Reading: We wrapped up our One Book, One School novel, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl this week! We had great fun reading the last chapter all together in the gym, especially with all of the kids dressed up as Wonka characters. We've reached the climax of Number the Stars by Lois Lowry. The book is so very beautifully written and the kids are absolutely enthralled. Ask them about the exciting chapters we read at the end of this week. Ask them how Lowry paralleled the tale of Little Red Riding Hood with our main character, Annemarie. Ask them how this tale foreshadowed what would happen in the book.
Writing: We moved on to writing our final chapter of our Columbian Exposition books. This chapter is an essay. The kids are developing a thesis and evidence stating why their focus topic was significant to the Fair. We'll wrap these up next week and begin to revise all 4 chapters. They'll turn these drafts into Weebly's as their published pieces. I'm looking forward to them! Ask your kids about their chapter three narratives; who was their main character? What was the problem and resolution they developed?
4th Grade Math: We practiced finding common denominators with equivalent fractions then moved on to using fractions in word problems. The "RDW" process reminds kids to read and underline info in the problem, draw a picture or representation of the problem, them write their work and final answer. Ask your kids to compare fractions, like 5/7 and 11/14.
Social Studies: Our 4th grade mall opens on Wednesday! Please check in with your kids to make sure they have enough products to sell! They've had extra time in class to work this past week, but there are still some groups that are behind. We studied advertising techniques and created ads to hang around the school this week. We also created pricing posters for our tables and continued making products. We discussed how several groups will need to continue making their products over the weekend. Ask your kids about their business name, plan, and product. Ask them how what advertising technique they used (emotion, fact, or endorsement... did they use weasel words? bandwagon tactics?)
Science: Our class is studying life science with Mr. Lukehart for third trimester. Ask your scientists about their classes with Mr. Lukehart.
Miscellaneous:
- 4th/ 5th Music concert is this Tuesday, May 15th. 4th graders need to arrive by 6:15; concert starts at 6:30. Don't forget your recorders!
- Whittier's Food and Dollar Drive in support of the OPRF Food Pantry is going on now! Please bring in canned goods, noodles, peanut butter, other non-perishable foods or money. Cash donations actually have the biggest impact since our Food Pantry is able to buy 3 healthy meals for $1.00!! We will be collecting through next Thursday, May 17th! Your donations will be a big help to people in need. Start collecting and saving today!!
- Be on the lookout on Monday for a permission slip for our field trip next Friday to Julian Middle School for our Special Olympics sponsored Young Athletes event. We're so excited!
