Dear Parents,
I am pleased to inform you that the Ecoventure Parent Information Session will take place on 6 October 2015 straight after school. The meeting will start at approximately 3:35 and last for about 20 minutes, depending on questions. Just to remind you that it is related to the overnight trip to the desert during the week of 6 to 10 December. I hope to see you there. MathThis week during math we continued to look at how the place value of numbers form the foundation of all mathematics. The children had the opportunity to read and write different numbers ranging from three digit numbers to seven digit numbers. They also expressed different size numbers using the base 10 number block to solidify their understanding of our base 10 number system. We also played a place value numbers game using dominos to show our understanding. WritingDuring writing we also continued to write recounts. We looked at what makes an interesting opening paragraph and how to use time connectives like, In a split second, to improve our writing. We connected our language with our unit of inquiry by writing a recount about an Indian boy who rescued and made friends with an elephant. During this task we focused on writing in the past tense and using descriptive language to help the reader connect with out story. Unit of InquiryDuring this phase of our unit we explored our own beliefs and values and looked at how they drive our actions. We also played a game called candy culture where each class took on the culture of a different candy. Each culture had very specific attributes and beliefs towards other cultures. It was interesting to see how the kids responded to certain behaviors. We also worked on rectifying some misunderstandings with regards to what culture is.
MathDuring math this week we did our pre-unit math assessment to help me get an idea of what the children currently understand and where I need to focus my attention. Understanding the number system and the place value of numbers forms the foundation of all mathematical concepts and understandings so that is where we will start. We will investigate the concept of the base 10 number system and then look at accurately reading and writing numbers of different sizes. LanguageThis week we looked at the features of a recount. We did a pre-unit assessment task based on the clip below to inform me of the children's strengths and where I need to focus my attention. We also started to plan our own personal recount based on an event that happen in the past. We answered some of the 5W questions(Who, What, Where, When and Why) to help us with the opening paragraph. Next we will work on writing an imaginative opening paragraph that sets the tone for the rest of the recount. Who We Are! - Tuning in!This week we began tuning into our first unit of inquiry. The children rotated between the 7 Grade 4 teachers where they were exposed to the beliefs and values of different cultures. Below is an example of one of the cultures we looked at. The children wrote down their thoughts, questions and made connections with some of the artifacts and videos on display. Next we will unpack the central idea, Being aware of others' beliefs and values influence the way we interact with them. After that we will look at what beliefs and values are. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to grade 4. We have quite a few new students this year and we welcome each and everyone of you to our community. The first week of school has flown by and I have been extremely impressed with the children's attitude towards their learning.
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