Take It With You

We were in the middle of reading a longer Trickster Tale, Brer Rabbit and Sis Cow, and analyzing the text, when it was our turn to participate in Reading Benchmark. Students are pulled into the ADSIS and Title One classrooms to read one-to-one with the staff. They are trying to read as many words in one minute, with minimal errors. We brought our learning with us while we waited for our turn, making the most of our time. The class knows the routine and expectation, so the location didn't impact our learning.

Developed

In Reading, we take time to develop our learning and model. One of our skills we have been developing is comparing and contrasting. Students were invited to write two paragraphs comparing storms.

We started by brainstorming types of storms you might compare:

Then Ms. Leom further developed the lesson by modeling what two paragraphs compring and contrasting might look like. She used Mr. Grenigner and herself as an example.

example modeled with Ms. Leom's class

example modeled with Mr. Greninger's class

After the lesson was introduced, developed, started together, then modeled, students were given work time. To begin, Ms. Leom walked around the room supporting students. Soon, she could see the students who needed additional support. She pulled them into small groups at a table with her and one with our support staff who works in the room.

Wonder

On Friday January 5th, we went to the Milaca Theater to see the movie, Wonder. We often like to do activities with ALL of our students that are not Reward related and connected to the Responsibility Cards. All of our students are special, important, and we want everyone to share in the fun and make memories in fourth grade. Wonder has many great messages that people can benefit from learning and discussing.

our class on the bus

entering the theater

grabbing our water and popcorn as we entered

 Sitting with our friends ... there wasn't a lot of time for pictures. As soon as everyone was seated, the movie started.

When we returned to class, each of the teachers took time that day to talk with their students about the movie, the messages, and their experiences.

What a "WONDER"-ful way to start the new year!!

Book Project Start

This week, we are working on our Book Project Placemats. The directions are on Google Classroom. The students received all of their materials. Now we are working in class to showcase our books.

an quick sketch example to showcase the steps we need to do and what it might look like

We will finish this project by eating lunch in Ms. Leom's classroom. We will introduce and share the books we read. It is exciting for students to learn about interesting books from their peers.

Book Projects also develop the skills of completing a large project by breaking down the steps, time management, and a purpose for neat work.

Compare and Contrast

As we continue our Compare and Contrast learning, we worked with peers, shared our learning, and had direct feedback one-on-one with Ms. Leom.

Ms. Leom works with ALL of the students in her classes in small groups. Since Ms. Leom isn't able to get to ALL 42 students every day, she makes use of additional resources to provide more support and learning feedback. During Mr. Greninger's class, Mrs. Streeter is one of the adults in the room. Mrs. Streeter is a licensed teacher, who retired last year, and returned to fill a staff position we weren't able to fill. Sometimes, it is nice to see a face and name of the adults who are working with our classrooms.

Inside

With the sub-zero temperatures, students were inside before school and during Recess. Here is a snapshot of Mr. Greninger's class during inside Recess.

Homes Around the World

We are developing our skills of comparing and contrasting this week. We started by looking at Homes Around the World.

Ms. Leom's Homeroom's work

Mr. Greninger's Homeroom's work