Weekly Update

Math 

This past week we had started our geometry unit!  We have a lot of fun projects planned for geometry.  So far, we have taken notes on different lines and rays, angles, polygons, and types of triangles.  We even got to use a protractor to measure some angles!  

Dorothy taking notes in her math notebook

Eric measuring angles

Elayna working in one of our geometry packets

Reading
We have finished our read aloud, "No Talking!"  That means we will be starting a new read aloud book shortly.  Also, some book clubs will be starting a new book, while others are getting into the climax of their first Andrew Clements book.  Again, we meet on Wednesdays and Fridays.  Students should read the assigned pages and complete their book club role sheet before meeting in group.  They do receive a grade for this assignment each Wednesday and Friday, and they are allowed to complete their assignment during reading time in class


Writing/Spelling
In writing, we are nearing the end of Chapters 1 and 2 of our informational books, as we are preparing for Chapter 3 this week.  In Chapter 3, we will write a diary entry or a letter from the perspective of a person that would be involved in our topic (ex. marine biologist, soldier, pioneer).  This past week students continued to revise their drafts with a partner.  Some students even got to begin brainstorming and drafting text features to include in their informational book.  In Spelling, students took their test on Friday and they will receive a new sort this week.  

Science

This past week in science we built our very own circuit!  First, students started with a simple circuit consisting of 2 wires, a battery, and a light bulb.  Then, they were able to add more wires, lights, batteries, foil, and even a switch to turn their circuit on and off!  It was a lot of fun to put our knowledge of circuits to work!  Don't forget- students can click here or go to kz.com to log on to the online science website to complete activities and earn extra credit!

And... Social Studies!

On Friday we were very lucky to have Lindbergh High School students come and review the westward expansion topics with us that we've been learning about in social studies!  This is a part of a program called Lindbergh Connections.  The high school students created four different rotations for us to participate in.  We learned about Lewis and Clark's journey and made headdresses, heard a story about the Louisiana Purchase, played an Oregon Trail survivor game, and learned about the Gold Rush in a Socratic seminar fashion.  The fourth graders had so much fun, and the high schoolers did a great job!  

Important Info.

Friday Homework this week is a biography of Walt Disney titled, "Magical Cartoonist."  Spring conferences will be held on Thursday, March 6th.  Please check your email by this Tuesday for more information regarding conferences.  Finally, Six Flags Read to Succeed Reading Logs are due!  I will take any late forms until this Tuesday.