprehension strategies such as asking questions, activating prior knowledge, using context clues and making inferences. At the moment, we are using articles and primary sources to study the Titanic, a very exciting yet tragic topic. We continue to develop believable characters for writing short stories and are focusing on the fundamental writing skill of showing through our words. In math, we are taking a very close look at place value to enhance number sense using numbers up to the millions! This week, we will begin to form small math groups that to work on more individual skills across the three fourth grades.
Outside of academics, we have begun to explore the topic of safety at home and at skill. We have successfully practiced a fire drill and discussed the need for a quick and quiet exit plan. We had a visit from the Arlington Fire Department to talked out fire safety at home, what types of things can be dangerous, such as household cleaners and chemicals, overburdened electric sockets, and ovens. We also discussed the importance of having an evacuation plan at home and they gave us some great treats to take home. Finally, in our classroom, we discussed the Hardy lockdown procedures and what to do in our classroom or in the hallway when we hear the announcement for a lockdown. We talked about the many reasons in which we might need to lockdown or have a shelter in place and that Hardy is a safer school because we practice for emergencies. Everyone treated this discussion seriously but without worry or anxiety because we have a plan and know what to do. The key phrase we used was "silent and invisible" so that first responders can do whatever they need to do.
On a fun note, we have scheduled our first field trip to the Harvard Peabody Museum for November. We participate in the school program, Igloos to Adobe that focuses on the indigenous populations of North America and how the region in which people lived greatly impacted the way they lived. It is a wonderful, interactive program with fantastic instructors. We also have time to explore both the Peabody Museum and the Museum of Natural History. This is the first of several field trips we will take, look for a permission slip soon and think about whether or not you would like to come. We will need three chaperones for our classroom.
Also, please consider volunteering to help with our Teosinte curriculum. There are many events throughout the year including a skype chat, a concert at town hall, a letter exchange and fiesta, none of which is possible without parent support.
I hope everyone is enjoying this great fall weather and spending lots of time outside!
In reading, we continue to monitor our thinking as we read using comprehension strategies such as asking questions, activating prior knowledge, using context clues and making inferences. At the moment, we are using articles and primary sources to study the Titanic, a very exciting yet tragic topic. We continue to develop believable characters for writing short stories and are focusing on the fundamental writing skill of showing through our words. In math, we are taking a very close look at place value to enhance number sense using numbers up to the millions! This week, we will begin to form small math groups that to work on more individual skills across the three fourth grades.
Outside of academics, we have begun to explore the topic of safety at home and at skill. We have successfully practiced a fire drill and discussed the need for a quick and quiet exit plan. We had a visit from the Arlington Fire Department to talked out fire safety at home, what types of things can be dangerous, such as household cleaners and chemicals, overburdened electric sockets, and ovens. We also discussed the importance of having an evacuation plan at home and they gave us some great treats to take home. Finally, in our classroom, we discussed the Hardy lockdown procedures and what to do in our classroom or in the hallway when we hear the announcement for a lockdown. We talked about the many reasons in which we might need to lockdown or have a shelter in place and that Hardy is a safer school because we practice for emergencies. Everyone treated this discussion seriously but without worry or anxiety because we have a plan and know what to do. The key phrase we used was "silent and invisible" so that first responders can do whatever they need to do.
On a fun note, we have scheduled our first field trip to the Harvard Peabody Museum for November. We participate in the school program, Igloos to Adobe that focuses on the indigenous populations of North America and how the region in which people lived greatly impacted the way they lived. It is a wonderful, interactive program with fantastic instructors. We also have time to explore both the Peabody Museum and the Museum of Natural History. This is the first of several field trips we will take, look for a permission slip soon and think about whether or not you would like to come. We will need three chaperones for our classroom.
Also, please consider volunteering to help with our Teosinte curriculum. There are many events throughout the year including a skype chat, a concert at town hall, a letter exchange and fiesta, none of which is possible without parent support.
I hope everyone is enjoying this great fall weather and spending lots of time outside!