Third and Fourth Grade Language Arts
Literature study with Roald Dahl and Illustrator Quentin Blake. The 3rd and 4th grade class read George’s Marvelous Medicine, by Roald Dahl and explored the genre of Modern Fantasy. This hilarious book had us all in stitches, as we enjoyed the creative genius and outlandish humor of Roald Dahl.
Students learned the elements of plot including: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. We looked at how these elements are universal to all stories. We are incorporating these elements into our own story telling.
Students are developing their writing skills, using descriptive writing and practicing using “showing,” not “telling” sentences. Students wrote an opinion piece on whether they would prefer to be extremely tall or tiny, and a letter to Roald Dahl explaining their favorite part of the book.
For extra fun, students practiced drawing “Quentin Blake” style ~ lose your inhibitions, make mistakes, and keep it simple.
Ask your child about their tall or tiny preferences and to summarize the book for you:-)
November was National Gratitude month.
Giving Thanks - A Native American Good Morning Message. Students learned about how indigenous peoples live in balance with nature, embracing a deep respect for Mother Earth and all living things. Students reflect upon and write about what they are thankful for.
Holidays Around The World - Students learned about how people around the world celebrate their beliefs and culture through legends and traditions. A few are highlighted below.
Hanukah - We read the story of Hanukah and enjoyed learning and dancing The Horah, a Jewish celebration dance.
We read The little Old Lady Who Swallowed a Dreidel, by Caryn Yacowitz and illustrated by David Slonim. This book includes art parodies of famous works of art throughout history that celebrate the human experience and our culture.
We read The Legend of The Poinsettia, by Tomei de Paola. This is the story of Lucida a young village from Mexico and how she discovered that gifts are special because you give them ~ there is magic in the act of giving. Students created their own crayon-resist Poinsettias and cinquain poems about the Mexican wild flower ~ flor de fuego, flor de Navidad, and flor de la Nochebuena.
Students read many versions of The Gingerbread Man folktale including, The Gingerbread Girl, The Gingerbread Cowboy and The Musubi Man… to name a few. Students discussed their favorite version and shared their opinions. Students enjoyed decorating and eating Gingerbread Cookies!
Students are learning about Native American myths and legends, indigenous culture and beliefs through weekly reading assignments and reflection. We began our unit on the Indigenous Peoples of Santa Cruz, known today as the Ohlone just before the break. We learned how the Ohlone used natural resources and lived in balance with nature for over 10,000 years in Santa Cruz County. We will continue our study after the holiday break.
