This week we had to get used to starting on Monday again! We jumped right in with beginning Unit 6 in math, a large part of which teaches us long division. Each 4th grade classroom is staying with their own teacher for this unit, so we have all been able to arrange our daily schedules to include some extra practice sessions throughout the week for this new skill. We have a solid start, and you will see the numbers and problems grow in size and complexity over the next week or two as students gain confidence and ability. It will really help your own student to give him/her a few extra problems to practice each evening if possible. Thank you for the extra help and support! Ready knowledge of basic facts is really proving to be necessary here as well. We are continuing to see renewed motivation to conquer the 100 facts within 3 minutes for all operations, which is fantastic!
Another area where our students have seriously 'dug in' to their work is with their latest writing project. At this point we are in the midst of editing and conferencing over their Fantasy Island Story, based on the maps they created last month for social studies, and then rewriting them into neat final draft copies. These will be beautiful additions to their Language Binders. Other Literacy news: January Scholastic Book Orders were received and sent home this week, and the February order forms came home today. We will give it a week to 'shop', and would like to have all orders in by next week Friday, February 10. In Spelling, we spent all week (hopefully) practicing the latest list of words, and the spelling test will be given this coming Monday.
We have finally jumped into our new Science Unit: Earth, Sun, Moon, and Stars. We find new information and amazing facts that we never knew before during each lesson, me included! Such discovery going on! There are many 'Gold Star Research" opportunities getting listed on our board. Any student who is motivated to dig deeper on any related topic that comes up during class, can research on the Internet at home (with your approval), and explore any reference books available. We look forward to all reports that come back to class, and make special time for our researchers to present and teach us more! The reports, posters, and pictures go up on the wall, and our classroom is becoming 'wallpapered' with new knowledge! (Don't let the fire inspectors see!) The kids are really proud of our growing collection. In Social Studies, our students have been partnered into teams to find the unique features of the 5 Regions of Wisconsin, and they are working together so well! It is so rewarding for me to overhear the inquiring conversations buzzing all around the room during these work sessions. Very cool!
Yes, we are deep into another round of collecting Box Tops For Education! We have a very healthy start (410!) as we complete the first week of collection today. The contest at West Middleton will continue through the month of February. Thanks for your patience and your help - the competitive spirit of our group is strong!
After next week, there are some special events occurring: On Monday, February 13, we will take our last class period beginning at 2pm to have a Valentine celebration. This week students brought home pink sheets listing classmates' names for use in labeling cards for exchange, if desired. We will distribute them during our party, and would like to also share a refreshment or two, play a game or two, or do a small craft project. If any parent would like to plan one of these and/or join us, we would love that! Let me or Sharon Pertzborn-Jensen know what you'd like to do. Thank you so very much! The kids are due for a little extra party fun. Then the following day, Tuesday, February 14th, we have class only until 11:00 am, when buses will come to take everyone home - it is our next CRT Day. One more event is the following Saturday, February 18, when the PTO is sponsoring our Winter Carnival from 2:00 to 4:30 at West Middleton. I hope to see you all there! In the meantime, let's help our kids keep reading and keep dividing! :) Melanie Hannam
Melanie Hannam
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