4th Graders Become More Socially Aware...

This week fourth graders began wrapping up their study of the novel "The Family Under the Bridge" by Natalie Carson Savage. In an effort to gain a better understanding of the plight of the characters, students participated in a "Homelessness Simulation." Working in "families," they attempted to locate places in which they might seek shelter if they were homeless, taking into consideration such factors as weather, available food supply, security, etc. Afterwards, students attempted to survive a month on a limited budget, through the virtual reality game, "SPENT."

As we finished the book, students began to explore ways to help those who are homeless and hungry in our own community. We were able to welcome Hank Roraback, Director of the United Way of the Brazos Valley, as a guest speaker to our classroom, to discuss ways in which community members can help those less fortunate.

In Social Studies, students began their first virtual journey through a region of the United States. Beginning in the Northeast, the students visited Quoddy Head, Maine, Mt. Washington, NH, and Plymouth, MA. After discovering important facts about these locations, students earned themselves an opportunity to divulge in the "whoopie pie," a delicious culinary tradition in the state of Maine