Reading: The kids are wonderfully engaged in both of our novels, Number the Stars by Lois Lowry, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl. They are drastically different from one another in tone, setting, and plot, so it's fun to switch from one to the other. Ask your kids about the characters in each. How are each of the authors developing the main characters' personalities through dialogue, actions, or thoughts? What predictions do your kids have?
Writing: We continued our research on the World' Fair this week. Besides a booklet of sources, we also provided the 4th graders with a “Hyperdoc,” a large list of online sources that they can use to research their topics. They’ve completed their chapter 1 research, “all about the fair,” and have moved on to their research about their individual topics for chapter 2. Ask your kids what focus topic they’ve chosen.
4th Grade Math: We continued our last unit which teaches about fractions. Beyond adding and subtracting fractions, we’ve discussed the concept of a “unit” fraction. This is 1 piece of the whole, or 1/ (something). Using unit fractions, we’ve started multiplying, dividing, and identifying equivalent fractions. Ask your kids to show you how (1/3 + 1/3) is equal to (2 x 1/3).
Social Studies: This week the kids presented their regions to the rest of the class. They did a great job researching and developing a presentation! We also started our economics unit. We began by talking about what economics is (and isn’t), and will continue to build background knowledge next week. Soon they’ll be ready to develop their product or service to sell at our 4th grade mall.
Science: Our class is studying life science with Mr. Lukehart for third trimester, we just started this week! Ask your scientists about their first two classes with Mr. Lukehart.
Miscellaneous:
- Our new last day of school is Friday, April 1st. This change is due to the half day snow day we had during February conferences. Dismissal will be at 11:00am.
- The 38th annual Ethnic Festival & World Languages Day is right around the corner! Whittier Families: Join us in making the Whittier parade contingent one of the biggest and best ever! Saturday, May 5, the parade steps off from Julian middle school at 10:00 a.m. Whittier student council will lead us! Wear your heritage cultural clothing, Whittier colors (blue & yellow/gold), or your Whittier wear! Or if you are coming from or going to a Saturday sports event or joining your scout troop, wear your uniform! The important thing is not what you wear, but that you BE THERE with the Whittier Family! Look for Sra. Deaton in the parade line-up. Back at Julian following the parade continue the celebration with performances, food, hands-on activities, workshops, and more. See you there!
- The Whittier Refugee Welcome Committee has been busy! In early April, a 13-year-old boy from Iraq visited Whittier and spoke to students in grades 3-5. He was very interesting! Next Fri., Apr. 27, all Whittier students will be participating in a FUNdraiser sponsored by the Whittier Refugee Welcome Project to support refugee families. Students will move between stations (running laps, bean bag toss, jumping jacks, etc.) that family and friends can pledge to support. Please check the online packet for detailed information on this project or you can make a donation here. The money will be split equally between the Rohingya Cultural Center and the Iraqi Mutual Aid Society. Please turn in all donations to the Whittier Office by May 11. Many thanks for your support of our FUNdraiser as we learn about and offer assistance to families new to our country and our area.
