Fourth Grade http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4 All the latest from Unquowa's Fourth Grade Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:25:18 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.3 en 4th Graders Learn About Bird Banding http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/2012/02/01/4th-graders-learn-about-bird-banding/ http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/2012/02/01/4th-graders-learn-about-bird-banding/#comments Wed, 01 Feb 2012 19:41:07 +0000 Mrs. Curran http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/?p=3824 In January, 4th graders visited the Audubon Center and participated in a program about bird banding. Students learned that this technique provides valuable information about the movement, survival and behavior of birds. Birds are captured in nets during the fall and spring by licensed volunteers who collect data about the species, place bands on their legs and release them back into the wild. Replica models of songbirds were provided, and students used field guides to identify the species, identification code and other important  information which was recorded in a bird banding log. The program concluded with a walk through the bird compound where 4th graders viewed a red-tailed hawk, American kestrel and barred owl. In 5th grade, they will travel to the Birdcraft Museum and observe licensed bird banders as they catch, band and release birds that migrate through CT in the spring.

]]> http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/2012/02/01/4th-graders-learn-about-bird-banding/feed/ Museum Open House http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/2012/02/01/museum-open-house-2/ http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/2012/02/01/museum-open-house-2/#comments Wed, 01 Feb 2012 19:24:07 +0000 Mrs. Bruno http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/?p=2452 After reading about Claudia and Jamie Kincaid’s adventures at the Metropolitan Museum in the book From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, our class created their own personal museums. Each student chose a high interest topic to research. A very big “THANK YOU!” to everyone who attended our Museum Open House last Thursday. The students eagerly awaited your arrival and enjoyed sharing their knowledge with you. I was so proud of them as they confidently engaged their audience.

]]> http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/2012/02/01/museum-open-house-2/feed/ 4th Graders Learn About Food Preservaton http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/2012/02/01/4th-graders-learn-about-food-preservaton/ http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/2012/02/01/4th-graders-learn-about-food-preservaton/#comments Wed, 01 Feb 2012 19:21:43 +0000 Mrs. Curran http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/?p=3876 Have you ever heard of green beans referred to as leather britches or blueberries as fruit leather? The 4th graders learned that these are two methods of drying vegetables and fruits. In conjunction with their study of heirloom plants, Sherri Vinton presented a program on food preservation. Students learned that canning, drying and fermenting are three ways to preserve the fresh flavors of summer fruits and vegetables. Ms. Vinton demonstrated how to make pickles and jams using the boiling water method. Students also learned that layering cabbage and salt creates the fermentation process necessary for making sauerkraut. The 4th graders were eager to sample bread and butter pickles and blueberry leather. Thank you, Ms. Vinton, for sharing your delicious recipes and teaching us so many interesting facts about how to preserve the summer harvest!

]]> http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/2012/02/01/4th-graders-learn-about-food-preservaton/feed/ Assignments for 1/30-2/3 http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/2012/01/30/assignments-for-130-23/ http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/2012/01/30/assignments-for-130-23/#comments Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:00:38 +0000 Mrs. Bruno http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/?p=3545 Monday

Spelling Lesson #21- pages 164+165…No writing due this week

Vocabulary Lesson #8- read page 32 and complete page 33. Write a short phase biography about a person in history. Tell about a unique event in this person’s life.The event should be true and may require that you do some research. This is due on Friday.

Science - Science Fair topics are due to Mrs. Gordon for approval by tomorrow

Math - Mitchell - Complete the Coordinates picture given at the end of class.

Tuesday

Spelling - pages 166+167

Wednesday

Spelling - pages 168+169

Grammar - 109-111 sections C+D

Vocabulary pages 34 + 35

Social Studies - finish reading Chapter 5, Lesson 2 and complete reading check questions.

Map puzzle pieces due on 2-8-12 …They must include the state name, capital city, other major cities, rivers, lakes, mountains and other appropriate landforms. Illustrate the state bird, flower, land use, etc. Make sure you work in pencil first and spelling is accurate.

Thursday

Spelling - pages 170+171

Study for Spelling test tomorrow afternoon

Math - Bruno - mode worksheet

Remember to bring a lunch for our trip to the Maritime. NO NUT PRODUCTS

Español:  Fish making your own matching question on your worksheet.

Friday

]]> http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/2012/01/30/assignments-for-130-23/feed/ Michelangelo http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/2012/01/29/michelangelo/ http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/2012/01/29/michelangelo/#comments Mon, 30 Jan 2012 02:59:18 +0000 Mrs. Bruno http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/?p=3609 Our latest literature selection, From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, is the story of two children and their adventure involving Michelangelo in the Metropolitan Museum in New York. Working on their backs, under their desks, students created and colored their own pictures while thinking of Michelangelo as he painted the Sistine Chapel. Although it was a fun experience, we did recognize the many disadvantages of working under such conditions. Our drawings and reflections are on display outside our room.

]]> http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/2012/01/29/michelangelo/feed/ January Update http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/2012/01/29/january-update/ http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/2012/01/29/january-update/#comments Mon, 30 Jan 2012 02:58:41 +0000 Mrs. Bruno http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/?p=3689 Language Arts

Our current literature selection is the Newbery Award winner, From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, by E.L. Konigsburg. When completed, we will view the movie version and write another compare and contrast essay. We will also create our own museums and hold an Open House on January 26. All parents are invited to view our museums from 9:00-10:00. Our grammar focus this trimester will be on sentence types and structure. We will continue to develop vocabulary as related to literature selections and from direct instruction.

Math

We just completed our unit on  multiplication. Each day we challenged ourselves with “speed races”. Each race has 30 basic facts, and our goal was to accurately complete each in one minute. Two and three digit multiplication were explored in the traditional way, as well as in a lattice box structure. After a unit on time, data and graphs, long division with and without remainders will be presented.

Social Studies

The students started learning about the Northeast region. We will explore early settlements and discover how they grew into cities. Students will learn what states make up the region and what kinds of natural resources they have. Students will also learn how the New England and Middle Atlantic states are similar and different.

]]> http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/2012/01/29/january-update/feed/ Fairfield History Museum Experience http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/2012/01/29/fairfield-history-museum-experience/ http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/2012/01/29/fairfield-history-museum-experience/#comments Mon, 30 Jan 2012 02:57:39 +0000 Mrs. Bruno http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/?p=3666 Fourth grade students enjoyed a trip to the Fairfield History Museum.  In anticipation of making our own museums, we learned the importance of gathering the best items to “tell a story”. We were able to spend time in the newly created theatrical exhibit, and even had a backstage tour of the museum’s artifacts storage room. Finally, in the museum classroom, students learned how set designers choose colors to help tell the story of the play. We designed our own colorful backdrops to be used in creating scenes from our latest literature selection.

]]> http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/2012/01/29/fairfield-history-museum-experience/feed/ Tiled Block Prints http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/2012/01/29/tiled-block-prints-2/ http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/2012/01/29/tiled-block-prints-2/#comments Mon, 30 Jan 2012 02:57:01 +0000 Mrs. Ponden http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/?p=3715 The Portuguese are famous for their elaborately painted tiles, which they call “azulejos” (from the Arabic for polished stone). You can find these gorgeous tiles inside churches, homes, and any place their ornamental designs can also provide insulation on walls. Inspired by Portuguese tiles and geometric designs from the Islamic tradition, the fourth grade carved small blocks with a bold pattern. They first experimented with several designs on a piece of paper to see which looked the most striking, and then they transferred it on to their block. Using delicate carving tools, they carefully carved the lines and shapes to create their stamp. Rather than just stamping the image straight onto a piece of paper, we chose to create 4 x 4 tiled images in two colors. The students rotated their stamp with each print so that the image created a repeating tiled pattern. The results are vibrant and bold, and they were a great first investigation into printmaking.

]]> http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/2012/01/29/tiled-block-prints-2/feed/ Assignments for 1/23-1/27 http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/2012/01/23/assignments-for-123-127/ http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/2012/01/23/assignments-for-123-127/#comments Mon, 23 Jan 2012 17:00:15 +0000 Mrs. Bruno http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/?p=3543 Monday

For those of you who are absent, we finished reading From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler and completed the packet

Spelling Lesson #20 complete pages 156+157 writing due on Friday…Write a friendly letter to someone you know. Include the name of the person you’re writing to. Tell what you are doing or have done, and when you would like to see or hear from the person. Write a closing and your name. Use proper letter formatting. Use as many spelling words as you can.

Vocabulary Lesson #7 - complete pages 28+29 writing due Friday…On a separate piece of paper, write a short story based on an event you actually experienced. Use vocabulary words in your narrative and underline them. Be sure your story has a beginning, a middle, and an ending. (Use the story on page 28 as a  model.)

Español  - Use the sheet I gave you in class to correct your classroom drawing — be sure to fix any spelling mistakes and add any forgotten items

Tuesday

Museums are due in school Wednesday

Spelling Lesson #20 complete pages 158+159

Math - Mitchell - Complete pg. 2 of Roman Numeral practice, only #1-16.   #17-22 are bonus if you choose to complete.

Wednesday

Science: Science Fair Information Packets went home today. Please sign the bottom (parents & student) of the first page and return to Mrs. Gordon by Friday….Topics are due on Tuesday 1/31/12

Remember our open house from 9-10am tomorrow- Thursday

Spelling Lesson #20 complete pages 160+161

Math - Mitchell - Complete Pictographs worksheet, both sides.

Thursday

Museum open house from 9-10am

Spelling Lesson #20 complete pages 162+163

Study for tomorrow’s spelling test

tomorrow’s trip to Audubon - wear appropriate clothes for outdoors..including boots in case you go for a walk outside if not raining. There is no need to bring money or food. (We will not be going to the gift shop).

Friday

]]> http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/2012/01/23/assignments-for-123-127/feed/ Reading Buddies http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/2012/01/19/reading-buddies/ http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/2012/01/19/reading-buddies/#comments Thu, 19 Jan 2012 11:56:59 +0000 Mrs. Bruno http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/?p=3622

What should we read next?  That’s the question heard over and over as our class shared a special reading  time with our PreK- 4 buddies. We will be reading with them the first Tuesday of every month, getting to share our favorite picture books, as well as books to support their curriculum units.

]]> http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/2012/01/19/reading-buddies/feed/ Salt and Fresh Water http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/2012/01/16/salt-and-fresh-water/ http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/2012/01/16/salt-and-fresh-water/#comments Tue, 17 Jan 2012 04:30:16 +0000 Mrs. Gordon http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/?p=3601 Fourth graders investigated what happens when salt and fresh water meet. First they mixed salt and food coloring into a glass of water and then slowly poured this salt water solution into a tank of fresh water. Students were surprised to see the colored (heavier) salt water sink to the bottom while the fresh (clear) water remained on top. Later students simulated waves by blowing on the water and gently mixing with plastic rulers to discover how waves can mix these two types of water in nature. Our fourth graders were able to transfer the knowledge they gained from this model to the real world, as we discussed the same occurrence in estuaries.

]]> http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/2012/01/16/salt-and-fresh-water/feed/ Assignments for 1/16-1/20 http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/2012/01/16/assignments-for-116-120/ http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/2012/01/16/assignments-for-116-120/#comments Mon, 16 Jan 2012 17:00:10 +0000 Mrs. Bruno http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/?p=3541 Monday

Tuesday

Math -B elapsed time worksheet

Write at least one paragraph describing your experience “painting” like Michelangelo. Please edit and hand in a final copy for display along with your artwork.

Spelling Lesson 19 pages 148-149… (No writing piece this week)

Wednesday

Mrs. Frankweiler packet chapters 7 + 8

Spelling Lesson 19 pages 150-151

Thursday

Spelling Lesson 19 pages 152-153…Study for tomorrow’s spelling test

Friday

]]> http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/2012/01/16/assignments-for-116-120/feed/ Assignments for 1/9-1/13 http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/2012/01/09/assignments-for-19-113/ http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/2012/01/09/assignments-for-19-113/#comments Mon, 09 Jan 2012 17:00:01 +0000 Mrs. Bruno http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/?p=3539 Monday

Spelling Lesson 17 - complete pages 134+135

Writing due Thursday …Write a letter in which you ask for a job. Include what job you are applying for, what your abilities are, and what experience you have. Provide the name of a person who will give you a good recommendation.

Math - Mitchell - Complete the Division word problem packet.  Be sure to show your work on page 2.

Tuesday

Social Studies - make sure your vocabulary for chapter 5 is complete….finish the timeline star we started in class. Do not use markers, only colored pencils. the background banner should be a combination of red, white and blue.

Share the directions for your museum project with your parents. They are due in school on 1-25-12 and we will have our  Museum Open House on 1-26-12 from 9-10:00 am

Spelling Lesson 17 - complete pages 136+137

Math - Mitchell - Complete the time worksheet.  For bonus points, find out what the device mentioned in that worksheet was actually called.

Wednesday

Mrs. Frankweiler - complete packet sections for chapters 5 + 6

Spelling Lesson 17 - complete pages 138+139

Study for spelling test tomorrow

Thursday

Friday

]]> http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/2012/01/09/assignments-for-19-113/feed/ Assignments for 1/3-1/6 http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/2012/01/03/assignments-for-13-16/ http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/2012/01/03/assignments-for-13-16/#comments Tue, 03 Jan 2012 17:00:27 +0000 Mrs. Bruno http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/?p=3222 Monday - NO SCHOOL

Tuesday

Spelling Lesson #16 - complete pages 126+127…Write a diary entry about an experience you had. Include where you were, what you did, whom you were with, and what you liked or disliked . Use what spelling words you can that fit your entry. Due Friday.

Dazzling December / Winter Break was Snow Wonderful…choose one to complete tonight for homework

Math-Bruno - finish multiplication worksheet started in class

Wednesday

Social Studies - finish pages 2 + 13 started in class of Passwords social studies vocabulary workbook

Math- Bruno multiplication worksheets (2)

Math Mitchell - Complete 1st page of division practice.  Also complete the Division word problems.

Spelling Lesson #16 - complete pages 128+129

Thursday

Complete page 27 C/D, Maps and Globes

Math - Bruno - multiplication test tomorrow

Math - Mitchell - Complete the six division problems on page 2.  They should have a remainder in the answer.

Spelling Lesson #16 - complete pages 130+131

Study for tomorrow’s spelling test

Español - finish the classroom object crossword for class Monday.

Science: Write 5 facts about a coral reef ecosystem on the 3×5 index card given out in class today. Use the Internet or your textbook to find these facts.

Friday

]]> http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/2012/01/03/assignments-for-13-16/feed/ ¿Dónde está la puerta? (Where is the door?) http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/2012/01/02/%c2%bfdonde-esta-la-puerta-where-is-the-door/ http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/2012/01/02/%c2%bfdonde-esta-la-puerta-where-is-the-door/#comments Tue, 03 Jan 2012 04:33:51 +0000 Sra Darr http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/?p=3532 Fourth grade has begun the new trimester taking part in our school-wide language label project.  Using labels in the Spanish classroom, 4th graders went on a scavenger hunt around the room to discover the meaning of common classroom words, such as “la pizarra” (board), la puerta (door), and “la papelera de reciclaje” (recycling bin) to name just a few.  Then, each student was given several labels which they used to mark objects in their own fourth grade classroom, adding constant exposure to these Spanish words! Have a wonderful vacation fourth grade, and see you next year!

]]> http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/2012/01/02/%c2%bfdonde-esta-la-puerta-where-is-the-door/feed/ Assignments for 12/12-12/16 http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/2011/12/12/assignments-for-1212-1216/ http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/2011/12/12/assignments-for-1212-1216/#comments Mon, 12 Dec 2011 17:00:58 +0000 Mrs. Bruno http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/?p=3220 Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

]]> http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/2011/12/12/assignments-for-1212-1216/feed/ Assignments for 12/5-12/9 http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/2011/12/05/assignments-for-125-129-2/ http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/2011/12/05/assignments-for-125-129-2/#comments Mon, 05 Dec 2011 17:00:32 +0000 Mrs. Bruno http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/?p=3218 Monday

Spelling Lesson #14 - complete pages 110+ 111…writing due Friday…Write a book review about a book you have read. Include the title of the book and the name of the author. Tell what the story is about and what problem the main character has. Would you recommend the book to another reader? Why or why not?

Social Studies - continue to collect your pennies. We will be making our timelines in school on Wednesday.

Science: bring in a (shoe) box by Thursday

Tuesday

Spelling pages 112 + 113

Bring in your pennies to make your timeline in class tomorrow

Wednesday

Remember to bring in your pennies and information for the timelines we started today

Science: Please bring in a shoebox with your name written on the bottom by tomorrow*****

Spelling pages 114 + 115

Science: Finish Food web…color & cut out animals on sheet. Draw and cut out a decomposer. Glue onto the black sheet of paper given out in class, in order. Label producers, consumers and decomposers. Due tomorrow.

Thursday

SCIENCE: Bring in a shoe box by

Study for spelling test tomorrow

Friday

]]> http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/2011/12/05/assignments-for-125-129-2/feed/ Tinfoil Knights Prepare to Guard the Castle http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/2011/12/02/tinfoil-knights-prepare-to-guard-the-castle/ http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/2011/12/02/tinfoil-knights-prepare-to-guard-the-castle/#comments Fri, 02 Dec 2011 13:52:44 +0000 Mrs. Ponden http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/?p=3511 The fourth graders have been working on their project for the Winter Festival castle walls in art. Adorning the Medieval stone and mortar will be their tinfoil knights, made from metal tooling foil and India ink. We began the project by looking at images of Medieval knights and their armor. The students paid careful attention to the joints and separations in the armor that would have allowed the knights to move. They then designed their own suits of armor and transferred them onto thick foil with a pencil. Once the suits were completed, they brushed them with a coat of India ink and then scraped it away with steel wool to create a distressed look. They then cut out their knights and began working on the shields that served as the background. Using tempera paint, the students designed and painted colorful patterns and then added a couple of feathers to complete the suits of armor. In the process we also learned about heraldry, the way royalty had coats of arms designed to represent their kingdoms. Look out for the knights hanging up during the Winter Festival, and pictures of them will be posted online soon.

]]> http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/2011/12/02/tinfoil-knights-prepare-to-guard-the-castle/feed/ Assignments for 11/28-12/2 http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/2011/11/28/assignments-for-1128-122/ http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/2011/11/28/assignments-for-1128-122/#comments Mon, 28 Nov 2011 17:00:48 +0000 Mrs. Bruno http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/?p=3216 Monday

Spelling Lesson #13 complete pages 102+103… Writing due Thursday…Write a thank you note for a real or imagined treat. Include what the treat was and who provided it  for you. Tell what you liked best about it and what you most appreciate about the person who gave you the treat. Use as many spelling words as you can.

Grammar - Action Verbs - page 39 C+D

Vocabulary Lesson #6 complete pages 24+25 …On a separate piece of paper, write a journal entry of your own. You may write about a real or imaginary event. Include details about your thoughts and feelings as the event unfolded. Use vocabulary words, as many as you can. This is due Thursday.

Tuesday

Reading Logs for November are due today

Social Studies projects are due tomorrow

Spelling Lesson #13 complete pages 104+105

Vocabulary Lesson #6 complete pages 26

Today we read up to chapter 41 of There’s a Boy in the Girl’s Bathroom

Wednesday

Spelling Lesson #13 complete pages 106+107

Study for spelling test tomorrow

Vocabulary Lesson #6 complete pages 27

Thursday

Science: ***Please bring in a (shoe) box for a project on Dec. 8****

Friday - NO SCHOOL

]]> http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/2011/11/28/assignments-for-1128-122/feed/ Assignments for 11/21-11/22 http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/2011/11/21/assignments-for-1121-1122/ http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/2011/11/21/assignments-for-1121-1122/#comments Mon, 21 Nov 2011 17:00:34 +0000 Mrs. Bruno http://unquowa.org/classrooms/grade-4/?p=3214 Monday

No Spelling this week

Math Bruno- finish packet and 3-digit multiplication worksheet

Tomorrow wear “Dress-Up ” to our all school Thanksgiving feast

Tuesday

Wednesday - NO SCHOOL

Thursday - NO SCHOOL

Friday - NO SCHOOL

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