Reading: This week we began the novel Number the Stars by Lois Lowry. It is an incredible story about two young girls who must be brave during WWII. Annemarie's family helps to hide little Ellen as part of the Danish Resistance against Hitler's Nazis. We learned background information about WWII through a slideshow this week. We teachers aim to keep the topic appropriate to the ages and sensitivities of our students, while still sharing this important piece of literature. I will continue to encourage the kids to talk to you about what they're learning and feeling; they all have SO MANY comments, questions, and observations; I can't get to them all each day! Talk to your kids about your connections to WWII, if any, or any appropriate knowledge or books you've read about the topic. They're very curious. Ask them about Chapter 1 of Number the Stars, or even better, reread it with them!
Writing: We practiced writing complete responses to texts this week in one sitting. We've worked on writing responses to texts all year through the common core standards as our guide, but in preparation for PARCC, we added the "in one sitting" element of the task. The kids did a great job developing their ideas in this short time frame. Next week they'll take their three ELA PARCC tests on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Then we're done!! We'll move on to informational writing about the World's Fair. Ask your kids what bug they'd be if they were a bug that visited a human event. Ask your kids what it would be like, from their perspective, to live in a dollhouse. These are some of the fun homework assignments we did this week.
Math: We continued on with our fraction unit by using different strategies for comparing numbers. Many students really feel comfortable using the cross denominator way to compare fractions but this week we also learned how to use a fraction strip and area model to compare two fractions. We then went on to looking at a list of fractions and learned how to plot fractions on a number line. We discussed how it is easy to look and compare multiple fractions when plotting them on the number line. Lastly we began adding mixed number fractions. We learned two different methods for adding fractions when you end up with a fraction that is improper. Students chose whichever method they liked. Ask your child to solve 8 6/8 + 7/8=.
Social Studies: We have finished our regions unit! Everyone did a wonderful job presenting their region and their keynote presentations are due today. I can't wait to see them.
Yesterday we kicked off our economics unit together as a 4th grade. We learned about a 10 year old boy that started his own bow tie business. Our students are going to learn about good and services plus about running a store. Then students will partner/team up together and run a store at our 4th grade mall. The mall will be at the end of May (dates will come out soon). Students will have time to make their store items at school so this is not a group project that will need to be done out of school hours. There is a $15 price limit outside of school items (we are happy to supply paper etc.) Students will make a business plan and have that accepted before they begin creating their items. Ask your child if they have an idea of what they want to sell at the 4th grade mall.
Science: Our class switched this week to Mr. Lukehart's class for science. Mr. Lukehart is on paternity leave right now so Mr. Wawzenek is teaching them. They are learning about ecosystems. Ask your student how their science class went this week and what they are learning about.
Miscellaneous:
- We are very low on Kleenex boxes (it's been quite a cold season). Please send in an extra box if you are able to do so.
- It's time for the OPRF Food Pantry Food Drive. Can Do Community Challenge is designed to raise awareness about hunger and encourage local organizations to become more involved with the Food Pantry. Traditionally, food pantry donations are at their lowest during the spring. Your donation of food, money or time will help support the 2,700 families who rely on Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry every month for food. Money and food items will be collected at Whittier through Beginning April 10th - 28th. Please bring in canned goods, whole grain pastas, nut butters, other healthy nonperishable choices, cleaning supplies, baby and toiletry items. Monetary donations are accepted as well (cash or a check made out to OPRF Food Pantry). Here is the link to their web page for more information or to donate directly to the pantry. https://interland3.don
orperfect.net/weblink/WebLink. aspx?name=E100115&id=18
