It’s been another fantastic week here in fourth grade, spent learning, growing, and connecting!
Math
We’re using number lines, fraction bars, and real-life examples to help students visualize what’s happening in each problem. Students have also been introduced to improper fractions, and students are learning how to convert them into mixed numbers, such as 2 and 1/4 or 3 and 2/3.
They’re beginning to see that improper fractions are just another way to show a number greater than one. In class, students are playing fraction games, solving word problems, and working in groups to explain their thinking to one another. We’re also talking a lot about math vocabulary! Words like numerator, denominator, equivalent, and product, so they can clearly describe what they’re doing and why.
Diving deeper into the fourth-grade Revolution study, students are beginning to prepare for a friendly classroom debate! Each student will take a position: Loyalist or Patriot, and use facts and persuasive writing techniques to support their opinion. Fourth graders began by analyzing the etching Paul Revere made of the Boston Massacre.
The class discussed how, depending on what side someone is on, their bias is likely swayed. Revere’s depiction of the Boston Massacre is a great example of how considering the source information comes from is important to factor in when forming an opinion. We hope this sparks further discussion at home about considering where information comes from. Right now, we’re learning how to clearly state an opinion, back it up with strong reasons and evidence, and listen respectfully to others’ ideas. We’re so excited to watch these young debaters put their thinking into action!
Community
Students have enjoyed getting to spend time with other students in different grades. This week, Cooper Clusters gave them an opportunity to interact with students they may not usually get to. Playing games and sharing a pizza lunch with students in lower elementary and middle school!
Similarly, fourth-grade students were invited to the middle school talent show! The show was full of lots of laughs and encouragement to others! Fourth graders love getting to be a part of the community here at TCS!
