Our class participated in our second mystery skype with Mrs. Powell’s class from Michigan. To learn more about mystery skype, click this link.
Check out the short video below. I’d like to thank all students for working incredibily hard on their jobs, as well as my wonderful photographers. The photos you see in the video were taken by two students! 
Here is part one of my student’s alliteration videos, which were recorded yesterday. A great way to engage in conversation at home is to discuss what alliteration is and have your child write a poem using it.
Dear Parents,
I will no longer be posting daily homework assignments on the website. I will continue to update the website with relevant activities and ways you can support at home, as I have been all year.
Please continue to check the website frequently, as we have many interesting and exciting activities happening near the end of the year. Thanks for your continued support!
Our wonderful custodial staff has just turned on our air conditioning. Our classroom has been known to get quite cold at times, so I suggest that you send in a sweater/sweatshirt with your child to keep him/her warm.
Just a reminder that Wednesday, May 16th, will be a half day. Dismissal is at 1:20 pm.
Today marked the first time my students embarked on a video global connection, via mystery Skype. The premise is students connect with other classes in the USA, as well as the world, and try to guess where the other class is located. I learned about mystery Skype through my PLN (Personal Learning Network) on Twitter.
Students researched facts about the state of Connecticut, as well as various other “tidbits.” Each student was given a specific responsibility during the Skype call. All students were actively engaged in some manner, and collaboratively, put the clues together to make a logical guess. Some of the jobs were inquirers, questioners, opener, closer, photographers, google mapper, clue hunter, back channeler, mappers, and problem solver.
I was absolutely amazed at the way my students handled this responsibility. The idea is very student centered, with minimal participation from me. What’s truly incredible was listening to my students as they discussed facts about the state of Pennsylvania and what they learned during the call. It’s a creative way to engage all students in a collaborative activity that leads to a deeper understanding of map skills, teamwork, and an appreciation for others.
This will certainly not be our last mystery Skype experience. Be sure to talk to your children about their experience today!
Want to read my student’s reflections about mystery Skype? Check out their student blogs.
Until then, visit the classroom photos page for a visual of today’s activity!
Math – Complete front and back of unit 8 sheet
Reading – Re-read poem and paraphrase stanzas 5-8
The fourth grade will be going to see the African Children’s Choir at the Palace Theater in Stamford, CT on Tuesday, May 22nd. Below you will find the field trip permission slip in English and Spanish.
African Children’s Choir - English
African Children’s Choir – Spanish
SAVE THE DATE! SAVE THE DATE! SAVE THE DATE!
Come join us at the Springdale School Poetry Cafe. Hear poems written by our very own 4th graders. Enjoy an evening of poetry reading.
Poetry Cafe “Save the Date” – English
Poetry Cafe “Save the Date”- Spanish
Please click the link below for the grade 4 field day parent letter.
