The Ritenour Review
2017 - 2018 Fourth Grade Weekly News
Moon Week
Whew! Last week was fun! We had a full week of MOON fun and we threw in a few other topics, too.
The biggest part of our week was focusing on the moon. We really want to capture the excitement from the Solar Eclipse and talk about of lovely Moon, too. Our biggest conversation this week was to find proof in what we are told. We talked a lot about misconceptions about Earth, the Sun and the Moon. We even looked back to theories made thousands of years ago! Our goal this week was to look at some older theories about our solar system and see if we could find evidence to support or deny those claims. We had a lot of fun doing this and we learned a lot along the way.
We finished our kick off math topic and the class created a really powerful anchor chart for strategies we can use throughout the year in math. This was 100% student created, so I look forward to seeing how they use their own advise this year.
In reading, we started our first read aloud of the year, Tiger Rising. You know you've picked a good read aloud when the class groans because you have to stop reading for the day. Teacher win!
Spelling is off to a good start, too. We have been focusing on the -tch, -ch, -dge and -ge endings on words. This week, we will look at all four headers and make sure we understand when to use each ending.
Next week:
- Math: We will finalize our online program setups and will jump into multi-digit addition and subtraction strategies. I know many of my parents will be thrilled, because we will be talking about traditional subtraction - trade-first method - and this is what y'all know best!
- Reading: Continuing to build our reading life and allow our minds to welcome reading moments. We will also start making inquiries into our characters' behavior and motivation.
- Writing: We will continue to work on the ARC of the story.
- Social Studies: We will learn about Tecumseh and prepare ourselves for Camp Tecumseh!! It's this week, y'all!
Solar Eclipse
We survived!! I know there was some stress for all of us leading into the eclipse. We were concerned about our kids' eyes and ensuring they all followed directions to be as safe as possible.
In class, we did our part to learn about being safe and enjoying the moment. All of it was worth it in the end to see and hear their genuine enjoyment for the moment. Every fourth grade child was amazing with following the safety procedures set in place and when they had their moment to experience the eclipse, the sound of amazement was music to my ears.
"ooooooooo!!"
"ahhhhhh! "No way!
"It's totally there!"
Truly a fun moment for a teacher to hear this moment of pure, kid-like noise.
Even the Adults LOVED the Eclipse!
Camp Tecumseh
It's THE week! We are so excited we cannot even contain our excitement!!
The fourth grade teachers have been working hard to ensure a fun and safe trip. We think we have finalized all of the cabin, trail, and eating groups! We also finalized chaperone schedules, too! If you are a chaperone, you will receive that information shortly.
Please, double-check the packing list and make sure your child is fully prepared for our adventure. LABEL his/her bag! It will make the unloading process much easier.
Moon Week FUN!
Is the Sun moving or is Earth moving?
Special's Schedule
- Monday: STEM
- Tuesday: Music
- Wednesday: Art
- Thursday: Wellness **bring/wear tennis shoes
- Friday: Library
Upcoming Dates!
- August 30th - Up With People visits Boone Meadow
- August 31st and September 1st - Camp Tecumseh
- September 4th - No school in observance of Labor Day