Calliope Weekly Update
March 29-April 2, 2010
Week Twenty-Nine
Reading: in Mr. Bolger’s and Ms. Schoolcraft’s classes, students have been writing “responses to text” (short essays about literature they have been reading). We hope to be done by next Friday. We are using graphic organizers and have been focusing on writing effective introductory paragraphs.
Writing : both classes have been writing poetry. Mr. Bolger’s class has been studying the poet, Caleph Brown and have been writing autobiographical “I Am…” poems. In grammar studies, they have been working on quotations and on proper nouns. Ms. Schoolcraft’s class has been learning to write haikus and cinquains, rhyming couplets, limericks, and autobiographical poems including "Where I'm from" poems. We have had lots of laughs, good writing, and fun.
Spelling: Ms. Schoolcraft’s class , studying with Fundations, finished -le syllable types (unit 8) and will move on to unit 9 next week. Mr. Bolger’s class is on a tear with vocabulary words like ensure, frequent and vast; spellers have wrestled with “Is it storys or stories? Is it alleys or allies?”
Math: In Grade 3, it’s all about probability w/spinners, probability language (certain, impossible, likely, equally likely, more likely, unlikely), combinations and tree diagrams. Ask about monsters combinations! In Grade 4, students have concluded their introduction to long division. They took a test on Thursday. Next unit: fractions.
Science: dozens of fizzing Mentos later, pounds and pounds of Ooblek-on-the-floor later, quarts-of-vinegar-and-baking-soda-and balloons later, we have, sadly, come to the end of our unit on Solids, Liquids and Gases. Next unit up: a social studies unit – The Vermont Economy.
Responsive Classroom:
The two 3-4 classrooms met today and did some problem-solving around teasing and other not-very-nice behaviors. Many students shared thoughtfully about how it has felt when they have been teased, and they created a poster entitled: "What 3-4s need to be their best." Students were so engaged and gave so much to the discussion, that we needed to take an Outside break to get recharged for Math.
Ask me:
• about how far we’ve gotten towards our 1000 paper cranes,
• about who I voted for as my favorite Red-Clover book,
• about what it means to be a “Singing Leader” for our upcoming CD,
• about the chicks we will be hatching (eggs will be set in late April.)
Thanks, everyone, for the time you have taken, and the flexibility you have offered, to meet with us for Parent Conferences. It has been such a pleasure to sit down with you and see the progress your daughter or son has made.
Take care, everyone.
David and Sarah
Friday, April 9, 2010
Friday, April 2, 2010
April 2, 2010
Calliope Weekly Update
March 29-April 2, 2010
Week Twenty-eight
Reading/Writing : As we continue our work with various texts in our reading groups and during read aloud, we had special visits from Mr. Terko, Ms. Carr and Mr. Nardelli this week, each sharing a Red Clover book with us. On Thursday, after Mr. Nardelli’s read aloud, students informally voted for their favorite: Finding Home By Sandra Markle, which was read by Ms. Trasciatti-Holmberg, our very own music teacher. On Thursday, Ms. S read Sadako by Eleanor Coerr, a story about a girl’s struggle with leukemia in the aftermath of World War II, as well as, origami cranes as symbols of hope. We have set a Calliope House goal to make 1,000 paper cranes for Dominic’s sister Maria.
Reading Link Frenzy: As we approach the end of the year, we are making a final push with reading and reading chains. We will take them down after our Reading Restaurant in May, we’ll attach them, and make a gigantic circular chain that we’ll take up onto the hill. We think it’s going to be the biggest Reading Chain ever. If you have any little toys or trinkets that your child has grown out of – that you’d like to donate to our Reading Chain grab bag, we’d be happy to have you offload them here .
Math: Fourth graders reviewed their Mid-Year Math Assessment. They also continue to work on gaining deeper understanding of the concepts of multiplication and division, as well as, the partial quotients algorithm. Mr. B is continually implementing strategies and teachings from the Best Practices in Teaching Mathematics course. Third graders started a unit on probability…making predictions and analyzing data from activities involving sampling with replacement.
Word Study: With so many students out this week, and with half-days interspersed across last week and this week, Mr. B’s spelling groups focused on grammar and punctuation as they read and commented on each others’ most-recent spelling stories on the blog. The stories aren’t just “silly” any more. They are quite inspired, and students are giving insightful feedback to their friends. Ms. S’s group is continuing to work with the consonant-le syllable type, including consonant-le syllable exceptions (bagel, camel, etc).
Science: We wrapped up our study of states of matter this week with a written assessment on Thursday. Students explored the “in between” state of oobleck…not quite a solid, not quite a liquid. Aside from making oobleck, we also made a HUGE mess! Students did a fantastic job working together to clean up tables, chairs, desks, and the rug afterward!
Responsive Classroom: We have made it to April…and the “spring jitters” are in full swing. Please remind your child to dress in layers and bring a water bottle to school for warmer weather!
Ask me about:
• Paper Cranes
• Mrs. Frisby’s daring challenge.
• How the Rats of Nimh got captured.
• Oobleck: solid or liquid?
• Grammar: does that period go inside or outside of the quotation marks?
Other: We’ve had several students out this week (including Ms. S on Friday with a sore throat)…please encourage your child to wash hands often and get good rest to stay healthy! With our origami project underway, we could use donations of origami paper—all sizes and colors—and thank you to the families who have sent in glue sticks…we will continue to accept donations!
David and Sarah
March 29-April 2, 2010
Week Twenty-eight
Reading/Writing : As we continue our work with various texts in our reading groups and during read aloud, we had special visits from Mr. Terko, Ms. Carr and Mr. Nardelli this week, each sharing a Red Clover book with us. On Thursday, after Mr. Nardelli’s read aloud, students informally voted for their favorite: Finding Home By Sandra Markle, which was read by Ms. Trasciatti-Holmberg, our very own music teacher. On Thursday, Ms. S read Sadako by Eleanor Coerr, a story about a girl’s struggle with leukemia in the aftermath of World War II, as well as, origami cranes as symbols of hope. We have set a Calliope House goal to make 1,000 paper cranes for Dominic’s sister Maria.
Reading Link Frenzy: As we approach the end of the year, we are making a final push with reading and reading chains. We will take them down after our Reading Restaurant in May, we’ll attach them, and make a gigantic circular chain that we’ll take up onto the hill. We think it’s going to be the biggest Reading Chain ever. If you have any little toys or trinkets that your child has grown out of – that you’d like to donate to our Reading Chain grab bag, we’d be happy to have you offload them here .
Math: Fourth graders reviewed their Mid-Year Math Assessment. They also continue to work on gaining deeper understanding of the concepts of multiplication and division, as well as, the partial quotients algorithm. Mr. B is continually implementing strategies and teachings from the Best Practices in Teaching Mathematics course. Third graders started a unit on probability…making predictions and analyzing data from activities involving sampling with replacement.
Word Study: With so many students out this week, and with half-days interspersed across last week and this week, Mr. B’s spelling groups focused on grammar and punctuation as they read and commented on each others’ most-recent spelling stories on the blog. The stories aren’t just “silly” any more. They are quite inspired, and students are giving insightful feedback to their friends. Ms. S’s group is continuing to work with the consonant-le syllable type, including consonant-le syllable exceptions (bagel, camel, etc).
Science: We wrapped up our study of states of matter this week with a written assessment on Thursday. Students explored the “in between” state of oobleck…not quite a solid, not quite a liquid. Aside from making oobleck, we also made a HUGE mess! Students did a fantastic job working together to clean up tables, chairs, desks, and the rug afterward!
Responsive Classroom: We have made it to April…and the “spring jitters” are in full swing. Please remind your child to dress in layers and bring a water bottle to school for warmer weather!
Ask me about:
• Paper Cranes
• Mrs. Frisby’s daring challenge.
• How the Rats of Nimh got captured.
• Oobleck: solid or liquid?
• Grammar: does that period go inside or outside of the quotation marks?
Other: We’ve had several students out this week (including Ms. S on Friday with a sore throat)…please encourage your child to wash hands often and get good rest to stay healthy! With our origami project underway, we could use donations of origami paper—all sizes and colors—and thank you to the families who have sent in glue sticks…we will continue to accept donations!
David and Sarah
Friday, March 12, 2010
March 13, 2010
Calliope Weekly Update
March 8-12, 2010
Week Twenty-five
Conferences: I will be emailing a conference sign-up list to you over the weekend. Please email back with preferred times. Looking forward to seeing you.
Big-Basket Raffle: Please donate by March 17th. Our theme is Ice Cream Social. We have received two nice sets of bowls. Still needed: items such as sugar cones, sprinkles, scoops, syrup, spoon set, a Friendly’s gift card, etc. Thank you. Thank you!
Williston Variety Show: tonight 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Come see your teachers and friends perform! $5.00 at the door. Call ahead for availability.
Green Breakfast: March 17th! Hope to see you here
Reading and Writing: We celebrated the completion of our research on Friday morning with a “cupcake” celebration—students decorated their own cupcakes in honor of the “icing on the cake” which was the presentations of our research. Students will work in guided reading groups starting next week and will be writing their second response to literature in the weeks to come.
Math: Fourth graders learned quick strategies for big multiplication problems. Third graders continued their work with fractions. Third graders explored area model, set model, and linear model fractions. Students used a variety of manipulatives to represent, compare and order fractional amounts. Students also learned several new games: Fraction Top-it, Wipeout, Building Rectangles, Fraction Memory and Fraction Riddles.
Word Study: Mr. B’s spelling group did a power cursive week, and will resume their work with sorting words by spelling concepts next week. Ms. S’s spellers began unit 7 and are studying the addition of suffixes to words ending /y/, as well as, learning the capital C, O and G in cursive.
Science: We kicked off our next science unit—States of Matter—this week. Students are learning how to identify the difference between solids, liquids and gases. Students worked in groups to create collage posters of each state of matter. Next week, we will explore the properties of each state in depth.
Responsive Classroom: We welcomed two new students to Calliope this week! Rudy is a 4th grader in Ms. Schoolcraft’s class, and his brother Wayne is a 2nd grader in Mrs. Dodge’s class. Calliope students have been warm and welcoming to their new classmate, and have done a great job showing the boys around, introducing themselves, and helping explain Calliope routines and rituals.
Ask me about:
• Friday’s surprise
• Writing for the Blue & Gold
• Our presentations
• Calliope Yellow Pages
• How to solve 999 x 999 in 40 seconds or less. Can you do it, parents?!
Please Enjoy the warm weather and don’t forget to “spring ahead” this weekend!
March 8-12, 2010
Week Twenty-five
Conferences: I will be emailing a conference sign-up list to you over the weekend. Please email back with preferred times. Looking forward to seeing you.
Big-Basket Raffle: Please donate by March 17th. Our theme is Ice Cream Social. We have received two nice sets of bowls. Still needed: items such as sugar cones, sprinkles, scoops, syrup, spoon set, a Friendly’s gift card, etc. Thank you. Thank you!
Williston Variety Show: tonight 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Come see your teachers and friends perform! $5.00 at the door. Call ahead for availability.
Green Breakfast: March 17th! Hope to see you here
Reading and Writing: We celebrated the completion of our research on Friday morning with a “cupcake” celebration—students decorated their own cupcakes in honor of the “icing on the cake” which was the presentations of our research. Students will work in guided reading groups starting next week and will be writing their second response to literature in the weeks to come.
Math: Fourth graders learned quick strategies for big multiplication problems. Third graders continued their work with fractions. Third graders explored area model, set model, and linear model fractions. Students used a variety of manipulatives to represent, compare and order fractional amounts. Students also learned several new games: Fraction Top-it, Wipeout, Building Rectangles, Fraction Memory and Fraction Riddles.
Word Study: Mr. B’s spelling group did a power cursive week, and will resume their work with sorting words by spelling concepts next week. Ms. S’s spellers began unit 7 and are studying the addition of suffixes to words ending /y/, as well as, learning the capital C, O and G in cursive.
Science: We kicked off our next science unit—States of Matter—this week. Students are learning how to identify the difference between solids, liquids and gases. Students worked in groups to create collage posters of each state of matter. Next week, we will explore the properties of each state in depth.
Responsive Classroom: We welcomed two new students to Calliope this week! Rudy is a 4th grader in Ms. Schoolcraft’s class, and his brother Wayne is a 2nd grader in Mrs. Dodge’s class. Calliope students have been warm and welcoming to their new classmate, and have done a great job showing the boys around, introducing themselves, and helping explain Calliope routines and rituals.
Ask me about:
• Friday’s surprise
• Writing for the Blue & Gold
• Our presentations
• Calliope Yellow Pages
• How to solve 999 x 999 in 40 seconds or less. Can you do it, parents?!
Please Enjoy the warm weather and don’t forget to “spring ahead” this weekend!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
March 5, 2010
Calliope Weekly Update
March 2-5, 2010
Week Twenty-four
Reading and Writing: Students have already begun presenting their research. We have heard twelve presentations this week, and look forward to presentations through Thursday of next week. Students are doing a fantastic job making their presentations interesting, speaking loudly and clearly, and addressing the audience. Students are also asking great questions of their peers when it’s time for questions and comments. We enjoyed a break in our regular routine on Wednesday, when we visited the Flynn theater for a performance of the story Frindle by Andrew Clements. Students in both classes got some good laughs, and wrote responses to the question, “what would it be like if the Calliope 3-4’s all started using made-up words?!”
Math: Third graders have started up with a unit on Fractions. We read Ed Emberly’s Picture Pie and used construction paper circles to create symmetrical “masterpieces”—using the whole, half, quarter, and eighth pieces of the circles. Students then wrote number sentences to show the total amount of each color paper used. Fourth graders are working on concepts of measurement.
Word Study: Both spelling classes did a week of review. Students in Ms. S’s class did a Unit 6 “retake” on Friday to hopefully improve overall scores.
Science: Third and fourth graders completed the CSSU Science Inquiry task entitled Soil Soakers this week. Students worked independently, in pairs, and in small groups to follow the scientific process in response to the question: what Earth material is best suited for planting seeds—clay, sand, humus or gravel?
Responsive Classroom: We’d like to compliment students for their mature and respectful behavior at the Flynn this week. This is a solid stretch of teaching and learning time—from February break to April break—and we’re really getting back into the groove. Thanks for supporting your child with homework routines.
Ask me about:
• Student of the week: Megan
• Jambalaya ♫
• Frindle
Other: Our next Calliope event is the Green Breakfast on Wednesday, March 17th at 7:30. Look for a flyer in Friday folders this week, and you may be contacted by our room parents if you had signed up to bring something “green” to the event. Parent/teacher conferences will soon be scheduled for the end of this month. Look for information in next week’s Friday folders. Thanks to the eight parent chaperones to the Flynn this week! Have a great weekend!
March 2-5, 2010
Week Twenty-four
Reading and Writing: Students have already begun presenting their research. We have heard twelve presentations this week, and look forward to presentations through Thursday of next week. Students are doing a fantastic job making their presentations interesting, speaking loudly and clearly, and addressing the audience. Students are also asking great questions of their peers when it’s time for questions and comments. We enjoyed a break in our regular routine on Wednesday, when we visited the Flynn theater for a performance of the story Frindle by Andrew Clements. Students in both classes got some good laughs, and wrote responses to the question, “what would it be like if the Calliope 3-4’s all started using made-up words?!”
Math: Third graders have started up with a unit on Fractions. We read Ed Emberly’s Picture Pie and used construction paper circles to create symmetrical “masterpieces”—using the whole, half, quarter, and eighth pieces of the circles. Students then wrote number sentences to show the total amount of each color paper used. Fourth graders are working on concepts of measurement.
Word Study: Both spelling classes did a week of review. Students in Ms. S’s class did a Unit 6 “retake” on Friday to hopefully improve overall scores.
Science: Third and fourth graders completed the CSSU Science Inquiry task entitled Soil Soakers this week. Students worked independently, in pairs, and in small groups to follow the scientific process in response to the question: what Earth material is best suited for planting seeds—clay, sand, humus or gravel?
Responsive Classroom: We’d like to compliment students for their mature and respectful behavior at the Flynn this week. This is a solid stretch of teaching and learning time—from February break to April break—and we’re really getting back into the groove. Thanks for supporting your child with homework routines.
Ask me about:
• Student of the week: Megan
• Jambalaya ♫
• Frindle
Other: Our next Calliope event is the Green Breakfast on Wednesday, March 17th at 7:30. Look for a flyer in Friday folders this week, and you may be contacted by our room parents if you had signed up to bring something “green” to the event. Parent/teacher conferences will soon be scheduled for the end of this month. Look for information in next week’s Friday folders. Thanks to the eight parent chaperones to the Flynn this week! Have a great weekend!
February 19, 2010
Calliope Weekly Update
February 15-19, 2010
Week Twenty-three
Reading and Writing: Our research reports are in final form! Students did an excellent job using the “big 6” model for research and writing 4 or 5 paragraph reports on their choice topic. We will be sharing this exciting product the week after break. Students have also spent time reviewing parts of speech through the coveted “P.O.S. ball” (parts-of-speech), as well as fun with Mad Libs. Students have also had some solid time for independent reading. Please encourage your child to read for pleasure over break. Often we’re so busy during the week that it’s difficult to really “get in” to a book. Teachers do some of their best reading over school vacations!
Math: Fourth graders took their end-of-the-unit math assessment on fact extensions (50 x 600, for example), word problems, and multidigit multiplication. Fourth graders also dabbled a bit in fractions this week. Third graders also completed the end-of-the-unit assessment in multiplication and division. Students took a pre-assessment for our upcoming unit on fractions. Both classes continue to work on multiplication facts on a weekly basis.
Word Study: Mr. B’s spellers reviewed homophones and tricky spelling “demons.” Ms. Schoolcraft’s spellers completed unit 6 with a look at multisyllabic words with open syllables, open syllable exceptions, and the addition of suffixes to these words.
Science: All students completed the science inquiry task, “playground trash” this week. The guiding question for the investigation was “Will putting magnets together make a difference in the distance needed to attract objects?” Students worked in small groups to conduct an experiment, and then worked independently to analyze and apply the data collected. Ask your child about this experiment. Later in the week, we reviewed student responses to the “NECAP practice” questions regarding this experiment, and compared student responses to the questions asked. We will continue to practice writing about our science thinking in weeks to come.
Responsive Classroom: Both classes have really enjoyed combining classes for Friday morning meetings. We continue to hold students accountable for their work, reinforcing complete work with team choice time on Fridays and upholding the logical consequence of “work room” for incomplete work. Please encourage your child to turn in homework daily.
Ask me about:
• Student of the week: Dominic
• Four Winds: Animal tracking
• My research project!
Other: Thank you for all that you do to support our 3-4 Calliope endeavors. Just a friendly reminder, there is no school for students on Monday, 3/1 (teacher professional development), and we will be going to the Flynn on Wednesday, 3/3 to see Frindle. We have emailed the parent volunteers who will be attending (we had to do first-come, first-served for chaperones)…sorry we couldn’t take all of you! Have a fantastic vacation and we’ll see you in March!
February 15-19, 2010
Week Twenty-three
Reading and Writing: Our research reports are in final form! Students did an excellent job using the “big 6” model for research and writing 4 or 5 paragraph reports on their choice topic. We will be sharing this exciting product the week after break. Students have also spent time reviewing parts of speech through the coveted “P.O.S. ball” (parts-of-speech), as well as fun with Mad Libs. Students have also had some solid time for independent reading. Please encourage your child to read for pleasure over break. Often we’re so busy during the week that it’s difficult to really “get in” to a book. Teachers do some of their best reading over school vacations!
Math: Fourth graders took their end-of-the-unit math assessment on fact extensions (50 x 600, for example), word problems, and multidigit multiplication. Fourth graders also dabbled a bit in fractions this week. Third graders also completed the end-of-the-unit assessment in multiplication and division. Students took a pre-assessment for our upcoming unit on fractions. Both classes continue to work on multiplication facts on a weekly basis.
Word Study: Mr. B’s spellers reviewed homophones and tricky spelling “demons.” Ms. Schoolcraft’s spellers completed unit 6 with a look at multisyllabic words with open syllables, open syllable exceptions, and the addition of suffixes to these words.
Science: All students completed the science inquiry task, “playground trash” this week. The guiding question for the investigation was “Will putting magnets together make a difference in the distance needed to attract objects?” Students worked in small groups to conduct an experiment, and then worked independently to analyze and apply the data collected. Ask your child about this experiment. Later in the week, we reviewed student responses to the “NECAP practice” questions regarding this experiment, and compared student responses to the questions asked. We will continue to practice writing about our science thinking in weeks to come.
Responsive Classroom: Both classes have really enjoyed combining classes for Friday morning meetings. We continue to hold students accountable for their work, reinforcing complete work with team choice time on Fridays and upholding the logical consequence of “work room” for incomplete work. Please encourage your child to turn in homework daily.
Ask me about:
• Student of the week: Dominic
• Four Winds: Animal tracking
• My research project!
Other: Thank you for all that you do to support our 3-4 Calliope endeavors. Just a friendly reminder, there is no school for students on Monday, 3/1 (teacher professional development), and we will be going to the Flynn on Wednesday, 3/3 to see Frindle. We have emailed the parent volunteers who will be attending (we had to do first-come, first-served for chaperones)…sorry we couldn’t take all of you! Have a fantastic vacation and we’ll see you in March!
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)