Fourth Grade
by Mrs. McClintic & Ms. McGee
April 24, 2008
The fourth graders were geologists during the month of April, or as we'd like to think...rock stars! We learned that minerals are the building blocks of rocks. We also learned, then, that all rocks can be categorized into three main groups: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. We even "rocked out" to our Rock Song. You may have even heard it sung at home! It seems as though the fourth graders have a high level of enthusiasm during our rock unit. Because of this, we devoted one whole day during science as "rock sharing day." The children and Mrs. McClintic brought their rock collections to share. We enjoyed looking at the spectacular collections! In May we will be studying about ground water. The students will learn about Nebraska's amazing ground water resource: the Ogallala aquifer.
Time and money--two things we probably all wish we had more of. Well, these two topics were the main focus during math class for the month of April. The children reviewed counting money. Then they practiced making change for up to $20.00 by playing store with partners and with their teacher. The actual assessment required each student to correctly count back change to their teacher. The children then practiced telling time to the nearest minute. We also worked on figuring how much time elapsed between two given times. If you have the opportunity to help your child at home by having them figure out how long it took to get somewhere or if supper will be done in 20 minutes, what time will it be then....that would be immensely helpful.
As the end of the school year is approaching, we have started to administer the GORT (Gray Oral Reading Test) during reading. The GORT measures progress the students have made in the areas of fluency and comprehension. This test also helps teachers decide which reading group your son or daughter will be placed in for next year.
The month of April kept the fourth graders busy studying about explorers, traders, and missionaries that traveled through Nebraska during Social Studies. We also "packed" up our belongings and traveled the Oregon and Mormon trails. As we "journeyed" west, students learned about different forts along the way and what life was like for pioneers. Towards the end of April, students started taking notes and writing a report on an Important Nebraskan. They will be giving a speech to their classmates about their important Nebraskan.
