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Friday, November 15, 2013

GRADE4NEWSLETTER

Upcoming Dates:

-Wed., November 27 Thanksgiving Half Day

-Thurs. and Fri., November 28 and 29 Thanksgiving No school

This week marks ‘Going Further” part of our inquiry cycle in

our unit, Who we are. These past two weeks students read and took

notes on non-fiction articles about the six nutrients and their effects on our health and well being. The concept of perspective was explored when students learned that there are different types of food pyramids. Students also began planning their wellness spa by choosing topics and partners. They dug deeper into the health

issues affecting students from either a boy’s or a girl’s perspective.

The wellness spa will help visitors understand the choices they can

make to live a healthier and happier life. As a grade level, students also had the opportunity to ask Dr. Rhee, a pediatrician, questions about children’s health and to participate in a Zumba and Pilates class to learn about different ways to exercise.

Ms. Mines led the whole fourth grade group in a Zumba class. It was an exhausting, but fun, workout!

John took a moment to ask Ms. Mines some questions about Zumba for his

research abut wellness.Ms. Rose led us in a Pilates discussion and demonstration.

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In math students explored different types of graphs and how to interpret them. Next week students will interpret the graphs from their health surveys. Students were also introduced to the concept of multiplying decimal fractions. Students applied their skill of using a hundreds grid to create visual representations showing the ‘part of a part’.  In their weekly homework assignment students continued to practice their understanding of whole numbers, fractions, and decimal fractions to solve patterns and authentic word problems.

In literacy we are continuing to

practice writing organized and

elaborated paragraphs. These

past two weeks, students practiced

and applied their writing skills by

writing two persuasive letters about the importance of sleep and

a health issue they feel passionately about. Students also

wrote reflections about their math

and writing progress for their portfolio, and created a brochure

or poster for their spa project. Many students conferenced with

Mr. Z to discuss other elements important to writing, such as voice, sentence fluency, and

grammar.

Mr. Z and 4A meet up to discuss their tasks for the afternoon.

Alex drafts his ideas for our wellness spa project.

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Samantha’s take on mental health:

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4A Wellness Spa

Brochures