Friday

We had a very interesting class meeting today so I wanted to make sure it was communicated with you, too. :)

Our Meeting Notes:
The kids are getting the typical 4th grade "spring fever" as they do every year.  Some boys and girls are starting to notice each other more and wanting to be boyfriends/girlfriends.  So - this is how I like to handle this...
1. It is up to your parents on whether or not you are allowed to have bf/gf
2. It does not need to be my business if you are doing this, but you can make it my business if you want it
3. As long as you are focusing on school work and working hard for yourself and me in the classroom it won't be a problem, but when you begin daydreaming (which I included about ponies, unicorns, or boys/girls:) ) and miss some info. you are to be learning, it does become a problem.
I also told the kids about how you don't want to be 'dating' forever and if you start now, it will definitely feel like that. HA! I also expressed how much more fun it is to just be a kid now and worry about the 'going out' thing when they are in high school and can actually go somewhere. :)
So, I brought it up in a very light, fun way, but I just wanted you all (the parents) to know that we did have our class meeting on this topic b/c of the fuss it's started to become in my room.  I have no doubt that the kids respect each other, our time in class, and me to make sure this doesn't get into the way of our learning!!

Review Friday:
This morning we started off with our Dollars & Sense program from 4H.  It was neat to see kids spending their money wisely! The students are bringing home a list of items they spent - ask them about it!

Next we learned more in our Friday Geometry unit. We reviewed the 2D shapes and today learned about angles and measuring angles through a protractor.  Several kids seemed to get this skill right off the bat! We drew several angles on our desks with Expos and then measured them.  We are still getting the hang of knowing if we use the bigger numbers or smaller numbers on the protractor.  We will continue this skill.

Students then took their states and capitals quiz.  I must say... it was kind of hard for some. :( Students had a map they needed to label the states on and then a sheet to match up the states and capitals.  This took a bit longer than expected, so we didn't get to all our review learning groups!

After students came back from Lunch Bunch and specials, we worked as a small group on test taking strategies.  Today we focused on multiple choice questions.  We thought of our own strategy to use and then put it to work on a lesson called "The Birthday Lesson".  After students worked on the answers we went over them together and discussed certain answers.  I was so proud of some of the kiddos who never want to go back in the text but did and got 100% on the reading! ya!

Next, we had class meeting (see above). Love those sweet kids! :)

After meeting we worked on a text feature scavenger hunt using the Social Studies Weekly newspapers for 4th grade reading levels.  Students thought it was fun to get to draw all over the newspaper with markers while they were hunting for their text features!

After having recess (COME ON SPRING!!!!) we enjoyed helping our Book Buddies read and take AR tests! We are so proud of them!

*Have a wonderful weekend and pray for no more snow!! :)