Mr. McDougall's 4th Grade Blog

Saturday, May 26, 2018

We have started Unit 3 A in Readygen and are already 6 chapters into our new text "George's Secret Key to the Universe". The students really seem to be enjoying this new class novel and the activities that are coming with it. As we read Chapters 7-9 we will do Readygen Lesson 3A.3 with the following focus:

I can quote accurately from a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text. RL.5.1
I can use narrative techniques, such as dialogue, description, and pacing, to show the responses of characters to situations. W.5.3.b

We will be reading chapters 10-11 of "George's Secret Key" and working on Lesson 3A.4 with a focus on:

I can quote accurately from a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text. RL.5.1
can orient the reader by establishing a situation and introducing a narrator and/or characters; organize an event sequence that unfolds naturally. W.5.3.a

We will be reading Chapters 12 - 14 of "George's Secret key while working on lesson 3A.5 with a focus on:

I can quote accurately from a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text. RL.5.1
I can compare and contrast two or more characters, settings, or events in a story, drawing on specific details in the text. RL.5.3
I can use narrative techniques, such as pacing, to develop experiences and events or show the responses of characters to situations. W.5.3.b

Wednesday Night is Parent Open School Night. This is NOT parent teacher conferences. This is a time to talk to the principal and then visit classrooms to see all the amazing things going on at PS8. See you Wednesday Night from 4:30 - 7:30!

Today we will be reading chapters 15-17 of "George's Secret Key" and working on lesson 3A.6 with a focus on:

I can determine the theme of a story from details in the text, including how characters in a story or drama respond to challenges or how the speaker in a poem reflects upon a topic; summarize the text. RL.5.2
I can explain how a series of chapters or scenes fits together to provide the overall structure of a particular story. RL.5.5
I can use narrative techniques, such as pacing, to develop experiences and events or show the responses of characters to situations. W.5.3.b

FIELD TRIP! to The Genovesi Environmental Study Center for a lesson on Food Chains! This ties in to our ELA study from Unit 1B! So cool! The Genovesi Environmental Study Center. Many students have not brought in their $2 dollars and their permission slip.

We will be doing an activity called "Eat or Be Eaten". This activity can be used to engage students before beginning a unit on food chains, food webs, and adaptations. The activity gives students a chance to access their prior knowledge and/or experience with the content and vocabulary.

Homework:

Sample Introduction using a "setting the stage" hook!

Sample "Body Paragraph" using student provided research facts!

We will be reading the book "Escape to Freedom". We will read chapter 1 and will be working with the following I Can statements:

I can quote accurately from a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text.RI.5.1
I can determine two or more main ideas of a text and explain how they are supported by key details; summarize the text. RI.5.2

Day 1 Math State Test. Read the question multiple times to make sure you understand them fully before you answer any questions; understand the question before you attempt to answer it; READ CLOSELY and TAKE YOUR TIME!

Wednesday - New York State Math Test Session 2 (Multiple Choice and Extended Responses) (5/2)

Day 2 Math State Test focuses on both multiple choice and show your process responses. NO WORRIES! Remember, your brain works faster then your pencil, so go back and make sure you didn't leave out words that you thought you put in and that you showed all your steps to solving the problems asked of you.

We will continue to read Escape to Freedom. While reading chapter 2, our I can statements will be:

I can explain the relationships or interactions between two or more individuals in a historical text based on specific information in the text. RI.5.3
I can determine two or more main ideas of a text and explain how they are supported by key details; summarize the text. RI.5.2

Skill Review Friday - We will be practicing the skills we have covered this week in ELA by using Time for Kids. The article we will be using as our main text is The Problem With Plastics. It is a double issue in honor of EARTH DAY, so we will be spending both blocks reading the extended issue and doing practice skill work. This will be a nice relaxing day of fun reading, discussion, and group work to end our testing week.