As we move forward
into trimester 3 the tide has shifted. I
like to call this trimester the “application trimester”.
Trimester 1
was dedicated to learning routines, establishing expectations, developing
relationships, creating goals, and setting precedence for a variety of
situations (both academically and socially).
The trimester culminated in conferences and we were well on our way to
trimester 2.
The second
trimester was the delivering of intense instruction in regards to the mechanics
of learning and the concepts therein. We
spent much time deciphering our reading, writing, math, science and social
studies. We developed a deeper
understanding of the general topics within each discipline and made connections
between them. We practiced skills and
strategies that allowed learning to take place and established ways to work
together for a common goal; students depending upon one another to learn.
This leads
us into the present…trimester 3…the “application trimester”. Here we will put to use all that we have
worked for over the past 6 months.
Lessons will be more about applying what we've learned in terms of
learning itself. We will apply the
skills and strategies to further our knowledge and use them in practical ways.
How will
this look?
Up until
this point our morning work has been squarely focused…math problems, cursive writing,
Common Core work, etc., now…morning work will be more about creative thinking
and teamwork. It will ask students to
use what they know and what they’ve learned to accomplish a short task.
Reading: Trimester 1 and 2 were dedicated to Reading
Street and the 4th grade skills and strategies therein. Students learned how to use these ideas and
became adept at questioning techniques.
Trimester 3 will bring with it a novel study. Not only will we read a novel together in
groups we will hold “book clubs” and students will discuss their comprehension,
questions, predictions, and drawn conclusions about each chapter. We will perform a play whereas the students
can bring a story to life, giving characters and situations a flavor all their
own. Reading Street will still be employed
but the focus will shift to an application of reading process.
Math: While we still have a few chapters to learn
about we will undoubtedly get through them quickly and efficiently. The plan after that is to work with real-life
problems involving math concepts that we have learned about over the course of
the school year. Utilizing math to solve
problems, create something, or explain an idea can be rewarding in and of
itself…a challenge that we will welcome in Room 126.
Writing: The ultimate goal of writing is to
communicate effectively. There are many
ways to accomplish this feat. Learning
the basics is what will allow a student to achieve the goals set forth. Proper paragraphing, variety in sentence
structure, effective word choices, and strategies to capture and hold the
reader’s attention all play an integral part in effective writing. We have practiced these skills and will
continue to produce works of writing…allowing this skill to flourish.
Science/Social
Studies/Health: Theses subjects lend
themselves well to practical application of the classroom ideals such as
teamwork and self-directed learning. An
increase in in-class projects and group presentations will fill our time. This will pave the way for kids to express
themselves and what they have learned about the world around them.
As you can
see, we have quite the experience of learning ahead of us. The groundwork has been put down…onward and
upwards we go!
