Welcome to Fourth Grade 2018 -2019

Welcome new fourth graders! 

We have had a great first two weeks together. Please reflect on your time in fourth grade so far. What is going well for you? What are you looking forward to? What is a goal you will set out to achieve? Please write at least three complete sentences. 

Advice for 4th Graders!

You have almost spent a full year in 4th grade! Think back on this year. What advice would you give to the 3rd graders who will be coming to the 4th grade classrooms soon? Think about what you can share about our routine or favorite projects. What will you miss the most about fourth grade? What advice do you have for the third graders?

Washington on the Brazos

We had an amazing trip to Washington on the Brazos! We visited Barrington Farm on Anson Jones' estate, saw oxen, pigs, chickens, slave quarters and the incredible Star of the Republic Museum. 

Please state at least one IMPORTANT thing you learned and tell WHY you think it's important. 

Next, state at least one INTERESTING thing you learned. Why was it interesting to you? Please use complete answer format. 

Remember the Alamo! Remember Goliad!

March is a big month for Texas! Did you know it has been 181 years since Texas declared independence from Mexico? You have been working hard to learn more about this time in our state's history. In 3-4 sentences, tell what you have learned about Texas that makes you proud to be a Texan. Think about people's actions and the events from 1821-1836.

The Taste of Texas

Last week we visited the largest independently owned restaurant in Texas, The Taste of Texas! Mrs. Hendee told us about the history of the restaurant and SO much about the history of Texas. She has collected many artifacts, art and historical records to display in the restaurant. Think back to our trip. What are some FACTS you learned? What artifact did you enjoy seeing in person? What experiences did you enjoy? What will you always remember? Please write several complete sentences. 

Oh Canada!

Today we had the privilege to visit Canada! What was your favorite experience? Please write two new facts you learned about Canada today. What is a wonder you'd still like to discover the answer to?

Martin Luther King Jr.

On January 16, 2017, we will have a school holiday to celebrate the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., civil rights leader, minister, and Nobel Peace Prize winner. Please write about Martin Luther King's leadership qualities. What were some of his characteristics that helped people see him as a leader? Do you think his dream of equality for all people has come true? Explain why you feel the way you do.

Resolutions!

Happy 2017! A new year brings an opportunity for us to reflect on our actions and make resolutions for the future. Every year I think about what I'd like improve on. Please take a moment to reflect and share two things you plan to work on in the new year. Also, describe your action plan to achieve these two goals. I look forward to reading your complete sentences with correct punctuation. 

Today, inspired by our Forever Falcon Faris, we traveled to KIPP Shine to work with Brighter Bites.

Wow! We worked diligently and quickly to pack around 700 bags of produce for families. I would love to hear what you thought about our time there. Please respond using a 5 sentence paragraph.

Traditions and Giving!

 Let's share about holiday traditions, fun and giving! Will you celebrate Hanukkah or Christmas? What is a special family tradition that you look forward to each year? How do you plan to think of others during this "most wonderful time of the year?"

Desperaux!

Our class read aloud is The Tale of Desperaux by Kate DiCamillo. We have been working to read intensely: make movies in our mind as we read, feel empathy for characters, think and react. What are your thoughts about the book and the characters we have met so far? Please share a few sentences about your thinking (learning, wonders, connections, wows etc). 

**If you have read the book or have seen the movie, please don't spoil what is to come, just focus on what we've read so far. 

Giving Thanks

Thanksgiving is just a week away. Many of us will spend time with family and friends. This holiday gives us a chance to think of what we are grateful for. 
Please share some of the people, experiences or things that fill your heart with thanksgiving! Don't forget to elaborate on WHY these people, experiences or things make you feel grateful. Write at least 4 sentences please. 

Books Between Kids!

Today, we had the opportunity to visit the Books Between Kids warehouse to organize and sort books that will go to children who do not have books in their homes.  Please take time to reflect and write about your experience this morning. What did you like best about this field trip? Do you think your time there was well-spent? Would you want to participate in something like this again?

Leaders All Around

We have talked often about your role as a 4th grade leader and what character traits leaders possess. In our latest reading unit, Leaders: Real and Imagined we are learning about unlikely leaders and ways they use a situation to lead by example and rise above conflict. Today, we discovered how Ruby Bridges, at age 6, became a leader.

Who do you look up to as a leader? Why do you think this person is a leader? What leadership traits does he/she display? View our Characteristics of a Leader chart to help you think about this.

Remember, there are unlikely leaders all around us...even YOU!

Internet Safety

Internet Safety is part of being a good digital citizen! Do you know what it takes to be safe online? Watch the video and respond with at least one thing you learned and at least one comment you have. That is a TWO COMPLETE SENTENCES answer requirement. Here's the link. Enjoy!

BrainPOP Digital Etiquette

http://www.brainpop.com/technology/computersandinternet/digitaletiquette/

Immigration and Naturalization Ceremony

Today we were privileged to be in the audience as 1,714 people took the oath to become American citizens! You then had the unique opportunity to interview the newest Americans. Please write a reflection about your experience today.  Think about the information you have studied and what you have learned about the history of immigration and the process of becoming a citizen. How did it feel to witness so many becoming fellow Americans? What will you take away from this experience and hope to remember? Please write a minimum of 5 sentences. Be specific and thoughtful. 

What's your opinion?

Reread the Scholastic News debate Do Kids Need Homework?

Pretend you are entering this debate. Are you going to argue the "pro" side - students should have some homework or the "con" side - students should not have homework?

Please write a 4-5 sentence response. Make sure to include specific details about your reasoning. You can include your own experiences or background knowledge support your opinion. I look forward to reading your responses!

We will blog at school tomorrow! -Mrs. Kottler

I had a wonderful time listening to the fourth graders give their Living History speeches! As I was listening, my brain was surfing for new learning and fun facts. Also, I noticed that many of the people featured demonstrated amazing character traits that lead to their successes and accomplishments.

Use the notes you took to write about new learning, fun facts and/or thoughts about the important character traits of ONE or TWO of the famous people you met. Please share what you learned! 

Field Trip

Tomorrow we'll travel downtown and back in time as we tour historic homes from the Houston area! This year we've also been to Panda Path and the Jesse Jones Nature Center. Think back to your lower school experience. What has been your favorite field trip ever? Was is a trip from 3rd grade, 2nd grade or even Kindergarten? Please write about your favorite field trip experience. Why was it the best field trip ever?