In January, 4th graders visited the Audubon Center and participated in a program about bird banding. Students learned that this technique provides valuable information about the movement, survival and behavior of birds. Birds are captured in nets during the fall and spring by licensed volunteers who collect data about the species, place bands on their legs and release them back into the wild. Replica models of songbirds were provided, and students used field guides to identify the species, identification code and other important  information which was recorded in a bird banding log. The program concluded with a walk through the bird compound where 4th graders viewed a red-tailed hawk, American kestrel and barred owl. In 5th grade, they will travel to the Birdcraft Museum and observe licensed bird banders as they catch, band and release birds that migrate through CT in the spring.

After reading about Claudia and Jamie Kincaid’s adventures at the Metropolitan Museum in the book From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, our class created their own personal museums. Each student chose a high interest topic to research. A very big “THANK YOU!” to everyone who attended our Museum Open House last Thursday. The students eagerly awaited your arrival and enjoyed sharing their knowledge with you. I was so proud of them as they confidently engaged their audience.

Have you ever heard of green beans referred to as leather britches or blueberries as fruit leather? The 4th graders learned that these are two methods of drying vegetables and fruits. In conjunction with their study of heirloom plants, Sherri Vinton presented a program on food preservation. Students learned that canning, drying and fermenting are three ways to preserve the fresh flavors of summer fruits and vegetables. Ms. Vinton demonstrated how to make pickles and jams using the boiling water method. Students also learned that layering cabbage and salt creates the fermentation process necessary for making sauerkraut. The 4th graders were eager to sample bread and butter pickles and blueberry leather. Thank you, Ms. Vinton, for sharing your delicious recipes and teaching us so many interesting facts about how to preserve the summer harvest!

Our latest literature selection, From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, is the story of two children and their adventure involving Michelangelo in the Metropolitan Museum in New York. Working on their backs, under their desks, students created and colored their own pictures while thinking of Michelangelo as he painted the Sistine Chapel. Although it was a fun experience, we did recognize the many disadvantages of working under such conditions. Our drawings and reflections are on display outside our room.

Fourth grade students enjoyed a trip to the Fairfield History Museum.  In anticipation of making our own museums, we learned the importance of gathering the best items to “tell a story”. We were able to spend time in the newly created theatrical exhibit, and even had a backstage tour of the museum’s artifacts storage room. Finally, in the museum classroom, students learned how set designers choose colors to help tell the story of the play. We designed our own colorful backdrops to be used in creating scenes from our latest literature selection.

The Portuguese are famous for their elaborately painted tiles, which they call “azulejos” (from the Arabic for polished stone). You can find these gorgeous tiles inside churches, homes, and any place their ornamental designs can also provide insulation on walls. Inspired by Portuguese tiles and geometric designs from the Islamic tradition, the fourth grade carved small blocks with a bold pattern. They first experimented with several designs on a piece of paper to see which looked the most striking, and then they transferred it on to their block. Using delicate carving tools, they carefully carved the lines and shapes to create their stamp. Rather than just stamping the image straight onto a piece of paper, we chose to create 4 x 4 tiled images in two colors. The students rotated their stamp with each print so that the image created a repeating tiled pattern. The results are vibrant and bold, and they were a great first investigation into printmaking.

What should we read next?  That’s the question heard over and over as our class shared a special reading  time with our PreK- 4 buddies. We will be reading with them the first Tuesday of every month, getting to share our favorite picture books, as well as books to support their curriculum units.

Fourth graders investigated what happens when salt and fresh water meet. First they mixed salt and food coloring into a glass of water and then slowly poured this salt water solution into a tank of fresh water. Students were surprised to see the colored (heavier) salt water sink to the bottom while the fresh (clear) water remained on top. Later students simulated waves by blowing on the water and gently mixing with plastic rulers to discover how waves can mix these two types of water in nature. Our fourth graders were able to transfer the knowledge they gained from this model to the real world, as we discussed the same occurrence in estuaries.

Fourth grade has begun the new trimester taking part in our school-wide language label project.  Using labels in the Spanish classroom, 4th graders went on a scavenger hunt around the room to discover the meaning of common classroom words, such as “la pizarra” (board), la puerta (door), and “la papelera de reciclaje” (recycling bin) to name just a few.  Then, each student was given several labels which they used to mark objects in their own fourth grade classroom, adding constant exposure to these Spanish words! Have a wonderful vacation fourth grade, and see you next year!

The fourth graders have been working on their project for the Winter Festival castle walls in art. Adorning the Medieval stone and mortar will be their tinfoil knights, made from metal tooling foil and India ink. We began the project by looking at images of Medieval knights and their armor. The students paid careful attention to the joints and separations in the armor that would have allowed the knights to move. They then designed their own suits of armor and transferred them onto thick foil with a pencil. Once the suits were completed, they brushed them with a coat of India ink and then scraped it away with steel wool to create a distressed look. They then cut out their knights and began working on the shields that served as the background. Using tempera paint, the students designed and painted colorful patterns and then added a couple of feathers to complete the suits of armor. In the process we also learned about heraldry, the way royalty had coats of arms designed to represent their kingdoms. Look out for the knights hanging up during the Winter Festival, and pictures of them will be posted online soon.