No classroom would ever be complete without a comfortable couch for snoozin' and readin', and the fourth grade classroom is no exception. Over the summer, the second through seventh grades all moved one room over and, during the move, many teachers took the opportunity to say 'Out with the old, in with the new!' The couch that we had used last year was looking a little rough around the edges, and so we decided to toss it! The only problem was, we didn't have a couch to replace it! That changed this week, however, when a very generous parent was kind enough to donate their own! Here we see most of our fourth graders enjoying it!
In (slightly) more serious news, the fourth graders have been working with the Bridges program for their math curriculum this year. Bridges takes an unconventional approach to mathematics that really helps to build understanding of math concepts. One of the features of Bridges is 'Number Corner,' a supplementary addition to math class that helps kids explore, refine, and master concepts and patterns that they will be using for their entire lives. Below, you see the 'Calendar Grid' and 'Calendar Grid Observations Chart,' two features of our classroom that keep students on their toes and thinking about math.
Each day, students take fifteen minutes out of their schedule to gather around the Calendar Grid and flip over another card. Each card corresponds to a certain date and, as the cards are flipped, patterns begin to emerge. The students work together to find these patterns and then apply them to real math that they will use in class, or, in many cases, to real life! In the photo below, students Rock Paper Scissors their way through exploring a number line.
You can find the Calendar Grid, Observations Chart, and other Number Corner items, in the front of the room near the whiteboard. Please feel free to explore and check it out whenever you're picking up or dropping off!
For more on Bridges Mathematics, and the Math Learning Center (the creators), please click the button below!
And, for pretty much no reason other than fun, below you see the fourth grade's impromptu performance of the classic song, 'Hard Knock Life,' from Annie: The Musical! Enjoy!
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Martina HenkeMartina Henke has been a K-8 educator for 30+ years. A life-long learner, she loves working with kids of all ages, new technology, great books, fiber arts, and her wonderful family! Archives
April 2021
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