The Groundwork

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 4^th 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!