Class 303 does it again! They earned enough "Wildcats" to fill up the Ferris Wheel, thus achieving their second class reward. Congrats to them for their overall responsible, respectful behavior, particularly in a week where they were stuck inside due to the cold weather. I look forward to seeing all of you at conferences next week where we'll discuss their progress and goals.
Writing: I had the fun of reading through each of the kids' rough drafts and they are excellent. We spent a lot of time reading through model texts (writing from other kids) to identify what they did well. Using this list, the kids tried to incorporate the strategies in their own work. The growth is noticeable. We are typing away in the hopes that we'll complete the final drafts by next week to hang on "The Wall." Ask your kids what they're publishing!
Writing: I had the fun of reading through each of the kids' rough drafts and they are excellent. We spent a lot of time reading through model texts (writing from other kids) to identify what they did well. Using this list, the kids tried to incorporate the strategies in their own work. The growth is noticeable. We are typing away in the hopes that we'll complete the final drafts by next week to hang on "The Wall." Ask your kids what they're publishing!
Reading: We read a long informational article about snakes over the last week and a half. We spent quite a lot of time on the vocabulary, as I mentioned last Friday. This week we worked on identifying the main idea and details using a new note-taking strategy. Using Post-its, the kids identified the key concepts, then rearranged them upon discussing their work with their peers. They got a lot out of this important activity and it was a great step forward in their comprehension.
4th Grade Math:
We're wrapping up Unit 5, which covers "Big numbers, Estimation and Computation." This week we worked more on estimation, as well as big numbers and powers of ten. We also reviewed double digit
multiplication. Their test will be next Wednesday, June 30th. Ask your kids to show you "lattice multiplication," a strategy I never learned in school and I bet you might not have either!
Science: We're studying the skeletal system right now. This week we discussed joints and connective tissue. Despite the more "boring" way of learning (we're taking notes and reading instead of doing labs right now), the kids are out of their minds with excitement and totally engaged. I'm so pleased with their enthusiasm. We have some human and animal bones and a skeletal model and they love them! If you have anything similar that you'd like to lend to our learning library, we'd appreciate it!
Science: We're studying the skeletal system right now. This week we discussed joints and connective tissue. Despite the more "boring" way of learning (we're taking notes and reading instead of doing labs right now), the kids are out of their minds with excitement and totally engaged. I'm so pleased with their enthusiasm. We have some human and animal bones and a skeletal model and they love them! If you have anything similar that you'd like to lend to our learning library, we'd appreciate it!
5th Grade Math: Check out Ms. Wennerberg's website and newsletter for updates: http://www.op97.org/swennerberg/
Social Studies: Check out Ms. Wennerberg's website and newsletter for updates: http://www.op97.org/swennerberg/
Miscellaneous:
- Please send in the two permission slips and payment for our three fieldtrips: (Yellow permission slip: Bugsy Malone on 1/30/13 and BRAVO preview on 2/12); (blue permission slip: Bud, Not Buddy on 2/14). Thanks!
- You can sign up for conferences online by clicking here. I look forward to seeing you on 1.30.13 or 1.31.13!
- A note from Sra. Deaton: Akemashite omedetou! Happy New Year! OPRF High School is hosting its annual Japan Festival on Saturday, February 2, from 12-4 pm. Admission is free! Among the activities are dance, music, games, calligraphy, origami, kimono, face-paint, and demonstrations of martial arts, sumo wrestling, Japanese dance, and drumming. Sushi and other Japanese food available for purchase. Following the festival, Tsukasa Taiko will present a free drum concert (5-6pm.) It is always great fun! Hope to see you there! Arigato gozaimasu. Gracias!
