Hello 4B Families!
This is it; the final push to Winter Break! I want to thank you all for the support you have given throughout the semester. I cannot believe how far we have come as a class, and a lot of that is due support from home. Mrs. King and I truly appreciate all you do for us. We love having the opportunity to teach your children, and you all make our jobs so much more fun!
Speaking of fun, our Robin Hood celebration is coming up on Thursday. Big big thank you to Mrs. Sinykin for helping to spearhead this for us. If you have any questions, or you are not receiving class liaison updates, please send an email to debbiemsinykin@me.com.
In the vein of Robin Hood, we are finishing the book right before the celebration takes place. Our last quiz will take the form of an in-class essay on Friday. The students will be getting a study guide on Wednesday, which we will go over on Thursday morning and afternoon (post-celebration). The study guide will have two possible essay questions, one of which will be their quiz. These questions will more open-ended with no true right or wrong answer. The purpose is to challenge the students to make a convincing case for their opinion using specific events from the book.
In History, the students will be taking an open-note quiz on Wednesday to assess their knowledge on Ancient China. The quiz will be multiple choice with no short answer, so each student has the opportunity to end history on a high note! I will be strongly reminding students tomorrow that they should check their Ancient China packets for completion.
In Science, we are going to be reviewing some topics that will be addressed on the AIMS science test all 4th graders take. This is usually a fun time, as we get to play a lot of jeopardy games and discuss topics that are not a part of our normal curriculum.
One final reminder, please sign up for a parent-teacher conference. Remember, they are mandatory!
Thank you and happy holidays!
Monday, December 12, 2016
Monday, December 5, 2016
Week 8 Updates
Hello 4B Families!
Wow, only two weeks left until the end of the semester! In typical Great Hearts fashion, we are pushing academics up until the bitter end. A couple quick announcements before I let you know what your scholars are learning about this week.
First, Mrs. Sinykin is collaborating with the other parent liaisons to create a SPECTACULAR Robin Hood feast. Last year, I had so much fun watching the students celebrate their knowledge and I look forward to doing the same this year. I am sure she will be updating you all with information, but also check the blog for updates on party details.
Second, I have updated the blog with a new sign up for parent-teacher conferences. Just a reminder, these are mandatory meetings that will take place on January 3rd and 4th.
Now, on to the academics!
In Language Arts, I received the final drafts for almost all scholars today. I was so impressed with their ideas and how focused they were on creating well-thought out rough drafts. The students will be receiving the final two stanzas for Paul Revere's Ride this week. I strongly encourage you all to keep up with the practicing as recitations will begin the first day back to school (January 5th). Our last comprehension-based exam for Robin Hood will take place this Wednesday. Students received a copy of the study guide today so they could start reviewing vocabulary. We will be going over the short answer questions as a class tomorrow. Our last Robin Hood "quiz" will take the form of an in-class essay, which will require them to reflect on the story as a whole. This quiz is scheduled for Friday, December 16th.
In Science, the students have been able to do some wonderful hands-on things with our electricity and magnetism unit. Today, they created their own electro-magnets by wrapping a wire around a nail and placing the ends of the wires on a battery. By doing this, the nail becomes "charged" and can pick up paper clips. The test for this unit will be on Friday, December 9th. I passed out the study guides today and recommended the students complete 5 vocab questions and 1 short answer question tonight. The completed study guides are needed in class on Thursday for review.
In History, we are having a wonderful time learning about ancient China. The students have been amazed at all of the inventions created by the Chinese. We have really enjoyed exploring another culture with such significant differences from our own.
In Math, the students are finishing up their workbook with a unit on the various units of measure. If your child is in Mr. Leonard's or Mrs. Gore's class, they will be taking a quiz on Thursday, December 8th. If your child is in Mrs. King's or my class, their quiz will be next week on Wednesday, December 14th.
Thank you for all of your continued support!
Wow, only two weeks left until the end of the semester! In typical Great Hearts fashion, we are pushing academics up until the bitter end. A couple quick announcements before I let you know what your scholars are learning about this week.
First, Mrs. Sinykin is collaborating with the other parent liaisons to create a SPECTACULAR Robin Hood feast. Last year, I had so much fun watching the students celebrate their knowledge and I look forward to doing the same this year. I am sure she will be updating you all with information, but also check the blog for updates on party details.
Second, I have updated the blog with a new sign up for parent-teacher conferences. Just a reminder, these are mandatory meetings that will take place on January 3rd and 4th.
Now, on to the academics!
In Language Arts, I received the final drafts for almost all scholars today. I was so impressed with their ideas and how focused they were on creating well-thought out rough drafts. The students will be receiving the final two stanzas for Paul Revere's Ride this week. I strongly encourage you all to keep up with the practicing as recitations will begin the first day back to school (January 5th). Our last comprehension-based exam for Robin Hood will take place this Wednesday. Students received a copy of the study guide today so they could start reviewing vocabulary. We will be going over the short answer questions as a class tomorrow. Our last Robin Hood "quiz" will take the form of an in-class essay, which will require them to reflect on the story as a whole. This quiz is scheduled for Friday, December 16th.
In Science, the students have been able to do some wonderful hands-on things with our electricity and magnetism unit. Today, they created their own electro-magnets by wrapping a wire around a nail and placing the ends of the wires on a battery. By doing this, the nail becomes "charged" and can pick up paper clips. The test for this unit will be on Friday, December 9th. I passed out the study guides today and recommended the students complete 5 vocab questions and 1 short answer question tonight. The completed study guides are needed in class on Thursday for review.
In History, we are having a wonderful time learning about ancient China. The students have been amazed at all of the inventions created by the Chinese. We have really enjoyed exploring another culture with such significant differences from our own.
In Math, the students are finishing up their workbook with a unit on the various units of measure. If your child is in Mr. Leonard's or Mrs. Gore's class, they will be taking a quiz on Thursday, December 8th. If your child is in Mrs. King's or my class, their quiz will be next week on Wednesday, December 14th.
Thank you for all of your continued support!
Monday, November 28, 2016
Week 7 Update
Hello 4B Families!
I hope you all had a wonderful, restful Thanksgiving break. I want to also thank you all for the celebratory breakfast we had on Tuesday. The students really enjoyed themselves!
In Language Arts this week, we are working on the rough drafts of the persuasive essays. I will be providing feedback to all students on their drafts and return them so they can be typed over the weekend. We are continuing with Robin Hood and our next quiz will take place on Wednesday, December 7th.
In History, we started our unit on ancient China. Ask your scholar about the different ways Emperor Shi Huangdi would punish criminals.
In science, we started our work with circuits. The students were able to make a light bulb light using two wires and a battery. The electricity unit will dovetail off of what the students already know about magnets. There will be lots of opportunities for hands-on learning!
Thank you for all you do and have a wonderful week!
I hope you all had a wonderful, restful Thanksgiving break. I want to also thank you all for the celebratory breakfast we had on Tuesday. The students really enjoyed themselves!
In Language Arts this week, we are working on the rough drafts of the persuasive essays. I will be providing feedback to all students on their drafts and return them so they can be typed over the weekend. We are continuing with Robin Hood and our next quiz will take place on Wednesday, December 7th.
In History, we started our unit on ancient China. Ask your scholar about the different ways Emperor Shi Huangdi would punish criminals.
In science, we started our work with circuits. The students were able to make a light bulb light using two wires and a battery. The electricity unit will dovetail off of what the students already know about magnets. There will be lots of opportunities for hands-on learning!
Thank you for all you do and have a wonderful week!
Monday, November 21, 2016
Week 6 Updates
Hello 4B Families!
Since it is such a short week, I will keep the post nice and simple with a few reminders:
Thank you for all you do and have a wonderful holiday!
Since it is such a short week, I will keep the post nice and simple with a few reminders:
- Our breakfast is tomorrow! Thank you so much for all of your support; the students cannot wait.
- There is a literature quiz for chapters 1-6 of Robin Hood.
- There is a math quiz on adding, subtracting, and multiplying fractions.
- R&R for Thanksgiving weekend...woo hoo!!
Thank you for all you do and have a wonderful holiday!
Monday, November 14, 2016
Week 5 Updates
Hello 4B Families,
Only 7 more school days until the holidays are officially upon us...I think I am feeling a mix of excitement and and panic. I have a few classroom announcements before I let you know what your scholars are learning this week.
First, our classroom has reached their goal of 100 boxes of stuffing! In fact, we have collected an amazing 123 boxes. Thank you so much for your support, it really means a lot to the students to reach their goal. As promised, I am organizing a classroom breakfast for Tuesday, November 22nd. If you would like to help by bringing a breakfast item, I will be sending a sign-up by Wednesday. Please keep an eye out for more details.
Second, the Winter Concert is nearly upon us! Call time for 4th grade is 7:00 and the concert will end at 8:00. I believe the students are able to meet in the classroom by 6:40 as we need to be in the gym at 7:00. Please keep in mind that attendance is mandatory and your child must stay for the entire concert in order to receive all participation points. If you have any other questions, please look at Ms. Blasi's blog for additional details.
Third, the PSO is hosting at movie night on Friday, November 18th at 6:30. Please visit the PSO website for additional information.
Finally, Performance Notices will be going out tomorrow. I will send an email to the parents of scholars who are currently receiving a low C and below. There is still plenty of time to turn grades around and, as I explained to the students, this form simply acts as a yellow "slow down" light. In addition to sending an email, I will be providing students a hard copy to take home. The signed copies are due back on Monday, November 21.
In Language Arts this week, we have started reading Robin Hood and the students are having a great time listening to the adventures of the different characters. While the book has a lot of unfamiliar vocabulary, the students are doing a wonderful job using their dictionaries to find the correct definition. We will be having a quiz on the first 6 chapters on Tuesday, November 22nd. As far as writing, we are beginning the process for our first 5 paragraph essay, which will be a persuasive argument for adding a new virtue.
In History, we are finishing up our study of Europe in the Middle Ages. We had a wonderful discussion about Joan of Arc today; one of my favorite historical figures when I was in fourth grade. Our end of the unit quiz will be on Monday, November 21st.
In Science, we started a new unit on magnetism. We had a lot of fun today testing our bar magnets against various objects and finding similarities among the objects of attraction. Eventually, this unit will expand to include electricity and how it influences the magnetic field. This is a fun, hands-on unit; I am excited to be starting on it!
In Math, we are really hammering home multiplication of fractions and bringing back some of the other operations on fractions. There is a math test on Tuesday, November 22nd with a focus on multiplying whole numbers against fractions.
Thank you for all of your continued support and have a great week!
Only 7 more school days until the holidays are officially upon us...I think I am feeling a mix of excitement and and panic. I have a few classroom announcements before I let you know what your scholars are learning this week.
First, our classroom has reached their goal of 100 boxes of stuffing! In fact, we have collected an amazing 123 boxes. Thank you so much for your support, it really means a lot to the students to reach their goal. As promised, I am organizing a classroom breakfast for Tuesday, November 22nd. If you would like to help by bringing a breakfast item, I will be sending a sign-up by Wednesday. Please keep an eye out for more details.
Second, the Winter Concert is nearly upon us! Call time for 4th grade is 7:00 and the concert will end at 8:00. I believe the students are able to meet in the classroom by 6:40 as we need to be in the gym at 7:00. Please keep in mind that attendance is mandatory and your child must stay for the entire concert in order to receive all participation points. If you have any other questions, please look at Ms. Blasi's blog for additional details.
Third, the PSO is hosting at movie night on Friday, November 18th at 6:30. Please visit the PSO website for additional information.
Finally, Performance Notices will be going out tomorrow. I will send an email to the parents of scholars who are currently receiving a low C and below. There is still plenty of time to turn grades around and, as I explained to the students, this form simply acts as a yellow "slow down" light. In addition to sending an email, I will be providing students a hard copy to take home. The signed copies are due back on Monday, November 21.
In Language Arts this week, we have started reading Robin Hood and the students are having a great time listening to the adventures of the different characters. While the book has a lot of unfamiliar vocabulary, the students are doing a wonderful job using their dictionaries to find the correct definition. We will be having a quiz on the first 6 chapters on Tuesday, November 22nd. As far as writing, we are beginning the process for our first 5 paragraph essay, which will be a persuasive argument for adding a new virtue.
In History, we are finishing up our study of Europe in the Middle Ages. We had a wonderful discussion about Joan of Arc today; one of my favorite historical figures when I was in fourth grade. Our end of the unit quiz will be on Monday, November 21st.
In Science, we started a new unit on magnetism. We had a lot of fun today testing our bar magnets against various objects and finding similarities among the objects of attraction. Eventually, this unit will expand to include electricity and how it influences the magnetic field. This is a fun, hands-on unit; I am excited to be starting on it!
In Math, we are really hammering home multiplication of fractions and bringing back some of the other operations on fractions. There is a math test on Tuesday, November 22nd with a focus on multiplying whole numbers against fractions.
Thank you for all of your continued support and have a great week!
Monday, November 7, 2016
Week 4 Updates
Hello 4B Families!
In Language Arts this week, we are taking our last quiz on Prince Caspian on Tuesday. Please make sure your child brings Robin Hood to class on Wednesday, as we will begin reading on that day. All of the students are excited to read a book about this familiar folk hero! At the end of the week, we will begin our study of persuasive writing in preparation for writing a persuasive essay.
In Science, we will be finishing our unit in chemistry. There is a lot of vocabulary, so make sure your children are checking their foldables glued into their spirals as well as the index card pocket they created. We will be reviewing the (completed) study guides in class on Wednesday.
In History, we are continuing in our study of the Middle Ages...which fits in perfectly with Robin Hood!
Just a reminder, there is no school on Friday (Veteran's Day). Also, we have reached 63 boxes of stuffing! I am so proud of our generous scholars.
In Language Arts this week, we are taking our last quiz on Prince Caspian on Tuesday. Please make sure your child brings Robin Hood to class on Wednesday, as we will begin reading on that day. All of the students are excited to read a book about this familiar folk hero! At the end of the week, we will begin our study of persuasive writing in preparation for writing a persuasive essay.
In Science, we will be finishing our unit in chemistry. There is a lot of vocabulary, so make sure your children are checking their foldables glued into their spirals as well as the index card pocket they created. We will be reviewing the (completed) study guides in class on Wednesday.
In History, we are continuing in our study of the Middle Ages...which fits in perfectly with Robin Hood!
Just a reminder, there is no school on Friday (Veteran's Day). Also, we have reached 63 boxes of stuffing! I am so proud of our generous scholars.
Monday, October 31, 2016
Week 3 Updates
Hello 4B Families!
As I mentioned earlier, we are currently in the midst of collecting boxed stuffing for our food drive. The classroom has already donated 33 boxes! Amazing! The food drive ends on November 18th and if we reach our classroom goal of 100, I promised the students we could have a classroom breakfast. We still have plenty of time to reach our goal!
In History this week, we have a quiz on the people of the Middle Ages we have been learning about. This includes the role of women in general, Christine de Pisan, Hildegard of Bingen, Eleanor of Aquitaine, Henry II, William the Conqueror, and Thomas Beckett.
In Science, we are learning about atoms and we will be making models later this week. We will be having our Chemistry quiz next week.
In Math, we are having a fraction quiz on Friday.
In Language Arts, we will finish reading Prince Caspian on Friday! Our quiz will be on Tuesday, and we will start reading Robin Hood on Wednesday.
As I mentioned earlier, we are currently in the midst of collecting boxed stuffing for our food drive. The classroom has already donated 33 boxes! Amazing! The food drive ends on November 18th and if we reach our classroom goal of 100, I promised the students we could have a classroom breakfast. We still have plenty of time to reach our goal!
In History this week, we have a quiz on the people of the Middle Ages we have been learning about. This includes the role of women in general, Christine de Pisan, Hildegard of Bingen, Eleanor of Aquitaine, Henry II, William the Conqueror, and Thomas Beckett.
In Science, we are learning about atoms and we will be making models later this week. We will be having our Chemistry quiz next week.
In Math, we are having a fraction quiz on Friday.
In Language Arts, we will finish reading Prince Caspian on Friday! Our quiz will be on Tuesday, and we will start reading Robin Hood on Wednesday.
Monday, October 24, 2016
Week 2 Updates
Hello 4B Families!
It was so wonderful having the opportunity to meet with you all during the last days of Fall Break. Mrs. King and I very much appreciate you taking time out of your schedules to join us.
Believe it or not, we are already in Week 2 of the second quarter...the time truly does fly! The students are beginning their combined music rehearsals this week in preparation for the music concert. Ms. Blasi will provide us with additional information as it becomes available.
In Language Arts this week, we are placing a stronger emphasis on editing short responses. Except the Caspian homework to be returned with some red marks! The students will be responsible for correcting errors, such as capitalization and punctuation. Since we have spent time learning how to give in depth responses, we are turning the focus toward writing conventions.
In History, we are continuing our study of influential historical figures from the Middle Ages. We have already had some interesting discussions about life for women during this time.
In Science, we are still studying chemistry and having a lot of fun finding the difference between a physical change and a chemical change. Just ask your scholars about the demonstration this afternoon!
Finally, this Friday is our Literature Day. To celebrate works of literature, I will ask for 4 parent volunteers to join us for a snack and story at the end of the day. Please keep an eye on your email, as I will be sending a sign-up for reading volunteers and healthy snack donations by the end of school tomorrow.
It was so wonderful having the opportunity to meet with you all during the last days of Fall Break. Mrs. King and I very much appreciate you taking time out of your schedules to join us.
Believe it or not, we are already in Week 2 of the second quarter...the time truly does fly! The students are beginning their combined music rehearsals this week in preparation for the music concert. Ms. Blasi will provide us with additional information as it becomes available.
In Language Arts this week, we are placing a stronger emphasis on editing short responses. Except the Caspian homework to be returned with some red marks! The students will be responsible for correcting errors, such as capitalization and punctuation. Since we have spent time learning how to give in depth responses, we are turning the focus toward writing conventions.
In History, we are continuing our study of influential historical figures from the Middle Ages. We have already had some interesting discussions about life for women during this time.
In Science, we are still studying chemistry and having a lot of fun finding the difference between a physical change and a chemical change. Just ask your scholars about the demonstration this afternoon!
Finally, this Friday is our Literature Day. To celebrate works of literature, I will ask for 4 parent volunteers to join us for a snack and story at the end of the day. Please keep an eye on your email, as I will be sending a sign-up for reading volunteers and healthy snack donations by the end of school tomorrow.
Thursday, October 20, 2016
Magical Weapons
Monday, October 3, 2016
Week 9 Updates
Hello 4B Families!
Wow, the last week of the first quarter is already here! Please make sure you have signed up for a conference, as they are mandatory. Just a final reminder, students can start logging in hours for the Read-a-Thon. Each sponsor they get is a step closer to some of the spectacular incentives.
As I am sure your scholars have been excitedly reminding you, Friday is a half day. We will be taking a history quiz and completing the study guide in class on Thursday. It is a very brief quiz with a few vocabulary words and a few short answer questions. I am very confident that everyone will be more than prepared.
On Thursday, we will be concluding our geology unit with a quiz on volcanoes, geysers, and mountains. The students have been completing the study guides and the last page will be tomorrow's homework. We will spend Wednesday reviewing the answers.
By Thursday, we will be finished with chapter 7 of Prince Caspian. Once we return from Fall Break, we will spend Wednesday and Thursday reviewing and take a quiz Friday, October 21.
In math, we have started fractions. There was no small amount of trepidation as we explored this unfamiliar terrain, but I was very pleased with how well your scholars took to it. We will spend a lot of time practicing this concept together, so there will be plenty of time to become familiar with it.
I know we will have a great week and I hope your scholars enjoy a well-deserved break next week!
Wow, the last week of the first quarter is already here! Please make sure you have signed up for a conference, as they are mandatory. Just a final reminder, students can start logging in hours for the Read-a-Thon. Each sponsor they get is a step closer to some of the spectacular incentives.
As I am sure your scholars have been excitedly reminding you, Friday is a half day. We will be taking a history quiz and completing the study guide in class on Thursday. It is a very brief quiz with a few vocabulary words and a few short answer questions. I am very confident that everyone will be more than prepared.
On Thursday, we will be concluding our geology unit with a quiz on volcanoes, geysers, and mountains. The students have been completing the study guides and the last page will be tomorrow's homework. We will spend Wednesday reviewing the answers.
By Thursday, we will be finished with chapter 7 of Prince Caspian. Once we return from Fall Break, we will spend Wednesday and Thursday reviewing and take a quiz Friday, October 21.
In math, we have started fractions. There was no small amount of trepidation as we explored this unfamiliar terrain, but I was very pleased with how well your scholars took to it. We will spend a lot of time practicing this concept together, so there will be plenty of time to become familiar with it.
I know we will have a great week and I hope your scholars enjoy a well-deserved break next week!
Monday, September 26, 2016
Week 8 Updates
Hello 4B Families!
A few quick announcements before our curriculum overview. As you may recall, we had an assembly today during which we listened to some lovely chamber music. This Friday, we will have another assembly to kick off the read-a-thon, which starts on Thursday, September 29th.
In Math, we will have a quiz on Friday, September 30th. The quiz will cover long division and multiplication of two digit numbers.
In History, we started our heraldry project. I have been very impressed by the artwork I have seen so far. Ask your children about the different symbols they chose.
In Science, we will start learning about geysers and gain a deeper understanding of mountains.
In Language Arts, we started reading Prince Caspian. If you are unsure which copy to get for class, please view the cover art on the left side of the blog to guide you. If your child has a different copy, that is perfectly fine. They just may need to practice a little more vigilance to follow along in class.
Finally, I have a sign-up link for Parent/Teacher Conferences. I have placed it on left-hand side of the blog, where the reading group sign-up is located. They are scheduled from October 17th-19th. Please choose a slot that fits best with your schedule, as the conference is mandatory. If none of the times work for you, please send me an email. We may be able to work out a different arrangement so we can have the chance to speak.
Thank you for your support and I am excited for a wonderful week!
A few quick announcements before our curriculum overview. As you may recall, we had an assembly today during which we listened to some lovely chamber music. This Friday, we will have another assembly to kick off the read-a-thon, which starts on Thursday, September 29th.
In Math, we will have a quiz on Friday, September 30th. The quiz will cover long division and multiplication of two digit numbers.
In History, we started our heraldry project. I have been very impressed by the artwork I have seen so far. Ask your children about the different symbols they chose.
In Science, we will start learning about geysers and gain a deeper understanding of mountains.
In Language Arts, we started reading Prince Caspian. If you are unsure which copy to get for class, please view the cover art on the left side of the blog to guide you. If your child has a different copy, that is perfectly fine. They just may need to practice a little more vigilance to follow along in class.
Finally, I have a sign-up link for Parent/Teacher Conferences. I have placed it on left-hand side of the blog, where the reading group sign-up is located. They are scheduled from October 17th-19th. Please choose a slot that fits best with your schedule, as the conference is mandatory. If none of the times work for you, please send me an email. We may be able to work out a different arrangement so we can have the chance to speak.
Thank you for your support and I am excited for a wonderful week!
Wednesday, September 21, 2016
Upcoming Events
Hello 4B Families,
I have a few announcements from our wonderful parent liaison:
I have a few announcements from our wonderful parent liaison:
September 28th
Join
us at the school for our first general PSO meeting for all parents on
Wednesday, September 28th at 8:15 am. Our Academy Dean, Mrs. Toyin
Atolagbe, will share information about learning
styles, teaching styles, and homework strategies. During this
informative 1-hour session, she will cover:
- Learning and Teaching Styles
- How to identify learning styles of children
- How Great Heart's curriculum aligns with all learning styles
- How parents can support their children's learning styles while assisting with homework and overall learning at home
- Activities that promote individual learning styles
- General homework tips
- Question and Answer session
September 29th
Please
join us in celebrating the grand opening of our Archway Lincoln Library
with a Literacy Night, Thursday, September 29 5:30 - 7:30 pm.
The
evening will feature special literacy events including guest readers, a
craft for younger students, food trucks, a book fair, the Read-a-Thon
kick off and a special library dedication
from Mr. Kuhlman.
Additionally, there is a "Reading Under the Stars" event to encourage participation. Volunteers are needed and can sign up using the following link:
September 30th
Treat
Friday! Students are encouraged to bring a gently used non-fiction book
or $1 to purchase a treat. These books will go directly into the
classroom libraries so please encourage participation!
Monday, September 19, 2016
Week 7 Update
Hello 4B Families!
This week, all of Archway will be enjoying a Shakespeare presentation. I am so excited our class gets a chance to see this performance! Make sure you ask your scholars about the event after school tomorrow.
In Science this week, we are starting a new unit...volcanoes! All of the students were very eager to dive into this topic. If your scholar finds something interesting about volcanoes outside of our class discussion, please encourage them to share it with the class. We sometimes have presentations during Lyceum as the students are working on their homework, which they really enjoy. The sciences quizzes went home today and I was very pleased with the class average. If your child earned below 18 out of 25, they have the opportunity to make corrections to receive up to 18 out of 25.
In History, we will be completing our study of Medieval origins and moving into feudalism. By the end of the week, we will be starting a heraldry project in which the students make their own shields. Last year, it was a big hit and we received some beautiful pieces of art. I cannot wait to see what the students this year will produce.
In Language Arts, we are wrapping up the final chapters of Pollyanna, with our last quiz scheduled for Friday, September 23rd. We will be starting Prince Caspian on Monday, so please make sure your scholar has a copy. The students are also working on a rough draft of their first paragraph. Although it is a short assignment, it will provide them with the foundation necessary to write longer essays. We will also have a few poem presentations on Friday, for those who are ready. Next week, all students will have completed a recitation of "Dreams" by Langston Hughes.
In Math, we have started division, and our scholars have proven worthy of the challenge! Last week, we started with long division of a three-digit number and today, we began division of a four-digit number.
As always, thank you for your continued support and I look forward to a wonderful week!
This week, all of Archway will be enjoying a Shakespeare presentation. I am so excited our class gets a chance to see this performance! Make sure you ask your scholars about the event after school tomorrow.
In Science this week, we are starting a new unit...volcanoes! All of the students were very eager to dive into this topic. If your scholar finds something interesting about volcanoes outside of our class discussion, please encourage them to share it with the class. We sometimes have presentations during Lyceum as the students are working on their homework, which they really enjoy. The sciences quizzes went home today and I was very pleased with the class average. If your child earned below 18 out of 25, they have the opportunity to make corrections to receive up to 18 out of 25.
In History, we will be completing our study of Medieval origins and moving into feudalism. By the end of the week, we will be starting a heraldry project in which the students make their own shields. Last year, it was a big hit and we received some beautiful pieces of art. I cannot wait to see what the students this year will produce.
In Language Arts, we are wrapping up the final chapters of Pollyanna, with our last quiz scheduled for Friday, September 23rd. We will be starting Prince Caspian on Monday, so please make sure your scholar has a copy. The students are also working on a rough draft of their first paragraph. Although it is a short assignment, it will provide them with the foundation necessary to write longer essays. We will also have a few poem presentations on Friday, for those who are ready. Next week, all students will have completed a recitation of "Dreams" by Langston Hughes.
In Math, we have started division, and our scholars have proven worthy of the challenge! Last week, we started with long division of a three-digit number and today, we began division of a four-digit number.
As always, thank you for your continued support and I look forward to a wonderful week!
Tuesday, September 13, 2016
Upcoming Community Event
Good evening all!
Please read the following announcement regarding an upcoming event for Saturday, September 17th.
Please read the following announcement regarding an upcoming event for Saturday, September 17th.
September Community Service Event
When:
Saturday
September 17
8am-10am
Where:
Veteran’s Oasis Park
4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd.
Chandler, AZ 85249
Chandler, AZ 85249
Join
us as we at Archway Lincoln give back to the Chandler Community and
clean up Veterans Oasis Park. Community service is essential to the
vision
and mission of Archway Lincoln and performing service as a family is a
great way for students to practice the virtues of responsibility and
citizenship. We hope you will be able to join us. Gloves, trash bags
and water will be provided. All children must be
accompanied by an adult.
Sign up to attend on this sign-up genius link:
Please note that this event does not need to interfere with sports or other obligations your family has already planned.
Please direct any questions to Cathy Post at archwaylincolnpsovp@gmail.com
Monday, September 12, 2016
Week 6 Updates
Hello 4B Families!
Just a reminder for our new families, or for those who would appreciate a refresher, our resident Spalding expert Margie Clouse will be at Archway Lincoln tonight from 6:00-7:30. The event is for adults only and it will take place in the Archway Lincoln cafeteria. She will be teaching instructions for proper handwriting and homework procedures. She will also teach the reasons for word markings and rules used in The Spalding Method. We are so lucky to have an expert consulting with us and it will be very beneficial for any parents new to Spalding.
Also, a correction to Singapore Night hosted by Kara Infantolino. The event will take place on September 22nd; I think I provided the wrong date in an earlier blog post. More details to come as we approach the date of the event.
Now, on to the academic updates!
In Language Arts, we read of Pollyanna's tragic accident. We are hanging on the edges of our seats as we wait to hear more information about her injuries. We will be having a quiz on chapters 16-30 next Friday (September 23rd). We are also starting to organize our first, structured paragraph. Hammering down the foundations will set us up for some longer essays in the not-so-distant future.
In History, we are learning about the separation between the Eastern and Western Roman Empire. Today, we read about Saint Benedict and the tradition of Benedictine monasteries. Ask your student how many hours monks spent praying each day! Later, we will discuss the traits of a good leader as we read about Charlemagne. We will be having a history quiz on Tuesday (September 20th) that covers the fall of the Roman Empire, the creation of the two churches, monastic life, and Charlemagne.
In Science, we are finishing up earthquakes and we will discuss tsunamis tomorrow. Our quiz on earthquakes and tsunamis is scheduled for Friday, September 16th.
In Math, we are having a quiz on Thursday, September 15th on order of operations, estimating, multiplication of 3 and 4 digit numbers, and word problems.
Now that the first half of the quarter has passed, our scholars are going to be very busy! Each day, I see new passion arise for our various topics of study. Even planning out our paragraph has been fun! I hope you all have a wonderful week and thank you again for your continued support.
Just a reminder for our new families, or for those who would appreciate a refresher, our resident Spalding expert Margie Clouse will be at Archway Lincoln tonight from 6:00-7:30. The event is for adults only and it will take place in the Archway Lincoln cafeteria. She will be teaching instructions for proper handwriting and homework procedures. She will also teach the reasons for word markings and rules used in The Spalding Method. We are so lucky to have an expert consulting with us and it will be very beneficial for any parents new to Spalding.
Also, a correction to Singapore Night hosted by Kara Infantolino. The event will take place on September 22nd; I think I provided the wrong date in an earlier blog post. More details to come as we approach the date of the event.
Now, on to the academic updates!
In Language Arts, we read of Pollyanna's tragic accident. We are hanging on the edges of our seats as we wait to hear more information about her injuries. We will be having a quiz on chapters 16-30 next Friday (September 23rd). We are also starting to organize our first, structured paragraph. Hammering down the foundations will set us up for some longer essays in the not-so-distant future.
In History, we are learning about the separation between the Eastern and Western Roman Empire. Today, we read about Saint Benedict and the tradition of Benedictine monasteries. Ask your student how many hours monks spent praying each day! Later, we will discuss the traits of a good leader as we read about Charlemagne. We will be having a history quiz on Tuesday (September 20th) that covers the fall of the Roman Empire, the creation of the two churches, monastic life, and Charlemagne.
In Science, we are finishing up earthquakes and we will discuss tsunamis tomorrow. Our quiz on earthquakes and tsunamis is scheduled for Friday, September 16th.
In Math, we are having a quiz on Thursday, September 15th on order of operations, estimating, multiplication of 3 and 4 digit numbers, and word problems.
Now that the first half of the quarter has passed, our scholars are going to be very busy! Each day, I see new passion arise for our various topics of study. Even planning out our paragraph has been fun! I hope you all have a wonderful week and thank you again for your continued support.
Tuesday, September 6, 2016
Week 5 Updates
Hello 4B Families!
In keeping with a short week, I will provide a short post. We are officially half-way through the first quarter (even as I type it, I can hardly believe how quickly time has gone by)! Our classroom culture is growing stronger each day and I feel we are finally reaching the moment in which there is a shift from 30 individuals to 1 classroom.
Although we had quite a few quizzes last week, most of our units are continuations rather than brand new. In history, we are beginning our discussion of the Middle Ages. Ask your child about their country flag and laws! In science, we are learning about earthquakes and we will begin our discussion of volcanoes at the end of the week. In Language Arts, we are swiftly approaching the end of Pollyanna; look for the final quiz in about two weeks. We will also begin writing paragraphs by the end of the week in addition to our second Touchstone class. Finally, we are learning about the order of operations in Math.
Finally, a couple of announcements about the classroom.
We are ready to begin parent reading groups! Our classroom liaison, Mrs. Sinykin, has graciously created a sign-up for parents interested in participating. We will be accepting 2 volunteers once a week to join us on Thursdays for literature. As you look at the sign-up, please allow time for other parents to sign-up before choosing multiple time slots. Rule of thumb, try to stick with three for now and check back on Friday to see what is available. The link is available on the left-hand side of the blog page, under the book picture.
I have consulted with the other math teachers and I am going to extend invitations for tutoring tomorrow afternoon. Please keep in mind that tutoring is reserved for students who are in danger of failing math due to a lack of concept comprehension. If your child has a low grade in math, but it is the result of missing homework or classroom behavior, I will not be inviting your child to tutoring as we believe those students are capable of obtaining higher score with some minor guidance. I will take no more than 5 students and the group may change based on what I see during tutoring time. Details outlining when/where will follow in a follow-up email to applicable parents.
Thank you all for your amazing donations for Mrs. King--she was very surprised and touched. I appreciate all you do to support us and I am excited for another great week!
In keeping with a short week, I will provide a short post. We are officially half-way through the first quarter (even as I type it, I can hardly believe how quickly time has gone by)! Our classroom culture is growing stronger each day and I feel we are finally reaching the moment in which there is a shift from 30 individuals to 1 classroom.
Although we had quite a few quizzes last week, most of our units are continuations rather than brand new. In history, we are beginning our discussion of the Middle Ages. Ask your child about their country flag and laws! In science, we are learning about earthquakes and we will begin our discussion of volcanoes at the end of the week. In Language Arts, we are swiftly approaching the end of Pollyanna; look for the final quiz in about two weeks. We will also begin writing paragraphs by the end of the week in addition to our second Touchstone class. Finally, we are learning about the order of operations in Math.
Finally, a couple of announcements about the classroom.
We are ready to begin parent reading groups! Our classroom liaison, Mrs. Sinykin, has graciously created a sign-up for parents interested in participating. We will be accepting 2 volunteers once a week to join us on Thursdays for literature. As you look at the sign-up, please allow time for other parents to sign-up before choosing multiple time slots. Rule of thumb, try to stick with three for now and check back on Friday to see what is available. The link is available on the left-hand side of the blog page, under the book picture.
I have consulted with the other math teachers and I am going to extend invitations for tutoring tomorrow afternoon. Please keep in mind that tutoring is reserved for students who are in danger of failing math due to a lack of concept comprehension. If your child has a low grade in math, but it is the result of missing homework or classroom behavior, I will not be inviting your child to tutoring as we believe those students are capable of obtaining higher score with some minor guidance. I will take no more than 5 students and the group may change based on what I see during tutoring time. Details outlining when/where will follow in a follow-up email to applicable parents.
Thank you all for your amazing donations for Mrs. King--she was very surprised and touched. I appreciate all you do to support us and I am excited for another great week!
Monday, August 29, 2016
Week 4 Updates
Hello 4B Families!
This week will be a busy week for our 4B scholars!
We finished our last day of MAP testing today (yay!), which replaces the GALILEO testing from last year. We also concluded our mountain unit with a quiz today. Hold on to mountain worksheets and notes as the students will have an opportunity to correct their quizzes, as they did with the map quizzes. Our upcoming unit is about the Middle Ages; I am sure everyone is excited for battles, knights, queens, and castles!
Mrs. Gore and Mr. Leonard are giving a math quiz tomorrow on factors and multiples. Mrs. King and I are giving the quiz on Wednesday so we can go over the study guide in depth tomorrow.
We will be taking our Pollyanna quiz on Thursday for chapters 1-15. Things are certainly becoming intriguing with some of the characters...ask your students about Aunt Polly and John Pendleton.
Finally, we will be taking a geology quiz on Friday, which will cover the layers of the Earth, the different theories we have discussed (Continental Drift), and the different ways in which the crust moves. Ask your students about the graham cracker and frosting demonstration! We will still continue with geology on Monday, but we will be moving on to different aspects.
On Tuesday of next week, I will send out Performance Notices. These are notifications to parents who have a child with a low C or lower in any subject. In these forms, I outline the student's grade, possible reasons for the grade, and ways to reach a passing score by the end of the first quarter (October 7th). Not all parents will receive a notice, so please do not worry if you do not get one on Tuesday. These will need to be signed and returned by Friday, September 9th.
Just a reminder, although I am sure the students did not forget, but this weekend is an R&R weekend. So, enjoy your 3 days off and come back on Tuesday refreshed and ready to finish out the second half of the first quarter!
This week will be a busy week for our 4B scholars!
We finished our last day of MAP testing today (yay!), which replaces the GALILEO testing from last year. We also concluded our mountain unit with a quiz today. Hold on to mountain worksheets and notes as the students will have an opportunity to correct their quizzes, as they did with the map quizzes. Our upcoming unit is about the Middle Ages; I am sure everyone is excited for battles, knights, queens, and castles!
Mrs. Gore and Mr. Leonard are giving a math quiz tomorrow on factors and multiples. Mrs. King and I are giving the quiz on Wednesday so we can go over the study guide in depth tomorrow.
We will be taking our Pollyanna quiz on Thursday for chapters 1-15. Things are certainly becoming intriguing with some of the characters...ask your students about Aunt Polly and John Pendleton.
Finally, we will be taking a geology quiz on Friday, which will cover the layers of the Earth, the different theories we have discussed (Continental Drift), and the different ways in which the crust moves. Ask your students about the graham cracker and frosting demonstration! We will still continue with geology on Monday, but we will be moving on to different aspects.
On Tuesday of next week, I will send out Performance Notices. These are notifications to parents who have a child with a low C or lower in any subject. In these forms, I outline the student's grade, possible reasons for the grade, and ways to reach a passing score by the end of the first quarter (October 7th). Not all parents will receive a notice, so please do not worry if you do not get one on Tuesday. These will need to be signed and returned by Friday, September 9th.
Just a reminder, although I am sure the students did not forget, but this weekend is an R&R weekend. So, enjoy your 3 days off and come back on Tuesday refreshed and ready to finish out the second half of the first quarter!
Monday, August 22, 2016
Week 3 Updates
Hello 4B Families!
Before I get into the content of our lessons week, here are a few important dates to keep in mind:
Picture Day: Thursday, August 25th
-Bring in your orders by Thursday so I can give them to the photographer.
Spalding Night- Monday, September 12th
-Hosted by Margie Clouse at 6 p.m. Come and learn the best way to support your student through the Spalding curriculum.
Singapore Math Night- Thursday, September 26th
-Hosted by Kara Infantolino at 6 p.m. Ms. Infantolino will teach you the best ways to help your student with math homework while staying true to the Singapore method.
In Language Arts this week, we are finally beginning our spelling words! Monday-Wednesday, the students will be given a half sheet of paper with their 10 nightly words. These words must be dictated to the student and written three separate times each. On Thursday, the students receive a list of 30 words, which they will only write once. These will also need to be dictated, but the students can write the words without markings and rules. We are also practicing memorization of pronouns in grammar. We went over personal pronouns today and we will cover demonstrative pronouns tomorrow. The students will have a quiz with all pronouns on Friday. We are almost half-way through Pollyanna, expect a quiz through chapter 15 next week (most likely Wednesday).
In history, we are finishing up our mountain unit and we will have a quiz on Monday, August 29th. I will be returning the map quizzes tomorrow, which the students can correct and return to receive half credit on missed questions.
I hope all of your children showed you their models of the Earth's layers! We had a lot of fun with Play-Doh on Friday and we will continue discussing the layers on Thursday with a foldable activity. Today, we discussed the Continental Drift Theory; ask your students about Pangaea and Alfred Weneger!
As always, thank you for your support as we settle into the new year and we are excited for another great week!
Before I get into the content of our lessons week, here are a few important dates to keep in mind:
Picture Day: Thursday, August 25th
-Bring in your orders by Thursday so I can give them to the photographer.
Spalding Night- Monday, September 12th
-Hosted by Margie Clouse at 6 p.m. Come and learn the best way to support your student through the Spalding curriculum.
Singapore Math Night- Thursday, September 26th
-Hosted by Kara Infantolino at 6 p.m. Ms. Infantolino will teach you the best ways to help your student with math homework while staying true to the Singapore method.
In Language Arts this week, we are finally beginning our spelling words! Monday-Wednesday, the students will be given a half sheet of paper with their 10 nightly words. These words must be dictated to the student and written three separate times each. On Thursday, the students receive a list of 30 words, which they will only write once. These will also need to be dictated, but the students can write the words without markings and rules. We are also practicing memorization of pronouns in grammar. We went over personal pronouns today and we will cover demonstrative pronouns tomorrow. The students will have a quiz with all pronouns on Friday. We are almost half-way through Pollyanna, expect a quiz through chapter 15 next week (most likely Wednesday).
In history, we are finishing up our mountain unit and we will have a quiz on Monday, August 29th. I will be returning the map quizzes tomorrow, which the students can correct and return to receive half credit on missed questions.
I hope all of your children showed you their models of the Earth's layers! We had a lot of fun with Play-Doh on Friday and we will continue discussing the layers on Thursday with a foldable activity. Today, we discussed the Continental Drift Theory; ask your students about Pangaea and Alfred Weneger!
As always, thank you for your support as we settle into the new year and we are excited for another great week!
Monday, August 15, 2016
Off and Running!
Hello 4B Families,
Thank you for your patience as we settled into a new routine last week. Before I delve into our various topics of study, I would like to draw attention to some upcoming events.
In science this week, we have finished our unit on scientific method by concluding with a lava lamp experiment. Unfortunately, the "lava" mostly fizzed and died down, but there was still plenty of excitement to go around. We will begin our geology unit tomorrow by discussing the layers of the Earth.
In history, we have a map quiz tomorrow and we will launch into the mountain unit on Wednesday. Your scholars did an excellent job in our review session today; I can tell everyone put in some study time.
In math, we will finish rounding and complete a quiz on place value and rounding on Thursday. On Friday, we will begin a discussion on multiples and divisibility.
In language arts, we will be finished with chapter 10 of Pollyanna by Friday and our spelling words will start up next week as we continue to set up our Spalding composition books.
We are excited for another wonderful week full of new lessons!
Thank you for your patience as we settled into a new routine last week. Before I delve into our various topics of study, I would like to draw attention to some upcoming events.
- Curriculum Night
- Curriculum Night will take place on August 18th, which is Thursday of this week. I have sent invitations home with your children today, which outline the evening's schedule. Parents will attend a math session at 6:15, a specials session at 6:35, and the homeroom session at 6:55. Please note that the invitation is extended to parents only and arrangements should be made for leaving children at home.
- Picture Day
- Picture Day is on August 25th, which is next Thursday. I have sent home order forms with your students. Please bring the envelopes back and I will hold on to them.
In science this week, we have finished our unit on scientific method by concluding with a lava lamp experiment. Unfortunately, the "lava" mostly fizzed and died down, but there was still plenty of excitement to go around. We will begin our geology unit tomorrow by discussing the layers of the Earth.
In history, we have a map quiz tomorrow and we will launch into the mountain unit on Wednesday. Your scholars did an excellent job in our review session today; I can tell everyone put in some study time.
In math, we will finish rounding and complete a quiz on place value and rounding on Thursday. On Friday, we will begin a discussion on multiples and divisibility.
In language arts, we will be finished with chapter 10 of Pollyanna by Friday and our spelling words will start up next week as we continue to set up our Spalding composition books.
We are excited for another wonderful week full of new lessons!
Monday, August 8, 2016
Welcome Letter!
Hello Parents and Guardians!
Welcome to Fourth Grade! It is going to be a wonderful year.
Firstly, let me tell you a little about myself. My name is Karolina Walls and this is my second year working with Great Hearts. Although I did not teach right after graduating, I discovered my passion while substituting at BASIS a couple of years ago. I enjoyed my time at BASIS and I worked with some great people, but I have a strong preference for a liberal arts education and I wanted to explore my options in that environment. Once my nephew started attending Archway Cicero, I knew Great Hearts would be a perfect fit for me.
I am pleased to announce that I am once again joined this year by Mrs. Jennifer King. This is our second year working together and we are so excited to welcome in a new group of 4th graders. Jennifer comes from a strong musical background, as that was her focus at Hillsdale College. Last year, 4B was lucky to experience impromptu viola solos courtesy of Mrs. King, and I am excited to hear more this year.
As returning families know, the curriculum is indeed rigorous, but it is also rewarding. If you are new to Great Hearts this year, you will have the pleasure of watching your child transform into a true scholar. In Fourth Grade, we will uncover the mysteries behind many exciting topics. Our adventures will take us through the rock cycle, geological features and natural disasters, maps, medieval Europe, Arizona history, Greek and Latin roots, five spectacular novels, and so much more.
Please note the following important information.
Dates:
Lunches:
As I heard many times during training, there is a reason we call ourselves ‘Great Hearts’. In addition to the curriculum-related subjects, we will also be reviewing and shaping our behavior around the nine core virtues that are upheld by all Great Hearts schools. These virtues encourage students to be more than intellectual beings; they exhort each individual to make choices that are in accordance with integrity, humility, honestly, friendship, and the like. With these as markers to reflect on, reference, and celebrate, I am confident that the 4B classroom will be a tight-knit community full of great-hearted, avid learners.
As with any new experience, I am sure there will be an abundance of questions and I work my hardest to provide you with answers. Feel free to email me at kwalls@archwaylincoln.org if you have any questions or comments. I thank you in advance for your support and partnership in what will be a fantastic year.
Warmly,
Karolina Walls
Welcome to Fourth Grade! It is going to be a wonderful year.
Firstly, let me tell you a little about myself. My name is Karolina Walls and this is my second year working with Great Hearts. Although I did not teach right after graduating, I discovered my passion while substituting at BASIS a couple of years ago. I enjoyed my time at BASIS and I worked with some great people, but I have a strong preference for a liberal arts education and I wanted to explore my options in that environment. Once my nephew started attending Archway Cicero, I knew Great Hearts would be a perfect fit for me.
I am pleased to announce that I am once again joined this year by Mrs. Jennifer King. This is our second year working together and we are so excited to welcome in a new group of 4th graders. Jennifer comes from a strong musical background, as that was her focus at Hillsdale College. Last year, 4B was lucky to experience impromptu viola solos courtesy of Mrs. King, and I am excited to hear more this year.
As returning families know, the curriculum is indeed rigorous, but it is also rewarding. If you are new to Great Hearts this year, you will have the pleasure of watching your child transform into a true scholar. In Fourth Grade, we will uncover the mysteries behind many exciting topics. Our adventures will take us through the rock cycle, geological features and natural disasters, maps, medieval Europe, Arizona history, Greek and Latin roots, five spectacular novels, and so much more.
Please note the following important information.
Dates:
- August 3rd: Meet the Teacher Night at 5:00
- August 4th: 2016/2017 School Year Begins (doors open at 7:40 A.M., students report to homerooms at 7:50 A.M., school begins at 8:00 A.M. daily)
- Please note that the first day of school is a full day (dismissal at 3:20 P.M.)
Lunches:
- No hot lunches will be served the first week of the new school year, so please be sure to pack a snack, a lunch, and water bottle for your child each day during that time. Please be sure to label your child’s lunchbox and water bottle with their first and last name.
- Please be sure to label your child’s water bottle and lunchbox with their name.
- Please be sure to label your child’s outer wear with their name (sweaters, pullovers, etc.)
- Please clearly label your child’s binder, notebooks, folders, pencil pouches, colored pencils/markers, erasers, sharpeners, and all books from the consumables list.
- Please do not bring supplies to Meet the Teacher Night. Your child may bring in his/her supplies on the first day of school.
- Singapore math books will be distributed at school.
As I heard many times during training, there is a reason we call ourselves ‘Great Hearts’. In addition to the curriculum-related subjects, we will also be reviewing and shaping our behavior around the nine core virtues that are upheld by all Great Hearts schools. These virtues encourage students to be more than intellectual beings; they exhort each individual to make choices that are in accordance with integrity, humility, honestly, friendship, and the like. With these as markers to reflect on, reference, and celebrate, I am confident that the 4B classroom will be a tight-knit community full of great-hearted, avid learners.
As with any new experience, I am sure there will be an abundance of questions and I work my hardest to provide you with answers. Feel free to email me at kwalls@archwaylincoln.org if you have any questions or comments. I thank you in advance for your support and partnership in what will be a fantastic year.
Warmly,
Karolina Walls
Monday, May 16, 2016
Week 9 Overview
I can't believe we're starting the last full week of school! It doesn't seem possible that we're about to finish Archway Lincoln's very first year. It's been such a great year, and Ms. Walls and I are so grateful to have your wonderful, kind-hearted, curious students as our first class!
Though it's the end of the year, we won't be letting up the academic pace at all! :) In Literature, we're pushing toward the end of the book. Expect your scholar to have a Literature test either next Tuesday or Wednesday. In Language Arts, our class will be editing and peer editing their history papers. I am so excited for presentations next week; from what I've seen, all of our students have discovered many interesting things about their historical figures. In Math, we'll be reviewing during the first half of the week. On Thursday and Friday, our students will be taking a Great Hearts-wide math assessment. This assessment will not count for a grade, but the results will be sent (anonymously) to be compared with other Great Hearts schools. In History, we will have a quiz on Wednesday over Chapters 17-20. In Science, we are hoping to do a few demonstrations as we study the respiratory system, the lungs, and pulmonary diseases.
Keep an eye out for information about end-of-year festivities!
Have a great week!
Though it's the end of the year, we won't be letting up the academic pace at all! :) In Literature, we're pushing toward the end of the book. Expect your scholar to have a Literature test either next Tuesday or Wednesday. In Language Arts, our class will be editing and peer editing their history papers. I am so excited for presentations next week; from what I've seen, all of our students have discovered many interesting things about their historical figures. In Math, we'll be reviewing during the first half of the week. On Thursday and Friday, our students will be taking a Great Hearts-wide math assessment. This assessment will not count for a grade, but the results will be sent (anonymously) to be compared with other Great Hearts schools. In History, we will have a quiz on Wednesday over Chapters 17-20. In Science, we are hoping to do a few demonstrations as we study the respiratory system, the lungs, and pulmonary diseases.
Keep an eye out for information about end-of-year festivities!
Have a great week!
Monday, May 9, 2016
Week 8 Announcements
Hello 4B Families!
I hope you all had a restful weekend and a wonderful Mother's Day with your families. Mrs. King and I were both able to go out of town and spend some quality time with our own families. Once again, I thank you all so much for the amazing week of cards, gifts, and treats. Mrs. King and I are truly lucky to have spent the year watching your children transform from students to scholars.
I have a few quick announcements regarding the research project, end of the year housekeeping, and summer opportunities.
I have been so excited to see the wonderful things our scholars are learning about their historical figures! I am also very pleased with the progress we are making in obtaining and organizing details for a research paper. Last week, I sent home the guidelines for souvenirs and the presentation the students will be giving during the last week of school (the date is still TBD). I want to make it known that I am not expecting an intricate or labor-intensive object for the souvenir. My main requirements are that it is relevant to the historical figure and it can be duplicate with little effort. For example, one student's historical figure was well-known for the vast number of books he accumulated within his personal library. I made the suggestion of making a bookmark, perhaps with a picture of the individual or a quote from the individual. For another student, I recommended making a map to emphasis this particular figure's involvement during the Battle of Lexington. I do not want your children biting off more than they can chew with these souvenirs and I certainly do not want this to turn into an expense on your part. If you have any questions, please feel free to send me an email or have your child discuss their idea with me during Lyceum.
I am finding it hard to believe that there are only three weeks left of the school year; it seems that just last night I was introducing myself during Meet the Teacher! As we wind down, I need to start taking an inventory of some classroom items. First, if your child has borrowed a classroom protractor (maybe it was used to build the sextant), I will need it to be returned. Second, if your child has brought home a dictionary and/or thesaurus, those will need to be returned. Third, if you have noticed a reading book in your home with a yellow sticker, it came from my classroom library and I would like to account for it. I will be having this inventory reviewed next week, so I would very much appreciate these items to start making their way back.
Finally, I will be making myself available over the summer for tutoring. If you are interested, please send me an email and I will provide you with details.
As always, thank you for your continued support and I am looking forward to a great week.
I hope you all had a restful weekend and a wonderful Mother's Day with your families. Mrs. King and I were both able to go out of town and spend some quality time with our own families. Once again, I thank you all so much for the amazing week of cards, gifts, and treats. Mrs. King and I are truly lucky to have spent the year watching your children transform from students to scholars.
I have a few quick announcements regarding the research project, end of the year housekeeping, and summer opportunities.
I have been so excited to see the wonderful things our scholars are learning about their historical figures! I am also very pleased with the progress we are making in obtaining and organizing details for a research paper. Last week, I sent home the guidelines for souvenirs and the presentation the students will be giving during the last week of school (the date is still TBD). I want to make it known that I am not expecting an intricate or labor-intensive object for the souvenir. My main requirements are that it is relevant to the historical figure and it can be duplicate with little effort. For example, one student's historical figure was well-known for the vast number of books he accumulated within his personal library. I made the suggestion of making a bookmark, perhaps with a picture of the individual or a quote from the individual. For another student, I recommended making a map to emphasis this particular figure's involvement during the Battle of Lexington. I do not want your children biting off more than they can chew with these souvenirs and I certainly do not want this to turn into an expense on your part. If you have any questions, please feel free to send me an email or have your child discuss their idea with me during Lyceum.
I am finding it hard to believe that there are only three weeks left of the school year; it seems that just last night I was introducing myself during Meet the Teacher! As we wind down, I need to start taking an inventory of some classroom items. First, if your child has borrowed a classroom protractor (maybe it was used to build the sextant), I will need it to be returned. Second, if your child has brought home a dictionary and/or thesaurus, those will need to be returned. Third, if you have noticed a reading book in your home with a yellow sticker, it came from my classroom library and I would like to account for it. I will be having this inventory reviewed next week, so I would very much appreciate these items to start making their way back.
Finally, I will be making myself available over the summer for tutoring. If you are interested, please send me an email and I will provide you with details.
As always, thank you for your continued support and I am looking forward to a great week.
Monday, May 2, 2016
Week 7 Overview
Hello!
Ms. Walls and I loved hearing our students perform at the music concert last week. It is a privilege to work with Ms. Blasi, who is such a talented and caring teacher, and our students have really musically blossomed under her direction.
We have three tests scheduled for this week, so we have a busy few days ahead of us. Today, our students took a short Math test that covered bar models and line plots. They've become very comfortable creating and reading these kinds of graphs over the last week or so, as they had to survey the class and make graphs of their own. Our bulletin board outside shows the fruits of their labors!
On Tuesday, they will take a Science quiz that will cover the circulatory system. Today we went over the study guide in class, so they should be in good shape to show off their knowledge tomorrow. On Wednesday, we will start a new unit about the respiratory system. Finally, they will have a History test on Thursday, over Chapters 11-16. Based on how much our students have loved American History, I have full confidence in their ability to perform well on this assessment.
Ms. Walls tells me that our class had a very productive weekend at the library, collecting sources with her. Today in class, our students learned how to take research notes on note cards. They will continue to collect their research in class the rest of the week. We hope that this project does not prove to be too overwhelming for you since we are doing the bulk of the work in class!
In Literature, we are carrying on in Mr. Bowditch. I must apologize to those of you who tried to help their student find the angle of the moon this weekend. Though I did check to be sure there would be a moon this weekend, I did not check when that moon would rise. I'm glad none of our students stayed up until 2:30am just to finish their homework! I'm so sorry if that caused you confusion over the weekend!
Have a great week!
Ms. Walls and I loved hearing our students perform at the music concert last week. It is a privilege to work with Ms. Blasi, who is such a talented and caring teacher, and our students have really musically blossomed under her direction.
We have three tests scheduled for this week, so we have a busy few days ahead of us. Today, our students took a short Math test that covered bar models and line plots. They've become very comfortable creating and reading these kinds of graphs over the last week or so, as they had to survey the class and make graphs of their own. Our bulletin board outside shows the fruits of their labors!
On Tuesday, they will take a Science quiz that will cover the circulatory system. Today we went over the study guide in class, so they should be in good shape to show off their knowledge tomorrow. On Wednesday, we will start a new unit about the respiratory system. Finally, they will have a History test on Thursday, over Chapters 11-16. Based on how much our students have loved American History, I have full confidence in their ability to perform well on this assessment.
Ms. Walls tells me that our class had a very productive weekend at the library, collecting sources with her. Today in class, our students learned how to take research notes on note cards. They will continue to collect their research in class the rest of the week. We hope that this project does not prove to be too overwhelming for you since we are doing the bulk of the work in class!
In Literature, we are carrying on in Mr. Bowditch. I must apologize to those of you who tried to help their student find the angle of the moon this weekend. Though I did check to be sure there would be a moon this weekend, I did not check when that moon would rise. I'm glad none of our students stayed up until 2:30am just to finish their homework! I'm so sorry if that caused you confusion over the weekend!
Have a great week!
Monday, April 25, 2016
Week 6 Overview
Hello!
I hope you're all doing well on this blustery Monday! We have a full week ahead of us (of course!).
In Language Arts, our students are starting a five-paragraph research paper about an historical figure from the American Revolution. We assigned figures today, and the whole class seems very excited about learning about their character. In order to facilitate research, our 4th grade lead teachers will be at Chandler library this coming Saturday to help students with their research. More information will be included on the essay prompt that they will receive later this week.
In Math, we will be studying how to read and create various types of graphs and plots. Our students are already fairly familiar with graphing from their exposure to graphs in other subject areas, so we feel confident that they will have no trouble with the new material this week.
In Science, our students are continuing to study the cardiovascular system. We've been discussing different blood types and will be learning about cardiovascular disease and health later in the week. In History, we will be discussing George Washington as the Commander in Chief of the Continental Army. Our students have really grown to love history this year, and our class is always full of lively discussion and debate.
In Literature, we'll be reading three more chapters of Carry On, Mr. Bowditch. On Friday, we will be making sextants in class! I'm so excited to incorporate some math into literature class. Our students will learn how to find the elevation of a celestial body with their sextants and will measure the elevation of the moon this week for homework!
Don't forget: this Thursday at 7pm (for 3rd-5th graders). Our class has been working really hard on their music and they can't wait to share their talents with you!
Have a great week!
I hope you're all doing well on this blustery Monday! We have a full week ahead of us (of course!).
In Language Arts, our students are starting a five-paragraph research paper about an historical figure from the American Revolution. We assigned figures today, and the whole class seems very excited about learning about their character. In order to facilitate research, our 4th grade lead teachers will be at Chandler library this coming Saturday to help students with their research. More information will be included on the essay prompt that they will receive later this week.
In Math, we will be studying how to read and create various types of graphs and plots. Our students are already fairly familiar with graphing from their exposure to graphs in other subject areas, so we feel confident that they will have no trouble with the new material this week.
In Science, our students are continuing to study the cardiovascular system. We've been discussing different blood types and will be learning about cardiovascular disease and health later in the week. In History, we will be discussing George Washington as the Commander in Chief of the Continental Army. Our students have really grown to love history this year, and our class is always full of lively discussion and debate.
In Literature, we'll be reading three more chapters of Carry On, Mr. Bowditch. On Friday, we will be making sextants in class! I'm so excited to incorporate some math into literature class. Our students will learn how to find the elevation of a celestial body with their sextants and will measure the elevation of the moon this week for homework!
Don't forget: this Thursday at 7pm (for 3rd-5th graders). Our class has been working really hard on their music and they can't wait to share their talents with you!
Have a great week!
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Yearbook Announcement
Hello 4B Families! I have just received word that the deadline for yearbook orders is swiftly approaching. Please visit the link below and place your order by April 25th (Monday). Thanks!
http://www.jostens.com/apps/store/productDetail/2605490/Archway-Classical-Acad-Lincoln/Yearbook/2016030904152641098/CATALOG_SHOP/YB_BOOKS/Yearbook/2016030904152643798/
http://www.jostens.com/apps/store/productDetail/2605490/Archway-Classical-Acad-Lincoln/Yearbook/2016030904152641098/CATALOG_SHOP/YB_BOOKS/Yearbook/2016030904152643798/
Monday, April 18, 2016
Week 5 Overview
Hello!
Now that we're all done with AZMerit, we're back to our regularly scheduled programming in the classroom. We are so proud about how our students comported themselves during their state tests last week. Their scholarly demeanor showed that they were serious about proving that 4B is 4 Best!
We have a couple of tests coming up this week. On Tuesday, we have a test in History over the events leading up to the American Revolution and on Wednesday, we have a test in Literature over the events of Carry On, Mr. Bowditch, chapters 1-8. Our students have had a chance to study for both of these tests in class and we are confident of their ability to succeed on both of these assessments.
We're making great progress in other subjects. In Grammar today, Ms. Walls introduced sentences with indirect objects. Though this is a complex idea, our students rose to the challenge and by lunchtime, were delighting in asking questions that contained indirect objects.
In Math, our students are moving on in Geometry to find the areas and perimeters of larger and more oddly-shaped figures. They are becoming very adept at using graph paper to find areas and perimeters in class.
In Science, we are continuing our study of the circulatory system. I have to admit that of all the interesting things we've covered in science this year, this is definitely my favorite. Last Friday, the class and I had a fascinating discussion of the various roles blood plays in our body. It is so exciting to share my own fascination with human anatomy with our students!
Have a great week!
Now that we're all done with AZMerit, we're back to our regularly scheduled programming in the classroom. We are so proud about how our students comported themselves during their state tests last week. Their scholarly demeanor showed that they were serious about proving that 4B is 4 Best!
We have a couple of tests coming up this week. On Tuesday, we have a test in History over the events leading up to the American Revolution and on Wednesday, we have a test in Literature over the events of Carry On, Mr. Bowditch, chapters 1-8. Our students have had a chance to study for both of these tests in class and we are confident of their ability to succeed on both of these assessments.
We're making great progress in other subjects. In Grammar today, Ms. Walls introduced sentences with indirect objects. Though this is a complex idea, our students rose to the challenge and by lunchtime, were delighting in asking questions that contained indirect objects.
In Math, our students are moving on in Geometry to find the areas and perimeters of larger and more oddly-shaped figures. They are becoming very adept at using graph paper to find areas and perimeters in class.
In Science, we are continuing our study of the circulatory system. I have to admit that of all the interesting things we've covered in science this year, this is definitely my favorite. Last Friday, the class and I had a fascinating discussion of the various roles blood plays in our body. It is so exciting to share my own fascination with human anatomy with our students!
Have a great week!
Wednesday, April 13, 2016
Concert Updates and Summer Program Overview
Hello 4B Families!
I have been given the following message from Ms. Blasi about the Spring Concert on April 28th:
Call for Travel Photos
Hello Archway families. The theme for our upcoming concert is “Around the World”. We need your help to put together a collage of photos from your family travels. If you would like your family to be included in this collage, please do the following:
• Submit one picture per family to Ms. Blasi by Wednesday, April 27th
• Photo size should be 4x6 or 5x7
• PHOTO WILL NOT BE RETURNED so please submit a copy of your photo
• In marker, please write your family’s name and where the picture is taken on the front of the photo
Help us make this a beautiful collage to celebrate all the places Archway Lincoln Families have traveled!
The information above can also be found on the red handouts given to your students earlier this week.
I was also given some information about the variety of summer programs being offered at several Great Hearts campuses, including Lincoln.
I have been given the following message from Ms. Blasi about the Spring Concert on April 28th:
Call for Travel Photos
Hello Archway families. The theme for our upcoming concert is “Around the World”. We need your help to put together a collage of photos from your family travels. If you would like your family to be included in this collage, please do the following:
• Submit one picture per family to Ms. Blasi by Wednesday, April 27th
• Photo size should be 4x6 or 5x7
• PHOTO WILL NOT BE RETURNED so please submit a copy of your photo
• In marker, please write your family’s name and where the picture is taken on the front of the photo
Help us make this a beautiful collage to celebrate all the places Archway Lincoln Families have traveled!
The information above can also be found on the red handouts given to your students earlier this week.
I was also given some information about the variety of summer programs being offered at several Great Hearts campuses, including Lincoln.
Monday, April 11, 2016
Week 4 Overview
Hello!
I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. This Michigan girl really enjoyed the rain and clouds! This will be a bit of an odd week, because we have AZMerit testing on Tuesday and Thursday morning. Our students will not have homework on Monday or Wednesday night so they will be able to rest and relax before these important tests. Additionally, this weekend is an R&R weekend, so our students won't have homework on Friday, either! We hope this will allow your families a chance to rest and recuperate from our normal workload and from AZMerit!
Despite taking time out of our normal schedule for testing, we still have a busy week ahead of us. We're starting a new unit in Science: the circulatory system. I loved studying the workings of human anatomy in high school and college and I'm looking forward to exciting that same passion in our classroom!
We have a Math test on Wednesday over the geometry our class has learned so far. We will also be practicing finding the perimeter and the area of oddly-shaped (but still rectangular) figures. In History, we're reviewing for a history test next week over the events leading up to the Revolutionary War.
In Language Arts, we are continuing our discussion of explanatory writing. Our students are honing their organizational skills in preparation for writing an explanatory essay later in the quarter about a Revolutionary War topic. In Literature, we're continuing to read Carry On, Mr. Bowditch. I have loved learning about the life of Nathaniel Bowditch with our students. I hope this book is inspiring our class to "sail by ash breeze"!
Have a great week!
I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. This Michigan girl really enjoyed the rain and clouds! This will be a bit of an odd week, because we have AZMerit testing on Tuesday and Thursday morning. Our students will not have homework on Monday or Wednesday night so they will be able to rest and relax before these important tests. Additionally, this weekend is an R&R weekend, so our students won't have homework on Friday, either! We hope this will allow your families a chance to rest and recuperate from our normal workload and from AZMerit!
Despite taking time out of our normal schedule for testing, we still have a busy week ahead of us. We're starting a new unit in Science: the circulatory system. I loved studying the workings of human anatomy in high school and college and I'm looking forward to exciting that same passion in our classroom!
We have a Math test on Wednesday over the geometry our class has learned so far. We will also be practicing finding the perimeter and the area of oddly-shaped (but still rectangular) figures. In History, we're reviewing for a history test next week over the events leading up to the Revolutionary War.
In Language Arts, we are continuing our discussion of explanatory writing. Our students are honing their organizational skills in preparation for writing an explanatory essay later in the quarter about a Revolutionary War topic. In Literature, we're continuing to read Carry On, Mr. Bowditch. I have loved learning about the life of Nathaniel Bowditch with our students. I hope this book is inspiring our class to "sail by ash breeze"!
Have a great week!
Monday, April 4, 2016
Week 3 Overview
Hello!
I hope you all had a relaxing weekend with your families! We have a lot to do this week and we have our first AZMerit test of the year on Thursday, so it will be a busy week.
In Math, we will continue our exploration of geometry. Our students learned about different types of triangles today, and later in the week, they will start learning how to identify and create symmetry in various shapes. At the end of the week, we will start learning how to find the area and perimeter of various rectangles. I think our students have really enjoyed stretching their logical powers through geometry these past few weeks!
In Language Arts, our scholars are practicing analyzing different genres of writing, using a lot of literature and writing vocabulary they've learned over the past school year. In Literature, we're continuing through Carry on, Mr. Bowditch. I have so enjoyed the excellent discussions we've been able to have about this book so far. Our students have really grown in their ability to understand and infer a character's motivations and feelings; it's great to see their empathy!
In History, we're learning about the lead-up to the American Revolution. Our students have been fascinated by the events that lead to our country's independence and have gotten very good at taking notes in their spiral notebooks as well. In Science, we are continuing our study of the life cycle of plants. We will have a quiz this Friday about everything our scholars have learned about plants so far.
On Thursday morning, our students are taking the AZMerit Writing test. Please make sure your student gets a full night a sleep and a good breakfast before the test so they are able to do their best!
Have a great week!
I hope you all had a relaxing weekend with your families! We have a lot to do this week and we have our first AZMerit test of the year on Thursday, so it will be a busy week.
In Math, we will continue our exploration of geometry. Our students learned about different types of triangles today, and later in the week, they will start learning how to identify and create symmetry in various shapes. At the end of the week, we will start learning how to find the area and perimeter of various rectangles. I think our students have really enjoyed stretching their logical powers through geometry these past few weeks!
In Language Arts, our scholars are practicing analyzing different genres of writing, using a lot of literature and writing vocabulary they've learned over the past school year. In Literature, we're continuing through Carry on, Mr. Bowditch. I have so enjoyed the excellent discussions we've been able to have about this book so far. Our students have really grown in their ability to understand and infer a character's motivations and feelings; it's great to see their empathy!
In History, we're learning about the lead-up to the American Revolution. Our students have been fascinated by the events that lead to our country's independence and have gotten very good at taking notes in their spiral notebooks as well. In Science, we are continuing our study of the life cycle of plants. We will have a quiz this Friday about everything our scholars have learned about plants so far.
On Thursday morning, our students are taking the AZMerit Writing test. Please make sure your student gets a full night a sleep and a good breakfast before the test so they are able to do their best!
Have a great week!
Friday, April 1, 2016
Science Experiment
Hello!
I thought I would share the results of our Science experiment this week:
As you can see, the white carnations are turning blue after soaking up the blue water. If you want to know more about why they've turned blue, ask your student!
I thought I would share the results of our Science experiment this week:
As you can see, the white carnations are turning blue after soaking up the blue water. If you want to know more about why they've turned blue, ask your student!
Monday, March 28, 2016
Week 2 Overview
Hello!
It is so good to be back in the classroom after the long weekend. Ms. Walls and I both had wonderful, restful weekends and are eager to be back with our class, because we are learning and doing so many fun things this week.
In Language Arts, our students are continuing to practice turning an outline into an essay. Our students' logical thinking abilities have really grown over the last quarter, as they have been practicing various kinds of outlines. They have written outlines for paragraphs and essays; they have even written some of their history notes in outline form! Because of all this previous work, they have proved adept at working together to change an outline into a well-written essay!
This week, our students will also practicing writing friendly and business letters. Ms. Walls and I are always looking for ways to integrate our subjects, so we were excited that this week, we could include some Language Arts knowledge in a Literature assignment. After learning how to write a friendly letter, our students will practice writing a friendly letter from the perspective of Nathaniel Bowditch to his sister Lizza.
In Math, we are continuing to learn about angles. After some initial hesitation, our class has really taken to their protractors; they are becoming angle-measuring experts! Later in the week, we'll be studying parallel and perpendicular lines and various types of quadrilaterals.
In Science, we are starting a new unit about plants. As an amateur gardener, I am so excited to explore the world of plants with our class! This week, they will be learning about the parts of a plant, photosynthesis, and the life cycle of plants. We will also begin an experiment that will demonstrate how plants absorb water and food. Perhaps you remember this experiment from elementary school: we will be putting white carnations in water colored with food coloring and watching to see what happens to the flowers.
Have a wonderful week!
It is so good to be back in the classroom after the long weekend. Ms. Walls and I both had wonderful, restful weekends and are eager to be back with our class, because we are learning and doing so many fun things this week.
In Language Arts, our students are continuing to practice turning an outline into an essay. Our students' logical thinking abilities have really grown over the last quarter, as they have been practicing various kinds of outlines. They have written outlines for paragraphs and essays; they have even written some of their history notes in outline form! Because of all this previous work, they have proved adept at working together to change an outline into a well-written essay!
This week, our students will also practicing writing friendly and business letters. Ms. Walls and I are always looking for ways to integrate our subjects, so we were excited that this week, we could include some Language Arts knowledge in a Literature assignment. After learning how to write a friendly letter, our students will practice writing a friendly letter from the perspective of Nathaniel Bowditch to his sister Lizza.
In Math, we are continuing to learn about angles. After some initial hesitation, our class has really taken to their protractors; they are becoming angle-measuring experts! Later in the week, we'll be studying parallel and perpendicular lines and various types of quadrilaterals.
In Science, we are starting a new unit about plants. As an amateur gardener, I am so excited to explore the world of plants with our class! This week, they will be learning about the parts of a plant, photosynthesis, and the life cycle of plants. We will also begin an experiment that will demonstrate how plants absorb water and food. Perhaps you remember this experiment from elementary school: we will be putting white carnations in water colored with food coloring and watching to see what happens to the flowers.
Have a wonderful week!
Thursday, March 17, 2016
Gearing Up For 4th Quarter
Hello 4B Families!
I hope everyone has had a restful break so far. I have had family in town from North Carolina and it has been a blast spending time with them. I was also able to see a spring training game with Mrs. King earlier in the week; we were lucky enough to see Greinke pitch a few innings.
I have just a couple of updates before school resumes on the 21st. First, we will be starting Carry On, Mr. Bowditch by Jean Lee Latham the first week back, so please make sure your child has a copy. Also, we are going to be learning a little geometry this quarter. I know it was not included in your supply list, but it would be very helpful if your child could bring a protractor to class.
Enjoy the rest of your break!
I hope everyone has had a restful break so far. I have had family in town from North Carolina and it has been a blast spending time with them. I was also able to see a spring training game with Mrs. King earlier in the week; we were lucky enough to see Greinke pitch a few innings.
I have just a couple of updates before school resumes on the 21st. First, we will be starting Carry On, Mr. Bowditch by Jean Lee Latham the first week back, so please make sure your child has a copy. Also, we are going to be learning a little geometry this quarter. I know it was not included in your supply list, but it would be very helpful if your child could bring a protractor to class.
Enjoy the rest of your break!
Monday, March 7, 2016
Week 10 Overview
Hello,
Even though we have Spring Break next week, we are not slowing down our pace a bit this week! Our scholars will be finishing up their final drafts of their persuasive papers. We're so proud of how hard they've worked to learn how to write an essay. We will be having a math test and a science test this week. Our class has embraced decimals and is undaunted by using decimals in all four operations. We're expecting them to breeze through their coming test. Our magnets and electricity unit will be coming to a close this week. Ms. Walls and I have enjoyed trying out new experiments and demonstrations with our scholars (even if sometimes our light bulb stash is all burned out!). In Literature, we will spend the week learning about plays. On Friday, the class will have the opportunity to read and act out a few plays to cap off their learning!
Field Day is on Thursday, March 10th. Here are a few things you need to know before then:
Have a great week!
Even though we have Spring Break next week, we are not slowing down our pace a bit this week! Our scholars will be finishing up their final drafts of their persuasive papers. We're so proud of how hard they've worked to learn how to write an essay. We will be having a math test and a science test this week. Our class has embraced decimals and is undaunted by using decimals in all four operations. We're expecting them to breeze through their coming test. Our magnets and electricity unit will be coming to a close this week. Ms. Walls and I have enjoyed trying out new experiments and demonstrations with our scholars (even if sometimes our light bulb stash is all burned out!). In Literature, we will spend the week learning about plays. On Friday, the class will have the opportunity to read and act out a few plays to cap off their learning!
Field Day is on Thursday, March 10th. Here are a few things you need to know before then:
- Everyone needs to bring a lunch from home. There will be NO hot lunch that day.
- If you would like to volunteer, there are still a couple spots available here: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e084fada62ca2f85-athletic
- Our class color is green and our city-state is Crete! We are so excited to represent 4B to the whole school!
Have a great week!
Monday, February 22, 2016
Week 8 Overview
Hello!
I'm afraid I've been rather neglectful of this blog of late. Fear not, this neglect is merely a sign that classroom life is bustling and happy, and it expands to take up all of my time!
Our field day is coming up! On March 10th, the Archway students will compete in a half day of ancient Greek and modern-day Olympic themed events such as baton relay races, shot put and more! Students will be creating ancient Greek cuffs to wear during their competitions. Please send toilet paper and paper towel rolls to school for them to prepare and decorate in Art class. Coach Cook has asked me to let you know that we are looking for 15-20 volunteers to help organize and facilitate the athletic events. The day will be split up into two parts with grades K-2 participating in the morning followed by grades 3-5 participating in the afternoon. Volunteers will receive early communication regarding the events and need to be available for a walk-through 30-45 minutes prior to the event. Please follow this link to sign up: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e084fada62ca2f85-athletic. Please email Coach Cook with any questions: dcook@archwaylincoln.org.
In the classroom, we're wrapping up our unit about Arizona history with a quiz this Thursday. We've enjoyed exploring Arizona's exciting past with our students! In Science, we're exploring magnetism and the properties of magnets. This is an interesting unit because we are able to do a lot of hands-on demonstrations and experiments in the classroom. Today, the students used magnets to make sand move across paper without touching it! In Literature, we're finishing a two-week unit on poetry. For the rest of the quarter, we'll be studying short stories and plays and getting comfortable with story structure, theme, plot, and setting in these contexts. In Math, our scholars were thrilled today to finally begin subtracting decimals. Ms. Walls and I so enjoy our students enthusiasm for new mathematical concepts!
Have a great week!
I'm afraid I've been rather neglectful of this blog of late. Fear not, this neglect is merely a sign that classroom life is bustling and happy, and it expands to take up all of my time!
Our field day is coming up! On March 10th, the Archway students will compete in a half day of ancient Greek and modern-day Olympic themed events such as baton relay races, shot put and more! Students will be creating ancient Greek cuffs to wear during their competitions. Please send toilet paper and paper towel rolls to school for them to prepare and decorate in Art class. Coach Cook has asked me to let you know that we are looking for 15-20 volunteers to help organize and facilitate the athletic events. The day will be split up into two parts with grades K-2 participating in the morning followed by grades 3-5 participating in the afternoon. Volunteers will receive early communication regarding the events and need to be available for a walk-through 30-45 minutes prior to the event. Please follow this link to sign up: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e084fada62ca2f85-athletic. Please email Coach Cook with any questions: dcook@archwaylincoln.org.
In the classroom, we're wrapping up our unit about Arizona history with a quiz this Thursday. We've enjoyed exploring Arizona's exciting past with our students! In Science, we're exploring magnetism and the properties of magnets. This is an interesting unit because we are able to do a lot of hands-on demonstrations and experiments in the classroom. Today, the students used magnets to make sand move across paper without touching it! In Literature, we're finishing a two-week unit on poetry. For the rest of the quarter, we'll be studying short stories and plays and getting comfortable with story structure, theme, plot, and setting in these contexts. In Math, our scholars were thrilled today to finally begin subtracting decimals. Ms. Walls and I so enjoy our students enthusiasm for new mathematical concepts!
Have a great week!
Tuesday, February 2, 2016
Quarter 3, Week 5
Hello!
We have another full week ahead of us! On Thursday, we will have our first Arizona History quiz, which will cover Arizona geography, flora, and fauna. On Friday, we will have a Chemistry test. We've been really enjoying our Chemistry unit, since it has provided a lot of opportunities to hone our scholars' observation and prediction skills through experiments and demonstrations.
In Math, we've started to explore how to manipulate decimals. Our scholars have become fairly comfortable with decimals over the past week and this week, they will be putting their knowledge to the test by adding and subtracting decimals. In Literature, we will be reading a good bit of Prince Caspian, in preparation for our final Prince Caspian test next week.
Ms. Walls and I are very excited about what we're learning in Language Arts. Our students are writing a 3-paragraph essay over the course of this and next week. They will be learning how to edit their own work and how to provide good peer review in class. We're so looking forward to reading everyone's finished product!
Have a great week!
We have another full week ahead of us! On Thursday, we will have our first Arizona History quiz, which will cover Arizona geography, flora, and fauna. On Friday, we will have a Chemistry test. We've been really enjoying our Chemistry unit, since it has provided a lot of opportunities to hone our scholars' observation and prediction skills through experiments and demonstrations.
In Math, we've started to explore how to manipulate decimals. Our scholars have become fairly comfortable with decimals over the past week and this week, they will be putting their knowledge to the test by adding and subtracting decimals. In Literature, we will be reading a good bit of Prince Caspian, in preparation for our final Prince Caspian test next week.
Ms. Walls and I are very excited about what we're learning in Language Arts. Our students are writing a 3-paragraph essay over the course of this and next week. They will be learning how to edit their own work and how to provide good peer review in class. We're so looking forward to reading everyone's finished product!
Have a great week!
Monday, January 25, 2016
Quarter 3, Week 4
Hello!
This week we're continuing our study of decimals. The class was excited to receive their brand new, 2nd semester math workbooks and textbooks last week. We're so pleased with how easily our scholars have transitioned from fractions to decimals and we're looking forward to challenging them as we progress through this unit. In science, we're continuing our study of chemistry. On Monday, the class made models of various types of elements out of candy! In History, our class is really loving studying Arizona history, geography, flora, and fauna. On Thursday, we have our first Prince Caspian test. I'm especially looking forward to reading our scholars' short answers, as we've been working on paragraph writing during the last few weeks.
Have a great week!
This week we're continuing our study of decimals. The class was excited to receive their brand new, 2nd semester math workbooks and textbooks last week. We're so pleased with how easily our scholars have transitioned from fractions to decimals and we're looking forward to challenging them as we progress through this unit. In science, we're continuing our study of chemistry. On Monday, the class made models of various types of elements out of candy! In History, our class is really loving studying Arizona history, geography, flora, and fauna. On Thursday, we have our first Prince Caspian test. I'm especially looking forward to reading our scholars' short answers, as we've been working on paragraph writing during the last few weeks.
Have a great week!
Tuesday, January 19, 2016
Quarter 3, Week 3
Hello!
It's back to our regularly scheduled programming this week. So sorry to my faithful readers; my blog post from last week seems to have disappeared into the ether.
We so enjoyed taking our scholars to the Musical Instrument Museum last week and we were so glad that so many parents and grandparents could join us! We were very proud of how well our students represented Archway Lincoln out in public. One of the security guards even complimented me on the excellent behavior of our class. It's so heartening to know that others can see the fruits of our labor!
This week, we're back at the grindstone. We're diving into Arizona history, learning about our fascinating geographical and cultural landmarks. In science, we're learning about the make-up of our world through the study of chemistry. Though this chemistry unit is just a short introduction to a deep subject, we've been able to do some fun experiments in class to explore mass, density, and volume. In Language Arts and in Literature, we're going to take a closer look at how to construct various types of paragraphs. We will be honing our scholars' writing skills through various exercises, all building towards writing a short essay or two this semester.
Have a great week!
It's back to our regularly scheduled programming this week. So sorry to my faithful readers; my blog post from last week seems to have disappeared into the ether.
We so enjoyed taking our scholars to the Musical Instrument Museum last week and we were so glad that so many parents and grandparents could join us! We were very proud of how well our students represented Archway Lincoln out in public. One of the security guards even complimented me on the excellent behavior of our class. It's so heartening to know that others can see the fruits of our labor!
This week, we're back at the grindstone. We're diving into Arizona history, learning about our fascinating geographical and cultural landmarks. In science, we're learning about the make-up of our world through the study of chemistry. Though this chemistry unit is just a short introduction to a deep subject, we've been able to do some fun experiments in class to explore mass, density, and volume. In Language Arts and in Literature, we're going to take a closer look at how to construct various types of paragraphs. We will be honing our scholars' writing skills through various exercises, all building towards writing a short essay or two this semester.
Have a great week!
Monday, January 4, 2016
Welcome Back!
I hope everyone had a restful break and enjoyed their holidays. I was able to spend a lot of time with my family and relax a little bit before gearing up for the second semester. I want to extend and huge (and delayed) thank you to all of the parents who brought things in and volunteered for our Middle Ages feast. It was the perfect way to reward the students for their hard work and they all really enjoyed themselves.
A couple of quick announcements before school starts on Wednesday. First, conferences for this past report card are by invitation only. If you did not receive a note about scheduling a conference, then you do not need to worry about scheduling a time. Second, project week will be kicking off on January 7th and concluding on the 8th. We will be spending time on Wednesday discussing delivery and expectations. Finally, we will be starting with Prince Caspian by C.S. Lewis. This is a very popular story and it should be pretty easy to get a copy before Wednesday. If anyone has any trouble obtaining the book, please let me know.
Enjoy the last two days of your break and I am so excited to see everyone on Wednesday!
A couple of quick announcements before school starts on Wednesday. First, conferences for this past report card are by invitation only. If you did not receive a note about scheduling a conference, then you do not need to worry about scheduling a time. Second, project week will be kicking off on January 7th and concluding on the 8th. We will be spending time on Wednesday discussing delivery and expectations. Finally, we will be starting with Prince Caspian by C.S. Lewis. This is a very popular story and it should be pretty easy to get a copy before Wednesday. If anyone has any trouble obtaining the book, please let me know.
Enjoy the last two days of your break and I am so excited to see everyone on Wednesday!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)