Picture Perfect Week!

Magnets!

     Earlier in the week we got to experiment with magnets in our Magnets and Electricity science unit.   The kids learned a lot about the ways that magnets interact with each other.  It is always so neat to see the fascination in the eyes of 9 and 10 year olds as they watch a magnet on the bottom of a desk move the magnet on the top of a desk!  There was certainly LOTS of excitement in the classroom.

Lots of Questions...

     In reading workshop we have been working on asking questions over the past few weeks.  The kids came into 4th grade knowing a lot about stopping and asking questions as they are reading.  We have been working on focusing our questions to make sure that they are talk-worthy or "thick" questions instead of always asking "right there" questions.  Thick questions usually start with WHY or HOW.  In addition, thick/talk-worthy questions can ask the reader to describe the lesson in the story or use a word to describe a character.  These types of questions usually encourage the children to think more deeply about what is happening in the story.  These types of questions also require the reader to go back into the book and find "evidence" or words in the book to back up their thinking.  Getting into the habit of asking these types of questions takes some practice.  We have been practicing as a whole class, with partners, and independently. 

How can you help your child at home?

     Often times fourth graders like to read independently, however, it is also important to read with your child.  Picture books are also a great way to share a book with your child!  I will usually read a picture book to the class on a daily basis and they really do love being read to!  

     Even if your child is reading independently, you can ask them to share with you a question that they had while they were reading.   Below is a great chart that gives some sentence starters for asking thin (right there) questions and thick (deep) questions. Having a discussion about any question is also very beneficial for your fourth grader.    

                                                  

     I am looking forward to seeing you at Open House on Thursday, October 2nd!  There will be 2 sessions to accommodate families that have two children.  The first session will go from about 6:30-7:00 and the second session will start around 7:15.  I will share information about our classroom expectations and the fourth grade curriculum.  I hope to see you there!

Enjoy the warm weather!

~Mrs. Lewis