4R Experiences: Volume 29: March 28, 2016

"I have... dooo yooooouuuuu have...?"

Such a cool week! So, it is a week of wrapping things up: weather myths, landmarks, weather reports, book clubs, book shares, and more. We finished our real aloud, Storm Runners, and began a new book, Echo, by Pam Munoz Ryan. That author might sound familiar, as it is the same one who wrote Esperanza Rising. We can't get enough of her!

As we continue to reflect on our unit of inquiry, we remind ourselves where we first began- a question, "What do you want to know about how the world works?" This led us to creating experiments with lamps, globes and casting shadows on the Earth to understand the seasons and why they occur. Our temperature readings increased and decreased and we wanted to know why. This led to discussions about climate change and global warming. Introspectively, we pondered what actions individuals (including ourselves) could do to work towards a future where carbon dioxide emissions are reduced. Science, social studies, math, reading, writing, and more were integrated so to create an authentic learning experience - guided and created by students.

We have already begun our new unit of inquiry. This unit will transition and shift the focus of our learning into a new theme, How We Express Ourselves. This week, Ms. Shakhnoza came in and explained the history and traditions that connect to a Piola (tea cup) and Kasa (larger-sized bowl, similar in design). Not just rich in Uzbek traditions and culture, these drinking vessels have roots in cultures around the world - especially throughout Central Asia. Seeds of new ideas about the Silk Road and the exchange of goods and ideas have been planted.

Our new read aloud, Echo, begins with an prologue that is filled with wonder, fantasy, enchantment, and mystery. After which, the author continues her book with a young boy's journey, born with a physical "scar" of large birthmarks across his face, is enraptured with music - particularly with the sounds from a harmonica. The boy expresses himself and feels the world around him through music. Again, we examine ways in which people express themselves.

Through these experiences, we have our first inkling of where our unit will go - as one student has a deep interest in history. As such, we are taking that route as we begin our journey into how people across the world express themselves. I am sure we narrow this huge theme to something more manageable, like a central idea. Stay tuned to see what we come up with!

The holiday is upon us. Whether you are here with your family, or off in a distant land, please stay safe, have fun, read a book, and drink some juice:) Be well.

Homework: Read 20 minutes and complete the following each night.
Monday: Division activity
Tuesday: Activity
Wednesday (1/2 day): Bring in a drinking vessel, or something you drink from. Don't worry, you will get it back at the end of the week (or sometime after that) AND IXL Functions H.1 and H.2 Grade 4
Thursday: Rhyme Climb Activity AND Bring in a mystery object. Shhhh, don't tell your friends about it. Please put it in a black bag, or container, so that no one can easily figure out what it is.
Friday: Read, while jumping over a puddle of water.