May Update!
The weather is finally warm and we are winding down the school year and gearing up for summer!
Reading- You may have heard from your child that we are reading the book, "There is a Boy in the Girl's Bathroom" It is a story about a boy who is a bully, but changes his ways throughout the story. The message is powerful and while the story has elements of humor, the kids are really learning to think about why the character acts the way he does. We have also began looking at different text structures and author's focus. Students are examining a variety of firsthand and secondhand accounts otherwise known as primary and secondary sources. We have been looking at some primary sources from Ellis Island and Lewis and Clark. The kids have been very interested in learning the history of these important times.
Writing- We are working on expository or informational writing. Students completed their biographies and presentations and did an excellent job. We are now researching a tidal pool creature to prepare for our upcoming field trip. Learning to write expository pieces includes how to use colorful language in descriptions of animals and places, using transitional phrases, and writing appropriate introductions and conclusions for non fiction writing. 
Math- After a long winter of really difficult concepts such as fractions and decimals, we have moved on to Geometry. The students have learned how to measure and estimate angles, and identify and classify shapes. We are also working on measurement and are spending a significant amount of time on area and perimeter, which can be difficult for students to distinguish. 
Social Studies- After taking a break from S.S. to prepare for Science NECAP, we are back and beginning our study of the Midwest and then moving on to the West. There will be a states and capitals test on both regions. I will give the students ample time to prepare and plenty of practice maps. Students are working on making a slideshow of a Midwestern state of their choice using Google Slides. They are creating word clouds and picture collages as part of their presentations.
Science- We are just wrapping up Science NECAP testing and the students have worked incredibly hard. We are very proud of them! We will continue studying animals and plants, their adaptations, features, ecosystems, etc., and gear it more towards our tidal pool habitats, which we will be visiting soon! Permissions slips are going home. Please sign all paperwork and return as soon as possible so we don't have to worry as it gets closer. Chaperones will need to have completed volunteer training and have a current BCI in order to participate in the trip. 
Upcoming Important Dates:
Philharmonic: Monday May 22nd
4th Grade Field Trip: Friday June 2nd
Field Day: Thursday June 8th
Last Day of School: Friday, June 16th
