Grade 4 Newsletter 27.09.2021

ISM Grade 4 News

About this publication

This is our weekly newsletter that we publish using our Seesaw blog and Book Creator

Monday 27th September 2021

Minecraft in the Classroom

Meet the all new and exciting Grade 4 .

Words by Mr. Niko

Rationale
Minecraft is a child-friendly computer game that combines exploration and creative thinking skills. It tests children’s imagination and creativity.
In simple terms, it’s like digital LEGO – your child can create anything from a small hut to a huge, sprawling metropolis. When you throw in monsters and other challenging characters it begins to get really interesting. The player has to quickly learn how to survive and adapt in a Minecraft world!

Is Minecraft Educational?

Yes, we believe it is! But it’s not just us, research suggests the same. Furthermore, Minecraft is perfectly safe for children, providing the correct controls have been set. In Minecraft, children can write their own stories, team up with friends, and build whatever they want to do in a safe and secure environment.

In grade 4 we use Minecraft Bedrock Edition to combine math, literacy, and social skills development.

If you want to give access to your child, Bedrock Edition has cross-platform play with Windows 10, Xbox One, Mobile(Android, IOS), Switch, and PlayStation 4

Learner Profile

Words by Mr. Niko
The International Baccalaureate® (IB) learner profile describes a broad range of human capacities and responsibilities that go beyond academic success.
They imply a commitment to help all members of the school community learn to respect themselves, others and the world around them.

The profile aims to develop learners who are:
Inquirers
Knowledgeable
Thinkers
Communicators
Principled
Open-minded
Caring
Risk-takers
Balanced
Reflective

News & Current Affairs

Our Past Week

Caption
Publishing their weekly writing

Words by Mr. Niko

The past week we started our first research where students are now implementing a research framework; in our first instance we:
1. Beginning - Plan
BEFORE we start: CLARIFY
•What am I supposed to do for our inquiry?
Describe what you need to do.
•What does our finished product need to look like?
•What information do I need to complete the inquiry? Pictures?
•Ask a teacher questions if you don't understand.
•Fill out the first column in the KWL chart:
What do we already know about conflict?
•What do you want to know? List all your questions.

Students were also writing and publishing their weekly stories and practicing rounding large numbers.

PYP Evaluation

Caption
Process writing

Words by Mr. Niko

In Grade 4 we are going to be creating two big projects starting this Monday. Our first project is to use our math and design skills to build ISM inside the Minecraft Bedrock Edition. Students are creating the ISM in Minecraft true to scale and looks. We will use this miniature model to introduce our school in our second project which is to create a school tour video for the IB PYP evaluation visit.

Next Week

Who We Are: Inquiry into the nature of the self; beliefs and values; personal, physical, mental, social and spiritual health; human relationships including families, friends, communities, and cultures; rights and responsibilities; what it means to be human.

Our Weekly Routines

Words by Mr. Niko

This week students will continue their inquiry of Conflict Starters and investigate how to do research. Grade 4 students are using a 5 step research framework that will assist them to be sure that their findings are valid. This week they will: 2. Middle - Do This stage takes the most work.
SEARCH
•Where can I find information? Start with encyclopedias (book or online). Try books or websites from a teacher or librarian. Ask an expert and other students
•Skim (reading very fast, look for main ideas). Then slow down.
DELVE: Read for more information.
•Use your graphic organizer to write down important information in your own word (taking notes).
•EVALUATE: Look at your list of questions in the "W" column.
Did you answer your questions?
•Organize your information before start writing.
•Work on your presentation to show what you learned.
CITE: Finally, say where you got your information. Include page numbers or web addresses.

In German G4 We will read about conflict situations, learn about mediators, investigate compound and abstract nouns. G4s will also have their own contribution coming up soon.

Students can practice these skills at home as well, our recommended material for extra practice is https://www.khanacademy.org/math/get-ready-for-4th-grade

Upcoming dates

27.09.2021 Bicycle Training
04-05.10.2021School Closed
08.10.2021 Bicycle Training
21.10.2021 Bicycle Training
27.10.2021 3-Way Goal Setting Conferences
29.10.2021Early Release for Autumn Break
10.11.2021 Bicycle Training
24.11.2021 Practical Exam

You've reached the end of the book

Read again

Made with Book Creator