Welcome to Fourth Grade!!!!Welcome to the 2023-2024 school year!
I hope you are a new student coming to check out our class website. You might have fun looking through some old pictures from my past classes to see what fourth grade will be like. You may even see some friends you know! If you click on Contact in the sidebar you can send me an email to introduce yourself. Make sure to share the title of your favorite book from the summer. |
Helpful Parent Links
|
If you wish you can Enjoy photos and posts from our class of 2017-2018 by scrolling down. More recent classes are on the "WHat's Happening Lately" page
2018 FENWAY PARK
Neuroscience in Fourth Grade?
Current research shows that students who understand how learning happens in the brain...learn BETTER!
Watch HERE how we started learning about our brains...
YMCA Field Trip - Moving Mountains
Enjoy some photos taken during our day at the Y!
Enjoy some photos taken during our day at the Y!
Engineering and Design
We have been learning about different kinds of energy, renewable and non renewable. Today's design challenge was to design and build a waterwheel. Many groups built and tested their initial designs. Now back to the drawing board to improve upon these designs. Enjoy the first round of pictures, more to come.
December Acts of Kindness in Room 20
We completed a bingo board of acts of kindness in the month of December. Kids chose to make thank yous for the cafeteria staff, brighten the day of a neighboring class with jokes, treat Mrs. O'Brien and former teachers with notes, read to kindergarten, and so on. The kids truly enjoyed these deeds and were committed to them!
We completed a bingo board of acts of kindness in the month of December. Kids chose to make thank yous for the cafeteria staff, brighten the day of a neighboring class with jokes, treat Mrs. O'Brien and former teachers with notes, read to kindergarten, and so on. The kids truly enjoyed these deeds and were committed to them!
Circuit Electricity
We spent an afternoon with bulbs, batteries and wires - finding out for ourselves how to light the bulbs. The kids showed terrific perseverance and a growth mindset throughout this tricky task!
We spent an afternoon with bulbs, batteries and wires - finding out for ourselves how to light the bulbs. The kids showed terrific perseverance and a growth mindset throughout this tricky task!
Energy
We began our study of ENERGY, with a "Chalk Talk" - an opportunity to share our ideas and respond to the ideas of others only in writing. This gives some our of less talkative class members a chance to participate fully in the exchange of ideas.
We began our study of ENERGY, with a "Chalk Talk" - an opportunity to share our ideas and respond to the ideas of others only in writing. This gives some our of less talkative class members a chance to participate fully in the exchange of ideas.
Morse Code
As our last activity in our study of sound and waves, we explored morse code as a form of communication. Enjoy photos of us making morse code necklaces.
As our last activity in our study of sound and waves, we explored morse code as a form of communication. Enjoy photos of us making morse code necklaces.
National Education Week
A Cinnamon Roll (-a-story)
A Cinnamon Roll (-a-story)
Top Secret Science Visit
STUDENT COUNCIL
Congratulations to our Student Council candidates. The class agreed that we would elect them all if we could...what a great bunch. Each gave a thoughtful and inspired speech and we are proud of them all!
HALLOWEEN FUN
The kids enjoyed sharing their costumes on Tuesday!
The kids enjoyed sharing their costumes on Tuesday!
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
We enjoyed some hands-on science on Halloween - polymers!!
We enjoyed some hands-on science on Halloween - polymers!!
VOCABULARY SOCIAL
Last week we had our first 'Vocabulary Social'. Students had to 'be' their word and socialize with others, introducing themselves and asking questions. They were quite the socialites!
Last week we had our first 'Vocabulary Social'. Students had to 'be' their word and socialize with others, introducing themselves and asking questions. They were quite the socialites!
SOUND
We have begun our science investigation of sound, starting with a silent 'chalk talk', then moving on to building and reengineering string telephones.
We have begun our science investigation of sound, starting with a silent 'chalk talk', then moving on to building and reengineering string telephones.
Ability Awareness Week
We were lucky enough to have two guest presenters last Thursday teach us all about dyslexia. My former students Jackson Booker and Joshua Dillon came in to teach us about how this learning difference impacts school and daily life, and try a few visual exercises to see what it like to read with dyslexia.
We also joined the rest of the school community in reading We're all Wonders by RJ Palacio and decorated our door together. Please enjoy some pictures of our week!
We were lucky enough to have two guest presenters last Thursday teach us all about dyslexia. My former students Jackson Booker and Joshua Dillon came in to teach us about how this learning difference impacts school and daily life, and try a few visual exercises to see what it like to read with dyslexia.
We also joined the rest of the school community in reading We're all Wonders by RJ Palacio and decorated our door together. Please enjoy some pictures of our week!
Thank you for attending Curriculum Night as you were able. If you missed us, please enjoy our brief Growth Mindset slideshow! Click HERE to watch!
Thank you Hanover Foundation for Educational Enrichment! Our visit with Top Secret Science was amazing. We discussed engineering and design and took home a collection a fun experiments.
Thanks to all who worked so hard to make Sports Day a success!
Patriots players Julian Edelman and James Garoppolo paid us a surprise visit on Thursday. Our very own James Bristol won a raffled signed football!
Ever wonder how Mrs. Monahan makes those amazing videos? Here is a behind the scenes look!
Learning how sound travels!
We celebrate inclusive schools week
We enjoyed many activities during inclusive schools Week. We were lucky to share a great project on dyslexia from our classmates Joshua and Jackson with a few other fourth grade classes. Thanks, boys!
the science of SounD
We have been learning about how sound travels through different materials. We made paper cup phones with string, experimented with them, then improved our designs with different materials.
pajama/stuffie/popsicle/extra recess day!!!!!
We were so overdue for a reading log reward from Mr Wilson that we had a whole celebration extravaganza! Thanks for the popsicles, Mr. Wilson!!
senior visit
We enjoyed including three terrific HHS seniors last week in our morning meeting and Inclusive Schools Week activity. One visitor was Danny, Ava's cousin!
Thank you so very much for your thoughtfulness during teacher appreciation week. Our whole classroom smells like spring today! I told the kids the bouquet is just like them- unique, special, and close to my heart!
Building Bat Houses with the South Shore Natural Science Center
Thank you Hanover Cultural Council!
Thank you Hanover Cultural Council!
Fenway 2017!!
Our visit with artists from Mexico.
Our Latest Engineering and Design Challenge:
Building an Earthquake-Proof Structure
Special thanks to the families who provided jello and other supplies!!
Enjoy the slideshow below.
Building an Earthquake-Proof Structure
Special thanks to the families who provided jello and other supplies!!
Enjoy the slideshow below.
Happy Holidays!
To celebrate together in room 20 we created Compliment Cards. Students were randomly assigned the names of 6 classmates and were tasked with identifying one this classmate's best character traits, complete with 'evidence' to back it up. They anonymously created tiny presents with the compliments inside, and we put together the project today. We "opened presents" today, and I wish each of you could have been there to see them enjoy the kind words of their classmates. They were truly touched by each other's kindness, and it made me so proud of them all. A wonderful reflection of your families. I recommended they hang these up in their rooms to enjoy all year.
Thank you so much for your generous gifts and treats this week!!
Have a safe and happy holiday!!
To celebrate together in room 20 we created Compliment Cards. Students were randomly assigned the names of 6 classmates and were tasked with identifying one this classmate's best character traits, complete with 'evidence' to back it up. They anonymously created tiny presents with the compliments inside, and we put together the project today. We "opened presents" today, and I wish each of you could have been there to see them enjoy the kind words of their classmates. They were truly touched by each other's kindness, and it made me so proud of them all. A wonderful reflection of your families. I recommended they hang these up in their rooms to enjoy all year.
Thank you so much for your generous gifts and treats this week!!
Have a safe and happy holiday!!
Enjoy some photos of the Snow Bowl,
WE HOPE YOU ENJOYED BOX CITY!!
Our Trip to the South Shore Art Complex
haLloween science
Today we enjoyed some fun and slimy Halloween experiments with polymers. Enjoy!
Energy
In fourth grade we are investigating all different types of energy sources, and evaluating each source for its pros and cons. Today we went outside to test our "wind turbines" (pinwheels!). We collected data about speed and angles to the wind, and experimented with height as well. Enjoy some photos of our adventure below.
In fourth grade we are investigating all different types of energy sources, and evaluating each source for its pros and cons. Today we went outside to test our "wind turbines" (pinwheels!). We collected data about speed and angles to the wind, and experimented with height as well. Enjoy some photos of our adventure below.
Searching for Coal - Click here to enjoy a little video highlighting our Fossil Fuels science lesson.
Popsicle Party!
100% participation in returning our school forms earned us a cold treat on a HOT day. Enjoy!
100% participation in returning our school forms earned us a cold treat on a HOT day. Enjoy!
Teambuilding Activity
Students will be collaborating often in fourth grade. Such an important skill requires a lot of practice and understanding of what makes group work...work! Teams completed a fun challenge this week and we used our experiences to discuss what good teamwork looks like.
Students will be collaborating often in fourth grade. Such an important skill requires a lot of practice and understanding of what makes group work...work! Teams completed a fun challenge this week and we used our experiences to discuss what good teamwork looks like.
I hope that you are a new student coming to check out your new class website. I'll be sending a letter out to you next week that will instruct you to come to this site and look around, so you are ahead of the game! I have a great school year planned for us and cannot wait to meet and get to know you.
Click on the About Mrs. Capraro link to the left to learn more about me. You can also send me an email introducing yourself if you wish by filling out the contact link, also on the sidebar.
Click on the About Mrs. Capraro link to the left to learn more about me. You can also send me an email introducing yourself if you wish by filling out the contact link, also on the sidebar.
Did you read the Lemonade War yet? Make sure you do, we are going to have some fun with it and our first class read aloud will be the sequel, The Lemonade Crime. Last year we voted that it was even better than the first book!
Thanks so much to the Fredette family for a fantastic Last Day of School Party! Hope everyone is having a great summer!
Room 20 Clinches the Golden Kickball on sports day!!
And in other news:)...Sports day was a great success thanks to our many generous parent volunteers. Kids had a blast and I'm sure they arrived home worn out. They are coming home today with spelling lists for the Spelling Bee on Thursday, and a reminder that landform projects are due Thursday. Almost to the finish line, folks!!
Visit from the Museum of Science
Our terrific Memory Day has passed, but the learning continues in grade 4! Generous grant funding from the Hanover Foundation for Educational Enrichment allowed us to experience the Starlab from the Museum of Science in our very own Center gym. This traveling planetarium allowed us to revisit some great solar system science material from early in the year.
Thank you, Hanover Foundation!!
Our terrific Memory Day has passed, but the learning continues in grade 4! Generous grant funding from the Hanover Foundation for Educational Enrichment allowed us to experience the Starlab from the Museum of Science in our very own Center gym. This traveling planetarium allowed us to revisit some great solar system science material from early in the year.
Thank you, Hanover Foundation!!
OUr trip to fenway!
Science fair
Congratulations to our classmates who participated in the science fair. A job well done!
Read Your Shoes Off!!
We enjoyed some extra DEAR time in our CRAZY SOCKS on Thursday to celebrate Read Across America! Can you find your feet??
We enjoyed some extra DEAR time in our CRAZY SOCKS on Thursday to celebrate Read Across America! Can you find your feet??
Julie Thacker, Poet in Residence
Room 20 enjoyed three poetry workshops with Julie Thacker, Hanover's Poet in Residence. Every student created a poem with each visit, and participated in a poetry reading. The works they created were spectacular! We'll be publishing one poem each and you'll have a chance to enjoy them soon.
Room 20 enjoyed three poetry workshops with Julie Thacker, Hanover's Poet in Residence. Every student created a poem with each visit, and participated in a poetry reading. The works they created were spectacular! We'll be publishing one poem each and you'll have a chance to enjoy them soon.
LIGHTS, SOUND, ACTION!.......We have been learning about Sound Energy and Light Energy...enjoy some photos of our students participating in some hands-on experimentation with reflection, light and color, and sound as vibration.
Free App Alert!
We are learning about the science of sound right now, and I wanted to pass on the name a free iPad app that is a great extension to what we are learning in class. While we are focusing on sound is vibration, this takes the concepts a bit farther, so is a great tool for the curious science mind!
Here a link to the free Exploratorium app, Sound Uncovered. We'll be using it a bit in class but there are too may things to explore for us to get to them all.
We are learning about the science of sound right now, and I wanted to pass on the name a free iPad app that is a great extension to what we are learning in class. While we are focusing on sound is vibration, this takes the concepts a bit farther, so is a great tool for the curious science mind!
Here a link to the free Exploratorium app, Sound Uncovered. We'll be using it a bit in class but there are too may things to explore for us to get to them all.
Happy New Year!
A huge thank you to room parent Eleacia Fredette and all of the parents who joined us on Snow Bowl Day! The kids had an amazing day and we so appreciate your participation. Thank you to all for your lovely holiday gifts and classroom supplies, they were so thoughtful and generous.
Room 20 is off to a great start in the new year. Please enjoy some photos from the Snow Bowl Day.
A huge thank you to room parent Eleacia Fredette and all of the parents who joined us on Snow Bowl Day! The kids had an amazing day and we so appreciate your participation. Thank you to all for your lovely holiday gifts and classroom supplies, they were so thoughtful and generous.
Room 20 is off to a great start in the new year. Please enjoy some photos from the Snow Bowl Day.
Update for Concert/Box City - Thursday 12/10
Just some quick reminders:
Just some quick reminders:
- The holiday concerts are tomorrow. Student should arrive at school in concert dress. We do not have gym tomorrow.Dress shoes are required for both concerts. Girls should wear shoes that are comfortable and dressy.
Boys: Black pants, Black shoes, Black socks. "Festive" colored dress shirt, collared polo, no large logos/images.
Girls: Black pants/black skirt, Black shoes, Black socks. "Festive" colored dress shirt/blouse/sweater, - The concert times are 9:00am and 7:00pm, (students need to arrive 6:40pm) Students attend BOTH, parents are free to attend one concert if they wish.
- Box City parents viewing is 3:30-4:15 or 5:45-6:30 in the Sylvester gym. Student may accompany parents but this is not a drop off.
|
Food Pantry Fruit Baskets
Room 20 did an exemplary job packing baskets of fruit, candy and grocery gift cards in beautiful baskets for the food pantry. Enjoy the photos! |
Food Pantry Contest Grade 4 Winners
Thanks for your support!
Thanks for your support!
Our students have been hard at work learning how to take notes while researching different planets and are now using their notes to craft research reports...Enjoy some pictures of them getting the job done!
Enjoy some pictures of our Phases of the Moon Oreo Project...!
|
Immigration Studies
We are learning about Ellis Island and immigration of the early 1900's. The students have been experiencing a virtual tour of Ellis Island, learning bout what the immigrants endured during this process. Ask them to share what they have learned so far! Those who have a family history of immigration have been eager to share. Feel free to browse the tour online at home and discuss. Have a great weekend! American Education Week
Please feel free to visit our classroom next Tuesday morning from 9-945 to work with your child to plan a Thanksgiving meal and shopping budget. If you cannot join us, don't worry, we'll be sure to have a fun group planning a Room 20 meal and budget! Homing Pigeon Demo
Thanks so much to Landon's parents Frank and Robin McLaughlin of McLaughlin Lofts for bringing in several beautiful homing pigeons today. We learned so much about the capabilities of this amazing species and watched as they released several birds behind Sylvester School. One was wearing a small capsule on its leg containing our Monday Rebus puzzle. Landon promises to bring it to school Monday for us to solve. Please have your child share this experience with you while you view the slideshow! Student Council Elections
Kudos to our Student Council candidates! Each gave a thoughtful and articulate speech. The class did a great job listening respectfully. Good Luck candidates! Enjoy some photos of the campaign process:) Thanks so much for the great donated books from the book fair today. They are already 'on loan' to room 20 friends! Thank you for the sharpie donations to decorate our pumpkins today. Students wrote a simile description of their pumpkin and then enjoyed the art connection! Enjoy the photos! Room 20 will be featured tonight on Hanover Television in an episode of Professor Plummer...Tune in at 7pm to check us out!
Announcements
Field Trip Monday
Still need chaperones if anyone is free Does this belong to anyone? Found it on the floor or our closet...nice flatware that someone is going to be missing:)
Hello Parents!
Click this link for an interesting article from MindShift on using digital tools for math time together at home. Enjoy:) The September Newletter is on the class blog! Click on the Blog link on the sidebar to stay up to date.
|