#4thchat Archive
#4thchat is a hashtag for teachers or anyone to talk about educational issues relating to 4th grade. Using #4thchat will create a network of 4th grade teachers or teachers working with 9-10 year olds across the world. We welcome anyone who 1. teaches 4th grade 2 .Works with 4th grade students and or 4th grade teachers 3. Likes 4th grade teachers (Groupies are encouraged).
Monday August 15, 2016
I'm going to try Seesaw this year. We're starting this week.
Me too! Always looking for what is out there!
Hello and welcome to . Paula here from New Orleans. Stayed dry but sad that so many others in LA have been flooded.
Will start using Seesaw this week along with .
OMGosh Paula - I have been thinking about you these past 2 days. It’s all over the news here. Glad you’re safe.
Hello, friends! I'm Jennifer from Indiana. So happy to be here with my pals!
Hi joining in from steamy WI!
Hello friends. Colleen from Syracuse here. School's not starting until Sept. 8th!
Best put your “Read Aloud” page up too, please!
Hey Matt! Lots of rain up there today?
Yes, Paula. Glad you are safe. Prayers needed for so many.
Must be the whole of the nation is steamy! We are in drought conditions here in MA.
Hey ! One week until students for me!
Glad to hear you are OK Paula. Looks terrible
The tornado was about a half-hour west of here... The pictures have been dramatic.
Colleen- lots of time for you! Nice. What are you up to this summer?
Wow - that’s late! We start the 29th and the Ss 31st of Aug. I feel like the year is going to fly! with election & all
Q1: What Read Aloud do you use to start your year? Why?
Oh, man! I didn't even hear about it! Which suburb?
Such a good point Jerry! Older kids need/love to be read to too!
We're now into our fourth week of school. Started July 27.
Everyone loves a good read aloud, don't they?
Hey Erica! Glad you’re off to a good start (& safe too!). That flooding is so scary. Do you talk about it w/ your Ss?
A1: we use "Sideways Stories from wayside School" bc it's easier level, silly, and we use it to write our own class book
wanted to ask u didn't you tell us about class jobs last yr? You had beautification committee and ?? How did it work?
A1: These are the first six books I start with - QR Codes and BOY Read Alouds - Google Docs https://t.co/hm1vchqA8r
Hi Maureen - I’m so sorry I missed that experience. I heard it was wonderful & they LOVED meeting you!
I LOVE to read aloud to my class, and enjoy reading both picture books and novels. At the start it's picture books all the way
A1. I start with Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing. Gives them an easy series if they like it & great intro for Pers. Nar.
Hey Dave!!! We need to set up a Mystery Location call - you’re always one of my first! :)
Well... trying to create flexible seating & desks... plus family stuff!
Whoa. I just drove home from Purdue last night. Glad you are safe.
Yikes!! Must have gotten out in April!
Jennie here from Baton Rouge, house flooded .. everything gone ... school closed indefinitely .. but I am here
Golly gee - that’s CRAZY! We don’t normally worry about those-but you never know these days.
it worked well, tweeting it slightly this year. I should do a blog post on it, hard to fit in tweets.
we read all three in the series as a break between our more difficult novels
A1: Will also use the books on to teach social/emotional skills over the next first weeks.
Oh my - and we haven't even started yet!
A1: I always read "Thank You, Mr. Falker" on the first day because my main goal is to inspire readers.
A1: Love to start with “Scaredy Squirrel” +make an advice list for him. Same advice 4th graders should follow!
Hello old friend! Back tonight to chat about read alouds. Hope everyone is well!
Patricia Polacco is my go to author for stories that help kids make the connection. I also love Thank You Mr. Falker
We always start the day after Labor Day. But go late into June...
Nice! Good to see you here for
A1: Started our first read aloud novel today to go with our district’s first ELA unit - I Survived, Hurricane Katrina 2005.
I love that book! I haven’t used it as a RA - but often recommend it to Ss. It’s just FUN! https://t.co/FTy8OUdLfw
A1: we use "Sideways Stories from wayside School" bc it's easier level, silly, and we use it to write our own class book
A1 part b: we use student publishing from treasures to create our own book & each student has own chapter https://t.co/TxNmGp0Q77
the jobs were PR, HR, Beautification, IT. Each kid rotated on the committees.
Wendy here from CA. A1: I love First Day Jitters and Do Unto Otters - helps address being nervous and The Golden Rule!
HEY THERE! How are things going for you? So glad you are here!
There’s always trade-offs. All good - all what we get used to.
each kid has their own copy I do read aloud for the first half and then they finish it in partners usually two weeks
A1: All 3 tchrs are reading the same read aloud - starting with The Hundred Dresses.
what are some of your fav picture books to use in the beginning?
I would love to know more about it. I remembered from last yr and decided to try it this yr. I really love the idea!
yeah, let's get it done. Always a great way to start the year. I can always trust your classes to be the best.
A1: was planning on the whipping boy because it is on the curriculum guide and then 4th grade nothing
Great way to start the year. Model & then partner reading! Excellent. https://t.co/jcub7LKYuw
each kid has their own copy I do read aloud for the first half and then they finish it in partners usually two weeks
Oh, Heavens! So sorry to hear, Jennie! That's just awful! Anything our tribe can do to help?
Yes! I am doing flexible seating this yr. Worried about where to put Ss stuff!
Oh no, Jennie. So sorry to hear that. Not the way you wanted to start your first year in Grade 4.
Awww - you are way too sweet. Perhaps in early Sept. I’ll know better when I get my sched.
How much water did you get?
Also doing flexible seating - same worry, too!
Q2: What part of your day do you find yourself sharing your RA?
That sounds awesome! I would love to learn more!
I'll have another huge group this year.
A1: I use picture books to start: First Day Jitters; Chrysanthemum; How I Became A Pirate.
we use it in one of my lit groups later in the year they love 2keep track of unique vernacular used & acting out scenes
hello Jamie in KY joining for 1st time in awhile. 2nd year in 4th grade. teaching math and science
Let me know if I can do anything to help.
-- got in today .. over the countertops . about chest high
A1: I start with Love that Dog. Creates buy in bc it's short but also shows character growth and change. Teachers poetry early.
I usually do mine right after read aloud. Then we have writing which read aloud often inspires ideas for.
I am almost embarrassed to say… 16! This will be a first in my 27 year career!
Please do!! Really interested in the idea. I am at kim.mclean@glendale.k12.wi.us
A1: Loved this post about gallery walks! Learned about sts /made one for read alouds to find out info. https://t.co/RdKtbySata
I read Do Unto Otters with my fifth graders as well! Such a great picture book!
What are some of your favorites? I just love using picture books too.
A2: first thing in the morning and again after lunch good transition tool when coming in from play
I have 24 boys alone if my pre-year list is accurate.
A2: Would love a designated RA time, but mostly it's during snack time with homeroom, and beg. of literacy block, before rdg wrkshp
A1 Starting the year w/ my fav book, it has MAGIC, a Mystery and a MURDER!!! Tuck Everlasting
Oh my gosh. I got 10 inches once and that was bad. Can’t imagine losing everything. Did you have to evacuate?
That is so crazy! Surprised parents don’t complain. I’ll say you would never know you have that many
A2: I do short read alouds to begin writing. Chapter read aloud is usually after recess.
we also do some of the "counseling books" like "volcano mouth" and "cell phoney"
I don’t think I’ve heard of that one - going to check it out.
Sure do miss you and the gals!
A1: I also use picture bks as read aloud to launch & build our reading community. Here are some faves https://t.co/gltWxfGQV2
First Day Jitters is my fave! Have you read Enemy Pie? That's another fave of mine.
the state is already so short on teachers that they just passed a bill than districts can choose to hire anyone...
wow, what luck for you and your students! experiencing 35 friendly faces in one of my classes
Yes .. will be living at my mom's for quite some time .. the house has to be gutted completely
A2: I start with a Do Now (usually an editing activity) and then do our read aloud. If I don’t do it first, it gets overlooked.
Great time of year to introduce some of the Social Emotional learning skills. https://t.co/7q9xeR8pgE
we also do some of the "counseling books" like "volcano mouth" and "cell phoney"
Have you tried Dollar Tree. You can order online and everything is only a dollar. LOTS of choices.
When reading aloud an interactive read aloud, I do this during readers' workshop-
It is my lesson
I will have to check that one out! Always on the lookout for good ones - thank you!
This is VERY unusual & will likely NEVER happen again.
I will have to check it out. Thanks!
I haven't heard of that one, but sounds great! Thanks for sharing!
Q3: How do you choose your Read Alouds for the rest of the year?
Where is your mom located? Glad you have somewhere to stay.
So sorry to hear about your loss - but so glad YOU are safe. I can’t imagine.. https://t.co/MZQiUvyP9c
Jennie here from Baton Rouge, house flooded .. everything gone ... school closed indefinitely .. but I am here
A2: We have the same 20 minutes set aside in the morning every day. The common RA is part of our PLC endeavor.
But if read aloud is modeling writing then I read during writing. Patricia Polacco books model narratives https://t.co/kpNKIov22D
When reading aloud an interactive read aloud, I do this during readers' workshop-
It is my lesson
A3: M favorites: Wonder, Out of My Mind, One and Only Ivan, Flora & Ulysses, but I take student recommendations and vote!
A3: I know it has a place in my rm cuz I have them all day but trying to find the angle. 5th then 6th block math sci teacher.
A3: I will do some read aloud that go with our ELA units, Whipping Boy, Percy Jackson, George v George.
they took Ts away due to enrollment, then got over 37 new Ss over summer...over cap in every classrm.
Starting small has advan. Will check that out for growth & change. Want to use Notice & Note strategies https://t.co/e4AlrAtdma
A1: I start with Love that Dog. Creates buy in bc it's short but also shows character growth and change. Teachers poetry early.
A3 I really base my decisions on my class and their interests and also what new books are out.
Dana from IA joining the convo a bit late. Teach 3rd gr, but love the titles you're sharing!
By the Great Horn Spoon! and Island of the Blue Dolphins practically rites of passage in CA.
I LOVE Chrysanthemum! We use this for a writing activity - kids research their name & more & then write about it.
A3: I also will be reading PAX, this year’s selection, and Fish in a Tree and The Fourteenth Goldfish from prior yrs.
We do our chapter book read aloud then as well.
Thank you Erica - can’t wait to check that out! :) See-can teach old dogs new tricks :)
Welcome, Dana! Glad to have you here for !
It’s almost like ‘private’ school!
Love all of those, except haven't read Out of My Mind...will try it out
I get it. Only once I had 17. Usually 25!
hasn't done the best at choosing books for the GRA! I cherish those books each year and forever!
No- only a few copies. Some of them are still hardback only. But kids LOVE them!
Never thought about using a Gallery walk for a read aloud - I like it!!
Ohhhhh....you AND the kids will really love it!
Loved Pax and we will also be reading in my class for GRA! Maybe connect?
Yes, Pernille has. I want to read each one with my Ss. Love the Project.
We also do GRA! Loved both of these and will do PAX this year, hopefully FIAT too.
We both live in Central right out side of BR .. her house was spared thankfully barely
Are you still using your flexible seating? How's it going? Have you made any changes?
Haven't tried GRA yet. would you recommend?
Using Picture Perfect Science this year which is based around Read-Alouds to connect and teach Science
I’m thinking of beginning my RA first thing in the a.m. (thx for the idea). Start day off right!
OH! That is hands down my favorite book!!
Oh! I love Fish in a Tree and Fourteenth Goldfish! I will check out PAX! https://t.co/95RIr4roxT
A3: I also will be reading PAX, this year’s selection, and Fish in a Tree and The Fourteenth Goldfish from prior yrs.
I know from Central was shared too, but her parents flooded.
Absolutely yes. GREAT experience with it last year and am planning on it again this year.
I would love to check this out!
That’s a great way to model good writing. https://t.co/QJFTyjIthS
A2: I do short read alouds to begin writing. Chapter read aloud is usually after recess.
A3: To maximize my time I often connect our read aloud to Workshop or Social Studies - that also helps determine the books I choose
I started small by reading with my class, but each year I branch out a bit more & loved every part of the GRA!
A3: I have made an effort to include more nonfiction in my read aloud, including expository texts.
our cap is 28. Expect adjustment in coming weeks, which means Ss mvmt. :(
A3: Few set read alouds like Love that Dog, Rules & Maniac Magee. The rest depend on the class and what books are being released
Q4: What genres are typically read aloud in your class?
YES! Very fun and you can connect with lots of classrooms. Ss love it every year.
Just getting started this year. Ss wrote about their ideal classroom at the end of last year. Plan t many discussions!
A3: Also choose based on genre study. But sometimes, Ss vote.
our PTO bought us a kit, we also use Engineering is Elementary very excited to use it myself
when doing an interactive read aloud, all Ss in my class get a book. Very lucky.
I love Enemy Pie - kids don’t expect the ending. https://t.co/or7QBa0kWl
First Day Jitters is my fave! Have you read Enemy Pie? That's another fave of mine.
A4: I try to rotate genres so that my students can have experiences with more than their go to ones.
A4: Since we read so much nonfiction for class, I tend to use fiction for read alouds. Great classics, up-and-coming authors, etc.
Lucky! Please let me know how that goes! P.S. I love your banner picture!
it'll happen, but disrupt our classes as everyone shifts around (splits in every grade level right now)
I have loved all of the book selections. You are going to love PAX too.
That’s hard..we did that once & ppl still talking about the kids that were moved to another room.
definitely will, hands on science & full integration w/ reading/writing standards really helps
So sorry Jennie - That’s just so heartbreaking.
I had planned on but Pax is so emotional & its early in the yr. I want to make readers can handle. Might do later
I will dream about it, but no (24 is cap in Primary)
Well, your sleepless nights lead us to awesome new books. TY so much for all you do w/ . https://t.co/XV3J6q4ZPK
oh that warms my heart,I lose sleep over the decisions every year
We chose our RA as a PLC team. We have the whole year planned.
Have u read Eating the Plates? Want to read it book in Nov. NF @ weird pilgrim food & manners https://t.co/jqdLYyUAuP
Dollar Tree - Must have spent $200 already and I haven’t started yet! Didn’t know about online ordering! https://t.co/NY1OhlwX6f
Have you tried Dollar Tree. You can order online and everything is only a dollar. LOTS of choices.
love Island of the Blue Dolphins. Fascinated that it's based on a true story, & sad about what happened to her
Is anyone considering reading aloud Nine, Ten by at the beginning of the year since it's the 15 yr anniv of 9/11?
Q5: What, if any, pre-reading activities do you plan for your read-alouds?
One never knows! Keep dreaming!
A3: We have also all chosen to participate in the GRA startign in October - reading PAX:-)
Please share with us what’s on your plan.
A5: I sometimes create an Anticipation Guide w/ True/False Questions. Keeps kids engaged.
Never heard of it, but I just put it on hold from my library. Thanks!
I had it as part of my Mock Newbery & considered reading a few sections as a read aloud.
A4: We focus on realistic and historical fiction b/c they align with our U of S Rdg
trying 1st kit w/ plans to expand into the other 2 if theyre a hit for us (me). Kits come with all the books included
We are going to be reading PAX too! Hope my Ss like it. Just finished "War that Saved My Life" Another Good one
A5: I tend out to do much in the way of prereading activities with my read alouds. Just want Ss to enjoy good literature.
learned about them at conference, speaker/authors were great.
Great story by ! Think my 3rds will be a little young at the beg of year, but I will rec to former Ss.
YES! We read it every year right before Thanksgiving break and make SS connections as well. Gross but good.
A4: Diff genres - mostly fiction; historical fiction; fantasy. Want to bring in more Non-fiction
Q6: What are some reading strategies you employ while doing your RA?
Sometimes I try to show a tangent from another book to see if I can hook them!
A5: Not much--my read alouds are mostly for enjoyment. Otherwise, they will connect to a strategy or skill.
this is my concern as we establish community helps a that we're departmental (Ts will stay similar)
If I was still in the classroom I would definitely read Some Kind of Courage by . It would have everyone captivated!
Loved War that Saved My LIfe! Some Ss read last year and liked a lot too.
I didn’t want to put it down. I think Ss would like it.
A4: I try and rotate genres so I try and read RF, HF, Fantasy, Poetry, Nonfiction -- that way kids get a range of books.
Melanie, just added to ! Part of 3rd gr curr in MA!
Late! A6 I try to talk out loud about my thinking as I am doing my read alouds. I use double entry journal to record thoughts
A6: Do use time after daily RA t discuss interesting vocabulary or fig. language to spur Ss to use in their writings.
Wow - I never think of how many years it’s been - 15 years. Crazy. I’ll check that book out. Thanks. https://t.co/GflDOJPKO2
Is anyone considering reading aloud Nine, Ten by at the beginning of the year since it's the 15 yr anniv of 9/11?
Gross is always good in 4th grade haha
I totally understand. It's good to be aware of what you need! You know this group is always here! :)
I love picture book biographies to bring in nonfiction and think about persistence and STEAM concepts https://t.co/URuDBnG7p7
If teachers won the lottery, they would just use it to pay for conferences they want to attend!! Hee!
I know what you mean - sometimes we just need to get them “into the book”. https://t.co/LdS4yYZS88
A5: I tend out to do much in the way of prereading activities with my read alouds. Just want Ss to enjoy good literature.
really enjoyed reading Pax this summer. Interesting plot line, but hated the ending personally.
Agreed! I mean weevils in your stale bread & rotten fruit makes Ss more thankful 😝
A6 Last yr we created board of strategies & Ss helped id during RA. Some great discussions. Found idea on pinterest
A6: My team used to share pics of the BFG & used for Ss to share inferences, predictions, & Qs for Edward Tulane.
Me too! We read aloud from When Lunch Fights Back last year & Ss absolutely LOVED it! Great nonfiction & rich craft!
Hoping to bring these strategies into my class this year. Help me Kim! :)
I remember my college professor reading to us every day and we loved it. One I remember: Rosie and Michael.
Q7: During or after reading, do you plan any correlating activities?
Got sidetracked. Want to mention we enjoyed https://t.co/02HUbxoKP3 last year. Did the picture book bracket & persuasive writing.
What kits are these? Integrating subjects - would love to hear more.
A5: Don't do much prereading. May read author bio before hand if it'll help us understand or enrich the text. Purpose is enjoyment.
I would really, really, really love that! Can we please do a project together?
The Romeo and Juliet Code is a hit because it's historical fiction but there's a mystery element there too https://t.co/d38u1lUd7m
I'm really glad you gave yourself a break. I hope you are doing well. Take care, friend!
I handed out copies of the poems at the back of Love That Dog so Ss were familiar with them before reading https://t.co/daFBh4M4bf
Thank you for sharing, Kim! Looks great!
Looked it up on Amazon. Looks good!
Hhmmm....community service or some kind or a STEAM project. (I just bought tiny bathroom paper cups for tower building.)
A1: I RA a lot of picture books at beg of year but ch be will be A Whole New Ballgame, Wild Robot, Pax, Among the hidden
invited you to my N&N pinterest board!
A7: Students share NEW vocabulary either via Google Slides or Padlet.
I would love to see a list of chats you enjoy.
Jumping in for the last bit of - hi from Syracuse, NY!
Thank you! I knew I could count on you!
A8: We use that website with our Kindergarten buddies. It's great, but I wish they would update it (new books/stars)
A8: I love using online books with my Ss for read alouds. I project Kindle on IWB and have read the book to class.
Welcome! Talking about Read Alouds! What is your favorite?
had fun w/it last year.Ss were coming up to me saying 'hey, I found an again and again moment!' Really used strategies
I’m going to hop on that bandwagon! :)
That’s when you know what you’re teaching is working.I think those skills make more sense&lead to deeper understanding
Q9: What is the Read Aloud that you remember most from when you were young?
Love! Thanks for sharing! I started doing some N&N towards the end of the year but want to start sooner
We should keep in touch and share how it's going. Maybe we can do something "positive" and fun!
Esperanza Rising always a favorite- bring in Out of the Dust, Bud Not Buddy, also grandparent interviews https://t.co/0Fs7MbpDCM
I ❤️ Wonder to launch the year and can't wait to do The Wild Robot. Home of the Brave was awesome too. https://t.co/JJ5tWnfVCx
Welcome! Talking about Read Alouds! What is your favorite?
I feel like it’s such a good idea to have something so that kids can say “oh, yeah” & make connections.
A9: Don’t remember any from school, but remember my mom reading me Old Yeller, Black Beauty and others when I was in hospital.
I broke my arm when I was 10 and had to have an operation to fix it. Loved my mom reading to me each day during my hospital stay.
I will have to look the last too up! Thanks for sharing.
Q10: Do books clubs fit in with Read Alouds? Why?Why not?
There are SO MANY good books. Out of the Dust is another favorite of mine. So rich.
A9 Matilda and Bridge to Terabithia
I agree - updating would be nice - starts the kids nowadays recognize. https://t.co/ugTM7RH1Jf
A8: We use that website with our Kindergarten buddies. It's great, but I wish they would update it (new books/stars)
A9: I remember The Giver, Maniac Magee, Catherine Called Birdy & Where the Red Fern Grows. Great stories with so much voice!
A6: Ask, "What did you notice / learn as a reader? As a writer?"
A9: I fell in love with read alouds when my teacher read The Search for Delicious. https://t.co/WhySH8kYQl
Q9: What is the Read Aloud that you remember most from when you were young?
A8: I use storyline online - I like to have students hear different voices; different expressions. Good modeling.
Although, Enemy Pie is one of their books :)
If you haven't read The One and Only Ivan....you should. It's absolutely precious.
A10: Hopeful doing daily RA will spur Ss t love reading. Then form books clubs for those interested in same book.
That is one that I will have them listen to! lol
A9: I remember hearing The Long Winter as a 4th grader in the middle of an IA winter... so fitting.
A9: Honestly - Charlotte's Web in 3rd grade. I was riveted.
I think book clubs could stem from interest in the read aloud topics or themes
A10:Book Clubs w/ same theme, etc. can easily go with a read aloud. Also, just read at times. But bc of time, I like clubs too.
A8: Sometimes I leave it in my sub plans for the sub to use so the sub doesn’t read “my” read aloud. Is that selfish?
A huge thank you to for prepping tonight’s question and resources for . I came home and took a nap. Start of school. LOL
I think it's important to read one book from a series or by an author and get kids hooked so they'll want to read more themselves
