A Digital Day in the life of a 4th Grader at Howe Manning

I got to spend a day in Ms. Thompson's 4th grade classroom at Howe Manning to see what types of lessons and activities they were doing. As the Digital Learning Specialist for Middleton Public Schools, it was a great way for me to see what the teachers are already using for digital learning as well as to see how I can help guide the teachers and students in their use of devices and the digital programming that we offer. Integrating digital learning into a 4th-grade classroom is crucial for preparing students for the increasingly digital and interconnected world. Digital tools not only enhance traditional teaching methods but also cultivate essential 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, and digital literacy. Interactive educational software and online resources offer personalized learning experiences, catering to individual student needs and pacing. Additionally, digital platforms facilitate real-time feedback, allowing teachers to assess and adapt their instruction promptly. Exposure to technology at an early age fosters technological fluency, preparing students to navigate a future where digital proficiency is integral to success in academia and the workforce. By embracing digital learning, 4th-grade classrooms can empower students with the skills and knowledge necessary for a dynamic and tech-driven society.

The Student Information System (SIS) that we use in Tri-town Schools is "School Brains". This program allows the teachers to take attendance and get the lunch orders to the cafeteria digitally. We also use School Brains for our report cards.

Every classroom in our schools has a Smartboard and all work is presented on it. To begin the day, Ms. Thompson posts a morning message for her students with a "Do Now" that will start their Social Studies class. The students are learning about the Midwestern states as a part of the entire United States and Regions study. Our 4th and 5th grade Social Studies curriculum incorporates the TCI SS program. Students gather information from this program and complete different styles of questions and lessons.

Our schools use Epic Books and Sora to read digital books. Reading online books in elementary school is crucial for fostering digital literacy skills, as it exposes young learners to diverse online platforms and navigational tools. Additionally, it enhances their engagement and comprehension by incorporating multimedia elements, making the learning process more interactive and enjoyable.

For Reading and Writing classes, students are learning about Poetry. In a fourth-grade reading class, learning about poetry rhyme schemes helps students develop a deeper appreciation for the rhythmic and melodic aspects of language, fostering a heightened sensitivity to the musicality of words. Understanding rhyme schemes also cultivates analytical skills as students decode the structure of poems, enhancing their ability to interpret and express ideas creatively within the framework of poetic forms.

In writing, students are learning to create cinquain poems, a concise and structured form of poetry that enhances their language skills by encouraging thoughtful word selection and a keen awareness of syllabic patterns. They will record their poems in a digital writer's notebook created by fellow 4th grade teacher Julie Klipfel. Ms. Thompson wrote a sample cinquain poem about our Howe Manning therapy dog Howie. Students will also use edtech programs, IXL and Boom Cards to practice their poetry.

For math, Ms. Thompson used the digital devices and programs in her classroom to show her students how to solve improper fractions. They used the Smartboard and interactive components of that program to write, highlight and move fractional parts around. They worked out of their textbook and blended in edtech programs such as IXL math and Math Fact Lab.

In science class, students are harnessing the power of LEGO Education Spike kits to seamlessly integrate engineering design thinking and coding into their learning experience. These innovative kits provide a hands-on approach to science education by combining physical building with digital programming. Through collaborative projects, students not only construct intricate models using LEGO bricks but also delve into the world of coding to bring their creations to life. This immersive approach not only fosters creativity and problem-solving skills but also introduces young minds to the fundamental principles of engineering and computer programming, laying a solid foundation for their future STEM endeavors. These kits were purchased thanks to generous donations from parents and grant organizations.

As you can see, we had an amazing day in Ms. Thompson's 4th grade classroom. The edtech integration is impressive and students are continuously engaged.

Design Thinking with Lego Education Spike Kits in 4th Grade

In Ms. Thompson's dynamic 4th-grade science class, students are harnessing the power of LEGO Education Spike kits to seamlessly integrate engineering design thinking and coding into their learning experience. These innovative kits provide a hands-on approach to science education by combining physical building with digital programming. Through collaborative projects, students not only construct intricate models using LEGO bricks but also delve into the world of coding to bring their creations to life. This immersive approach not only fosters creativity and problem-solving skills but also introduces young minds to the fundamental principles of engineering and computer programming, laying a solid foundation for their future STEM endeavors. These kits were purchased thanks to generous donations from parents and grant organizations.

4th Grade Engineering

Balloons Over Broadway - A Journey in 4th Grade

Students in Ms. Cheverie's 4th grade classes explored the exciting world of STEM with the book "Balloons over Broadway". In this awesome activity, they got to be little engineers and designers by creating a special contraption to hold up their very own balloons. It was a hands-on adventure where they used their creativity and problem-solving skills to build something super cool. But the fun didn't stop there! They also explored the magic of technology by using a green screen. Just like the behind-the-scenes wizards in movies, they brought their creations to life on screen. What an amazing journey into the world of science, technology, engineering, and math – where their imaginations soared as high as the balloons themselves! Hey future scientists and inventors, keep on exploring and discovering.

Engineering standards for fourth grade typically focus on introducing students to fundamental concepts related to engineering, problem-solving, and design thinking. Here are the themes and topics that are covered in fourth-grade engineering education: Engineering Design Process: Understand and apply the steps of the engineering design process, which often include steps such as defining the problem, researching, generating ideas, building and testing prototypes, and communicating results. Problem Solving: Develop problem-solving skills by identifying problems, proposing solutions, and evaluating the effectiveness of those solutions. Design and Build: Use basic materials to design and build simple structures, devices, or models that meet specific criteria and constraints. Scientific and Engineering Practices: Engage in practices that scientists and engineers use, such as making observations, asking questions, and gathering information to solve problems. Technology Use green screen technology to share our designs.

National Limerick Day

Tuesday, May 12th was National Limerick Day.  Students in 4th Grade celebrated this by writing limericks about super heroes.  First, they had a lesson on what a limerick poem is and the mechanics of writing one.

Students worked diligently on their limericks and drew a picture of their super hero.  Then, they used the iPad app "Chatterpix" to make their pictures talk, and used the app "iMovie" to put them all together.

Massachusetts and Common Core Standards for ELA

L.4.5 Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.

S.L.4.5 Add audio recordings and visual displays to presentations when appropriate to enhance the development of main ideas or themes.

 Check out the videos below for each class:

Sailing Through Space

Students in Mrs. Jones’ science classes have been learning about SPACE.  Everything from the planets in our solar system and dwarf planets to comets and the Kuiper Belt, these students sure did become experts. The essential question that was posed to the students is:

What are the physical attributes of planets and comets?

Each student chose a planet to research.  At the beginning of the unit, students had a scavenger hunt around the classroom to learn facts about space.  They had fun moving from one area to another as they recorded their facts.  

Scavenger Hunt of facts about space.

Students used laptops to conduct their research.  They were given a packet to complete that included each planet in our solar system.  Then, they focused on their chosen planet and filled in as much information that they could find.

Research on planets.

There were two projects that the students made at the end of their research.  One project was to create a presentation for their classmates. They had a choice of many projects: creating a brochure, poster board, write a poem, play or short story, make a model, conduct an interview or be a newscaster, create a wanted poster, write a song, or create a digital presentation.  With so many project options, students were sure to find one that allows them to utilize their strengths and creativity. This activity builds public speaking skills and allows for the entire class to learn a bit about all of the planets.

Project presentation

Some students presented their project to our School Committee and several parents.

Another project that the students created was to report on an assigned object in space and make a video using the apps “Green Screen” by Do Ink and iMovie. Check out the movies below:

Mrs. Deeley’s Homeroom Video

 

Mrs. Jones’ Homeroom Video

 

Ms. Brown’s Homeroom Video

 

4th Grade Collaboration Video

I had an amazing experience working with the 4th Grade students, teachers, and staff at Howe Manning Elementary School as we created a video to the song "Let it Go" from the movie Frozen.

Teacher Barbara Deeley got the idea from Donna Rogers and the Middleton PTO.  Boy did Barbara go to work.  She worked with some of her fellow teachers to rewrite the words to the song.  The theme was "Let Them Go" for the final minutes before Winter Vacation.  She set up a cast list that would include every 4th grade student and every teacher and staff member who works with the 4th grade.  Our principal, Betsy Boulanger and our superintendent, Bernie Creeden, jumped on board as well!

Filming took two days and every student and staff member were amazing to work with.  They were naturals!  It is so much fun to watch all of the personalities of the students as they performed their part. Students worked together to learn the song and practiced singing it.  They made large snowflakes and rehearsed their parts together.  They came together as a community and really bonded!

We presented our video at our annual holiday sing-along on December 23, 2014.  It was extra special because we had a ceremony for our school and Middleton community as we honored our current and former superintendent, as well as our former principal with naming surrounding roads in their honor. We had members of the school committee and Middleton selectman as well.  They were on hand to view our video.  Ira Singer, Middleton's Town Administrator pulled some strings and linked our video to the Town of Middleton's website.  He also arranged for our video to be shown on Public Access Television throughout the winter holidays.

Here's our video, I hope you enjoy it!

Figurative Language in Mrs. Deeley's 4th Grade Classes

I had the opportunity to work with Mrs. Deeley's 4th grade classes during their unit on Figurative Language, which focused on similes and personification.  

Essential Question:  How do I recognize and create personification and similes in writing?

Personification Project

Courtesy of http://room19eps.edublogs.org

As part of a Figurative Language study in Mrs. Deeley's 4th grade class, students created a brief imaginative narrative using ‘Personification’.  The Little Red Pen, by Janet Stevens, was the mentor text. Students needed to bring an inanimate object to life in their writing, making that object the main character. They wrote their personification story in their Writer's Journal. This project addressed Standards L4.5 and W4:  “Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.”

Mrs. Baker, Middleton’s Digital Learning Specialist, worked with our class to create a digital storybook with all of our stories.  The students integrated technology into this lesson using laptops to type their stories on and used the online program “Camameo” to create the book.  

Students get a lesson on using laptops properly.

Personification Project

Students from 6th grade helped edit the typed stories.  They also showed the students how to use Spell Check and insert pictures from Google Images.

Check out our digital storybooks on Personification

Mrs. Deeley's 1st period class Personification Project

Read more publications at Calaméo

Mrs. Deeley's 2nd period class Personification

Read more publications at Calaméo

Mrs. Deeley's 3rd Period Personification

Read more publications at Calaméo

Simile Project

Students used the book My Best Friend is as Sharp as a Pencil by Hanoch Piven, as an inspiration for writing their own similes.  The students then created self portrait collages using items to which they compared themselves.  This project addressed Standards L4.5 and W4:  “Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.”

Mrs. Baker then worked with our class to make our picture talk.  The students integrated technology into this lesson using the iPad program, Chatterpix.   The Corresponding College and Career Readiness (CCR) Anchor Standard for Standard SL 4.5 was addressed: “Make strategic use of digital media and visual displays of data to express information and enhance understanding of presentations.”

 1st Period Simile Project

 2nd Period Simile Project

 3rd Period Simile Project

Massachusetts Technology Literacy Standards and Expectations

Standard 1.  Demonstrate proficiency in the use of computers and applications, as well as an understanding of the concepts underlying hardware, software, and connectivity.

Standard 3. Demonstrate the ability to use technology for research, critical thinking, problem solving, decision making, communication, collaboration, creativity, and innovation.

International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Standards:

1.  Creativity and Innovation

Students demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and develop innovative products and processes using technology.

2.  Communication Collaboration

Students use digital media and environments to communicate and work collaboratively, including

at a distance, to support individual learning and contribute to the learning of others.

6. Technology operations and concepts

Students demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems, and operations.

Common Core

The Corresponding College and Career Readiness (CCR) Anchor Standard for Standard SL 4.5 was addressed: “Make strategic use of digital media and visual displays of data to express information and enhance understanding of presentations.”