4R Experiences: Volume 30: April 4, 2016

I bet you're wondering why an egg is there? Read on to find out!

We have had a terrific start to the next segment of our inquiry journey! This unit requires more abstract thinking and reflection about who we are as learners and humans in this world. Our theme is How We Express Ourselves. We put our wonders, or questions and statements, about what we already know about what it means to express oneself. With Ms. Magda and 4P, we gathered together to design and dye eggs. This introduction allows us to explore the idea of what an artifact is. We defined it as an object that is made by a person. With this activity, we noticed how some people may tell stories through their drawings, or paintings. Through the process of describing objects, we also noticed that objects can tell us about the people who created them as well. These observations all seem to weave into our theme for sure.

One particular student has taken a keen interest in artifacts. So much so that, with the help of others, he is now the curator of our very own community museum that we built! We have added books on fossils, pictures of the eggs we designed, and bought drinking vessels from home to our museum. Like a museum and a clever inquirer, we have crafted a card that describes our drinking vessel. We have included not only the physical characteristics but some emotional ones as well. For example, one student's vessel is yellow which she describes a bright. This bright vessel often brings her happiness when she is sad. Truly, a vessel can be a form of how we express ourselves. We can't wait for what is next!

Our math unit in Function Tables and growing patterns is off to a great start. We discovered that describing patterns can be done in a variety of ways. Words seem to be best because we can clarify our thinking and elaborate, however, numbers seem to be a more efficient way because it is shorter and less writing. Thus, we like expressing patterns and functions using tables and equations, particularly, using the variables x and y. Next week, we will continue our work and create our own patterns and function tables by playing a game called "Guess My Rule" and finally create a word problem function poster. Super cool! Have a great week!

Homework: Read at least 20 minutes daily and continue to work and practice your April Book Share!
Monday: Compare and Contrast Activity
Tuesday: Compare and Contrast Activity
Wednesday: IXL Finish H.1 and H.2; try Variable Expressions G.1 and G.2
Thursday: Compare and Contrast Activity
Friday: Figure out how many licks it is to the center of a popsicle, while reading a book on a bouncing yoga ball.