February 12, 2010

Calliope Weekly Update
February 8-12, 2010
Week Twenty-two


Permission Slip to Sign and Return: We will be going to the Flynn Theater on Wednesday, March 3rd to see Frindle. Please sign the permission slip (sent in Friday folders) and please return with payment by this Thursday, 2/18. Thanks.

Reading and Writing: Students are working diligently in class on their research projects. Part B was finished for nearly all students on Friday, which means our research is done and we’re on to report writing! Students have gathered a number of interesting facts and information to answer their research questions. We are using a graphic organizer to develop the draft of our 4 or 5 paragraph report. We look forward to some good writing in the next week!

Math: Third graders learned a new math game, “Leftovers,” in which students demonstrate their understanding of division. Third graders also added a new “center” to math…multiplication fact games on laptops. We’ve been playing a balloon pop fact game, as well as, multiplication Pac-man. Students also practiced their skills and strategies with problem solving, including a valentine logic problem. Fourth grade mathematicians are working with the multidigit array model for solving multidigit multiplication problems (like 36 x 22). This visual representation demonstrates the connection between number/place value and multiplication. Both classes continue to make progress on weekly fact tests.

Word Study: Ms. Schoolcraft’s spellers reviewed open syllable concepts in unit 6. They will finish the unit next week with a Unit test on Friday. Ms. Schoolcraft’s spellers also wrote silly spelling stories using unit six words, including lots of rhyming! We will share these next week! Mr. B’s spellers have published their new silly spelling stories to the blog—posted as Silly Spelling Stories II. Students also commented on others’ stories. Great writing and spelling work!

Science: Our two classes joined together twice this week to practice some science inquiry. Students reviewed vocabulary and the scientific process on Monday, and gathered again on Tuesday to work in small groups to do a “bird beaks and survival” experiment. Ask your child about the beak types: tweezers, spoons, toothpicks, and which was the most versatile beak! On Thursday, we had one more science experiment…

Responsive Classroom: Both classes enjoyed lunch and recess together on Thursday to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Students did a wonderful job sharing valentines with their classmates in all of Calliope 3-4. We gathered in the kiva to sing and complement each other after lunch. Students shared heartfelt thoughts and comments about each other.

Ask me about:
• Student of the week: Rachel
• Mr. Bolger’s mad scientist valentines
• Ms. Schoolcraft’s mad lib valentines
• Tuesday 2/9 was Vermont Writes day. Students in both classes did 7-minute writes and shared with spelling groups.
• How do you divide two apples among nine kids? (hint: first divide one apple among nine kids. Then divide the second among nine kids. Each kid ends up getting 2/9 of an apple)

Other: Thank you to families who sent in goodies for our Valentine’s soiree. We had plenty of treats and a good time was enjoyed by all.