Newsletter May 13th, 2011
May 13, 2011
I know there has been a rumor going around that I may be moving to 5th grade next year and while I would go to the end of the earth for these kids, I will be staying in 4th grade. This has been such an incredible year, we have done amazing things, but the kids are ready for bigger challenges and new jokes!
Math - We are in the middle of review for this rather random unit. The test will be on Monday and then we start on the final unit of the year. This unit is all about rates so those multiplication and problem solving skills really come in handy.
Science - The weather is still not really cooperating with us but we were finally able to learn a little about our shadows, next up is the moon so all next week I ask students to keep a Moon log. This will be to discuss our observations of the Moon and more info will be posted on our website. This is not meant to be a hassle at all so if your child misses an observation please do not worry about it. As a class we should be able to piece together a week’s worth of observations.
Social Studies - We ended our Civil War simulation yesterday with some soldiers surviving the battle. I hope this gave students a taste of how fascinating the history during this time period is. Up next is the 20th century as we finish out the year.
Reading - Reading was mostly doing reader’s theatre scripts as students are practicing their fluency and expression. It is great fun to see how creative they get with the fairy tale scripts.
Writing - We have been blogging about Innovation Day for our 6th grade buddies, as well as writing science observations. We fully attach fairy tales again next week.
Special Notes -
* What an amazing week we have had, thank you so much for your willingness and eagerness to support the learning happening in this room.
* Innovation Day was amazing! A 6 minute video of it will be posted later featuring interviews with the kids of why other teachers should try it as well. We hope to display our beautiful projects in the library for a week and then they will come home.
* Advanced math testing did not happen this week so I am assuming it will be next week instead. It will happen some time, I promise.
* Global Connections: We received two incredible care packages from our classroom in NYC. They had really gone all out with what they had included. The school (PS 19) was featured in a NY Times article yesterday, unfortunately discussing how overcrowded they are, so we read that article as well. We also had a visit from my brother Paul who told the students what it is like being stationed in Afghanistan as a trauma nurse. It was absolutely incredible to see the rapt attention the students maintained for more than an hour and a half. There were more than 100 questions asked and much was learned. Paul goes back to Afghanistan today for his final 6 months and I will be hoping for his safe return in November. We will be sending a care package to him in the coming weeks so donations for that can be sent in by next Friday.
* Final book orders went home yesterday, they are due next Friday. Remember you can order online as well if this is easier for you, if you do, then we get a coupon for a free book.
* We visited the website www.moonzoo.org this week and the students helped NASA map the moon. They are more than welcome to use my login from home for this: Mrsripp and password is students.
* Please send in $2.50 with your child ASAP for the lumberjack breakfast so that I may pass it on to our volunteers. Also, your child should bring in a tin pie plate as well as a mug for the actual breakfast. Both should have their name on them.
* We have one last movie to watch, “Apollo 13”, to tie in with our Space and Moon exploration.
* I have some dates for you to put on your calendars: Talent Show is May 19th at 1:15 pm, Lumberjack Breakfast is May 25th 8:30 AM, No School Monday May 30th, Cave of the Mounds/Little Norway field trip is June 7th all day, Hotdog Picnic is Wednesday, June 8th at 11:15 AM (sign up with Sue), and last day of school party is Thursday June 8th at 1:30 PM.
