This Week in LL38....

Science
     On Tuesday the kids were excited to see how their "weathering proof" structures held up over the long weekend.  First, none of the structures blew away with the wind, so that was a huge plus!  The kids were happy to see that all of the structures "weathered" the snow and rain.  Then, they got a chance to observe their structures.  They made some great observations about their structures and tried to be as detailed as possible.
    We also talked about SLOW changes versus RAPID changes to the Earth.

A visual that we used in the classroom.

Our discussion led us to begin to wonder and become curious about earthquakes. We were especially curious about WHY we (in Massachusetts) don't get many earthquakes and California gets so many!

We watched a few videos last week around tectonic plates to begin our understanding about earthquakes and why they happen.  On Friday, we got to experiment and determine the 3 things that can happen to tectonic plate boundaries.  (This experiment took A LOT of will power!)  :)

Experimenting with tectonic plate boundaries....using saltines and frosting!

**  Ask your child what they learned about what 3 things can happen to places where the tectonic plates meet.  **

Math Workshop

      In math we are continuing our Geometry unit.  Last week we talked a lot about angles, the types, estimating angles, and measuring angles.  We will continue to practice these concepts this week as well.  

     You should have received your child's Module 3 assessment data last week.  Thank you for returning them stating that you had seen the assessment.  I will send the blue sheets home on Monday, so you can use it as a reminder of what review your child could work on at home.  

    It will be very important for the kids to review these trickier concepts at home so that they can retain what they have learned in school.  I have talked to the class about using strategies that they have worked on in school when they are practicing multiplication and division at home.  We also talked about the importance for them to TRY the problems on their own at first.  If after a good effort it is still difficult, they should stop and let me know the next day.  

Reading Workshop

     Last week we worked on determining important information versus interesting information in a nonfiction text.  This can be a tricky concept for 4th graders.  We will continue to practice this in school over the next few weeks.  

     If you are looking for a way to support your child at home with reading, it would be great to read nonfiction books with your child.  Magazines or even websites like Wonderopolis would be great to use.  You could talk with your child about the information that they feel other people need to know about this topic (important information) rather than the "cool" facts.  Having conversations and encouraging your child to ask questions that might lead them to other topics of interest would also help to support what your child is learning in school.

I hope everyone has a great week!

~Jen