Today was a really great first day of school! The learners were enthusiastic and worked hard all day. It was really great to see them interact as a group. We were quite impressed! It sure did heat up towards the end of the day, but this morning we experienced a snowstorm in class. Please ask your learner to tell you about it, if they haven't already. It was a fun way to get to know more about one another. We have included video so you can see all the excitement. Paula was worried that we might have to call today a snow day!
The learners noticed right away that the biggest change with fourth grade was the number of bodies in the room. We spent part of the day talking about how we work together in groups effectively. We gave them the task of working together with puzzle pieces that created four rectangles. The learners were quite confident that they could accomplish this until we told them they couldn't talk, gesture, point, etc. to communicate with each other. The learners did a fantastic job working together in total silence. After the activity we brainstormed a list of qualities needed to be a successful group member and what the experience was like for them. Here are some pictures of the activity:
We also created a KWL for fourth grade. The learners had some interesting knows, wants and wishes for the year. Some of their thoughts included:
What do you know about fourth grade?
We do ROPES
We learn about the Gold Rush
We go on two overnights
There is more homework
It will be fun
What do you wonder about the fourth grade?
Do we have free choice
When is homework due, daily/weekly
What is PE going to be like
What are the binders for
What are your wishes for the fourth grade?
To do better in school this year
To make new friends
To get to know Emma better
Please remember that tomorrow is a full day. School gets out at 3:00. It was hot today and we didn't have bottled water in the classroom yet, so please send your learner to school with plenty of fluids. Also, please remember to look at our classroom website. There is tons of information about all the field trips and milestones this year, fun things to do with your family, and lots of resources about fourth grade curriculum. We hope you find it useful. The supply list can be downloaded directly from the document library if you need it.
We are looking forward to a fantastic and fun year. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
Kindly,
Elysha and Lale
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