We enjoyed a few 'extras' this week: we celebrated Earth Day on Tuesday and throughout the week (our paws were even green!), wrote letters to honor military children in STAND on Wednesday, and met with our book buddies in the K-1 hallway. We also wrapped up our writing and science projects and next week we'll wrap up reading. I look forward to seeing the finished products!
Reading: Summaries and story boards are complete, images and illustrations have been dropped into iMovie, and we're are ready to record! Mrs. Applebey and I taught several lessons on iMovie features this week. The kids have a week to record their voices over their images in iMovie (essentially "filming" their iMovie). I will set aside a few minutes of each reading class to check in with them on their progress, but their recording will take place in a quiet spot at home. Ask your kids what kind of illustrations, photographs and other images they've gathered for their movie.
Writing: Our "On My Block" writing pieces are complete! Both the writing and illustrations are unique and personal. We are hoping to compile our writing and illustrations into our own book- more to come! As we published these short pieces, I had the kids brainstorming for our next project which is a persuasive piece. We spent Thursday and Friday discussing the art of persuasion and boy did the kids get into it. They'll have a choice of topics, as well as a choice in their audience, format, and who they become as an author for this piece. Ask your kids about the topic they chose- what "RAFT" did they pick!
4th Grade Math: This week we moved on to working with fractions and decimals. We are learning how to convert back and forth, how to "decompose them" (break them down into tenths and hundredths), and how to represent them using drawings and number lines. Great work so far!
Science: We've completed our ecosystems presentations as well as the bibliographies with proper formatting! Next week the kids will each present their work to the class. We can't wait! This weekend they should practice their presentation out loud. Ask them to present it to you!
5th Grade Math: Check out Mrs. Madsen's website and newsletter for updates: http://www.op97.org/swennerberg/
Social Studies: Check out Mrs. Madsen's website and newsletter for updates: http://www.op97.org/swennerberg/
Miscellaneous
- Buy-a-Brick Campaign: This summer, the PTO is planning to install an outdoor classroom in the Greenleaf Garden north of the school. The classroom will be funded in part by the sale of engraved bricks starting at $50 per brick. It’s a great way to leave your family’s legacy at Whittier! Forms are available in the digital backpack or in the school vestibule. The brick sale deadline is May 16.
- 34th annual D97 Ethnic Festival/World Languages Day: Saturday, May 3, 2014; Percy Julian Middle School. Parade steps off at 10:00. This year’s theme: Diversity Is… and It Matters!" Join Ms. Young (her last EF parade as Whittier principal – we want to send her off with a big showing!), the “Club de español,” and other Whittier staff and families in the parade. Wear your “Whittier Wear” or “cultural clothing” of your heritage. After the parade, pick up your passport and join in the wonderful activities – performances, food, games, and more. Be sure to participate in the World Language Advisory Committee’s Hands-on @ Ethnic Fest – crafts, stories in other languages, and more, including a free raffle to win “international prizes” from Geppetto’s Toy Box. Thanks to Eli's mom, Stephanie Thomas, and Toby's mom, Karin West, for all their help with WLAC @ EF. It couldn't happen without them! ~Sra. D.
