We had visual arts infusion where we learned about asymmetrical and symmetrical balance while looking about cityscapes. We also had been discussing math properties in class so we combined our knowledge of balance in art with balance in math. Check out our cityscapes that showcase our math properties.

 Do you see the math problem?

If you thought the associative property 2 x 5 x 4 = 2 x 5 x 4, you are correct! Now do you see these math properties?

Zero property!                                                    Commutative property!

The fourth grade students began a three week long fairy tale unit this week. The students are having a blast getting to read original versions of fairy tales and comparing them to fractured versions of that fairy tale. Students are working with a partner to really delve into the thoughts and actions behind each character as they complete analysis of the main characters from each fairy tale. Next week, the students will create a monologue and masks to represent their character. They will get to perform their monologue the final week of our unit, so parents be looking out for some fairy tale conversations at your house the next few weeks. They should be quite interesting!

This week we have been learning about the different parts of a flower. After reading the fantasy story “Plantzilla” our students got into groups and were able  to build their own plants using all of the parts that we studied. Being able to build their own anthers, sepal, and pistol really helped them understand where each part is located and how it functions.

We used nonlocomotor to show the process of photosynthesis! Click on the Photosynthesis link to watch!

Photosynthesis

While learning about food chains and food webs, the students put their knowledge to practice in this exciting lesson. Each student was given a sticker to wear with the name of a producer or consumer from a food chain. The students then used yarn to connect themselves to others in the room according to what they would eat or if they would be eaten. By the end of the lesson, we had a spidery web going all across the classroom. This really helped the students to see how connected organisms are in nature.

We are learning about different adaptations that plants and animals have in order to survive in their environment. Today we got to see the challenges that different types of birds encounter because of their different types of beaks. The students had a great time practicing with chopsticks!

We have our new class pets! We aren’t sure what they are because they are going through complete metamorphosis. Only insects go through complete and incomplete metamorphosis.

The first few days of school have gone great! The students have been doing a lot of art. Make sure you ask your child about the Tree of Traits, Kandinsky Numbers, Color Wheels and more. Also make sure you stop by our hall to check out all of the wonderful artwork going on. More will be coming soon!

art museum Click here for a performance by Van Gogh

Here’s what the students have done over the past few weeks:

• Researched the artist using the internet, encyclopedias, and various informational texts.
• Wrote a biography and a critique about the author and his/her work.
• Created a timeline illustrating important events in the authors life.
• Created a partial list of the artist’s work.
• Written a first person point of view script based on important events and the significance of the artist.
• Created a visual background to host the above materials.
• Recreated one of the artist’s pieces of work individually.
• Recreated one of the artist’s pieces of work as a group where all opinions were considered.

We hope everyone that attended was truly blessed at how amazing the children are at our school.  They worked really hard and did an awesome job!