Schaab Scholars: FINALLY! An Update from the Schaab Scholars!

We've had a super busy month in Room 217 - so much so I've neglected my blogging! I apologize! I need to start working on blogging smaller chunks! I promise to start sharing more frequently... at least pictures of what we are up to!

In writing, we did some amazing collaboration work in learning about the Oregon Trail. We discussed and read various passages and journal entries to learn more about what life was like on the Oregon Trail. After working together, and a lot of conversation, each student wrote a personal narrative of what life was like on their Oregon Trail journey.

Now, in writing & a bit in Social Studies, we are embarking on a 4th grade tradition of state reports. In Room 217 this will include a written report, a lapbook, and of course the traditional "state float". Information went home today on the State Report project, so please take a look. If you'd like a hard copy for home, click here for the guidelines. I'm excited to see everyone's individuality and creativity come through in their state floats! They'll be on display for open house, so you'll be able to enjoy them as well!

In Reading, we have altered our Daily 5 model a bit. Of course, we are working on our learning targets on a weekly basis, however, after this last round of Running Records, we now each know what our individual goals are, and now are choosing what activities to work on during Daily 5 time, instead of Mrs. Schaab assigning what task to work on. The Schaab Scholars have really risen to the occasion to complete their work and be responsible readers. While students are working, I am either conferring with student individually to work on their goals, or working with strategy groups. This model seems to be working well for us, and I am impressed by the motivation, responsibility, and ownership that the Schaab Scholars are displaying with this new model. We are also loving our new reading log and response to literature tool called, Whooo's Reading! Ask your Scholar to see their account where they are logging their reading nightly and responding to at least two questions a week. All around, the engagement in Room 217 is awesome during reading!

In Math, for the last two weeks we've been trying a different approach to learning, similar to guided reading, called Guided Math. Daily, we are rotating three times to work on different activities including, working with Mrs. Schaab, Math by Myself, Math with Someone, & Math with Technology. We are all focusing on the same standard, however, the centers are differentiated at a "just right" level for all students. The students are very engaged in these activities and we are learning as we go with what works and what doesn't. The students are ROCKiNG at their fractions, and especially loving Khan Academy!

With this set up, I'd like to invite parent volunteers to come in on Fridays to help run a math games station. If you are free on Friday from 2:15-3:15, click here to sign up for a day or two! I'll provide you with a game and you'll get to lead three different groups in a fun game to reinforce the concepts we are learning. Thank you in advance for your time!

In Book Buddies, we worked on a fun President's Day project. Each pair was assigned a president and researched information about their president. After researching and drawing a picture of their president, lastly, they used ChatterPix Kids to make their research come to life! Check out the video below!

One more update - please double check to make sure your child has all of the supplies on the 4th Grade Supply List. My supply of folders and pencils keep diminishing by the day! We'd love some donations of the following items if you have any lying around the house: