I want to say an enormous thank you to the Whittier PTO for helping the Whittier staff start our year off with a bang. Thanks to their generous donation to our classrooms, I'm looking into several options to enhance our learning and learning environment this year. More to come when I decide on a purchase that's best used in 303 this year!
Reading: We began reading a novel called "Chicken Boy" this week. It is about a 7th grade boy with a complicated home-life who learns to become vulnerable through friendships at school. The story is both funny and inspiring; so far the kids are really into it! I'm using this novel as a tool to introduce and practice some of the reading routines we'll use throughout the year with our new curriculum, Treasures. We are working on vocabulary, phonics, word study, comprehension and reading responses. Ask your kids about Chicken Boy: what do they think of the plot? Which characters do they like and why?
4th Grade Math: We were busy during our first few days of math. We learned important work habits and routines, reviewed math facts through games and a timed test, and took a Unit 1 pre-test. The students also took their fall math MAP test. This is our second year using this series of tests; they're very helpful in identifying strengths, weaknesses and changing trends in various learning strands from each student. Next week we'll hit the ground running with Unit 1 which focuses on "Naming and Constructing Geometric Figures." At the beginning of each unit, expect to see a family letter with a unit explanation and an answer key to homework. At the end of each unit (before the test), expect to see a math review, usually completed in class by the students, and a "Learning Goals" sheet that lists the concepts taught. Ask your kids to play the game "Top It." All you need is a deck of cards!
Science: Our first day of science was today. We set up our notebooks, discussed our year, and I introduced the scientific method. Our first unit is a mini- unit called "Ology;" it's about different types of science and scientists. We will collaborate with Mrs. Conley from the library to research a chosen science, and produce a creative writing piece to present our findings. Ask your kids about the 'reaction time' experiment they'll do to practice using the scientific method- using us teachers!
Writing: We have done a lot of writing already!! The kids are in full swing with writing workshop: having table conferences, working in partnerships, brainstorming and drafting their first pieces. It's been a busy little workshop in here and they're loving it. More to come in explaining the workshop model at Open House. Ask your kids about what they're writing.
Miscellaneous:
- Returning band/ orchestra students: click here to re-register!
- New band/ orchestra students and those who'd like to switch instruments: if you missed music night this week, contact Amy Vogt (Band) or Sandra Korelc (Orchestra) for more info.
Historian's Log
This week's author: Julia
Monday we had our first music, and Tuesday we had our first art! Wednesday we had our first Stand. Lots of firsts.
On Thursday, the 5th graders had a pizza party if they finished their math packet. Friday was our first science and Social Studies. First full week of school= finished!
