Monday, December 12, 2016

Week 9 Updates

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 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!