Backgammon

Backgammon, the world's oldest board game, is a blend of skill and chance and reinforces many of the fourth grade math concepts. We have started learning the basics which include putting the pieces away correctly as Erin M. and Sophia V. are demonstrating.

Keyboarding Practice

Four times a week for 15 minutes each, everyone sits up straight and moves ahead at their own pace using Type to Learn 4 in the Technology Lab.

Concentric Circles with Compasses

J.W. (above) and Keaton R. (below) practice drawing perfect circles with their compasses in math class.

Turner Takes Times Facts Test Seriously

Turner B. didn't do so well on the first timed 50 multiplication facts test, so he went home and practiced. Next week he scored 40 out of the 50 possible in three minutes.

Mapping the Continents from Memory

We use these dry erase boards for everything (math, vocabulary, spelling, science) including quick map drawing activities. In this case the assignment was to draw the outlines of the seven continents from memory in less than a minute. Another time students drew and labeled maps of Florida and our school grounds.



These challenges are met with great enthusiasm.



Something about the temporary nature of the dry erase boards gives students a sense of freedom to experiment and take risks.



I love the exuberance of Tessa's map. And she remembered the planet is round. After the photo she moved the continents to their correct position.

Historic Jamestown Online

Jamestown, Virginia the first permanent English settlement in what became the USA is the subject of our first history investigation. There are many worthwhile resources online to explore. The National Geographic's interactive maps of the original Indian settlement and the English fort are found here.

Online games and other sites are listed at the bottom of the list on the right: "Websites for Classroom & Family Use."

Math Student Reference Book

Zach P. and Vadim B. use the Everyday Math Student Reference Book to figure out answers to some basic questions to kick-off our math studies. The book gives much more detail about each math concept under investigation.