Fourth Grade
by Mrs. McClintic and Ms. McGee
April 29, 2010
The fourth graders were geologists toward the beginning of April, or as we'd like to think...rock stars! We learned that minerals are the building blocks of rocks. We also learned 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 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! We are now studying about ground water and surface water. The students are learning about Nebraska's amazing ground water resource: the Ogallala aquifer. Mr. Jack Swanson, a former professor at Concordia University in Seward and Jackson's grandfather, came to visit with us about the importance of water. He also shared some fun activities with us. The following week, Mr. Rethwisch from the Butler County Extension Office came to our classroom with a ground water model. We thank them both!
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 and reading a calendar accurately. Any additional at-home practice with using a calendar and a clock with hour and minute hands would be most beneficial.
Curt Tomasevicz came to visit with our students regarding his experiences related to being part of the gold-medal winning bobsled team at the 2010 Winter Olympic games. One of the things he said is that it's important to remember where you've been. That fits right into a project that the fourth graders are working on in social studies. Your child began by interviewing parents and grandparents in order to find out about his/her heritage. They are now using this information to make a classroom book. The book will begin with a, "Did you know?" section followed by a section containing a family recipe. This recipe is either tied to their heritage or it's a family favorite. The last section will include special family memories. We will end the school year by studying famous Nebraskans.
Our school personnel has started to administer the GORT (Gray Oral Reading Test) to our 2-6th grade students. The GORT measures the progress students have made in the areas of reading fluency and comprehension. This test also helps teachers decide which reading group your son or daughter will be placed in for next year.
As this is our last edition of the Double Scoop for the 2009-2010 school year, Mrs. Scoville and Mrs. McClintic would like to take this opportunity to thank you for all of the support you've given your child and us throughout this school year. Have a wonderful summer!
