The Bissinger Beacon
December 9, 2016
Kid President’s 25 Reasons To Be Thankful!
Hour of Code
The Hour of Code is a one-hour introduction to computer science, designed to demystify code and show that anybody can learn the basics. In honor of Computer Science Education Week, our class had the opportunity to develop problem-solving skills, logic and creativity using the iPads. By starting early, students will have a foundation for success in any 21st-century career path. For more information and coding opportunities, please follow the link below. Student login information can be found in your child's agenda pad.
Writer's Workshop
4B students began their next topic, essays. We contrasted writing about big ideas with small moments. Authors led wide awake lives and made observations about the world around them. They pushed their thinking to form opinions around ideas to brainstorm essay topics. To understand that free-writing is similar to free falling, students had a blast watching Felix Baumgartner's supersonic free fall from 24 miles above Earth's surface! We distinguished narrative vs. non-narrative writing to prepare our thoughts. Essayists began developing “seed ideas” into strong thesis statements. We began framing our essays by writing examples and details to support our claims. 4B used elaboration prompts such as, "this makes me realize..." to push our thinking! Ask your son/daughter what issue they are arguing in their essay!
Check out Felix Baumgartner's freefall below! How is free writing similar?
Electricity
Electricians learned how to use a battery holder, a light socket and Fahenstock clips to build circuits. We built circuit testers, and discovered troubleshooting techniques to check our circuits.
Social Studies
Students were excited to begin a new unit on immigration last week. We identified different groups who came to America and their various reasons for immigrating to the United States. 4B understands how the U.S. became a “nation of immigrants” and can appreciate how that diversity contributes to our culture. We also discussed how cultural influences impacted neighborhoods. Have you ever been to China town or Little Italy?
Math
Mathematicians dived into geometry as we classified triangles by angle properties. We explored symmetry in nature, shapes and objects. We also classified quadrangles by their properties such as right angles, parallel lines, symmetry and vertices. 4B also analyzed patterns in numbers through "What's My Rule?" routine problems.
Reader's Workshop
Students read aloud Mariette on a Highwire and practiced summarizing the important parts of the book including the main character, supporting characters, problem, important events, or details that are related to the problem, the solution and the ending. We distinguished facts from opinions as we read, "Coming Distractions."
Students have been working hard in the computer lab identifying "gems" and "grows" for our upcoming Student Led Conferences. 4B students are keeping a "growth mindset" and know mistakes are simply proof you are trying. Check out the video below for an excellent example of growth mindset!
Ormie the Pig
Up & Coming
12/12 Report Cards available on Genesis
12/14 Half day for students, afternoon conferences
12/16 School closed for students, am conferences
12/19 Half day for students, pm conferences
12/23 Half day