Week 1 Updates

Hello 4B Families,

Welcome back!  I hope everyone had a great break.  Mrs. King and I enjoyed relaxing at home with our loved ones; I was even able to get away to California for a few days. 

In Language Arts, we are now reading Carry On, Mr. Bowditch by Jean Lee Latham.  Please make sure your child has a copy of the book as it will be needed to complete homework.  Additionally, I updated the blog with a new reading group sign-up.  There are not quite as many days this quarter due to fewer weeks and AZ Merit testing. 

In History, we have begun our American Revolution unit (my favorite!)  Within the next couple of weeks, we will introduce our research project for the quarter.  The students will be given a historical figure from the Revolutionary period to research.  Once their figure has been chosen, the students will begin the process of writing a five paragraph essay.  The essay will be almost completely written in the classroom, with the exception of typing the final draft.  Then, the students will create a souvenir for each of their classmates and prepare a short presentation.  After the students have been assigned a figure, more details will follow.

In Science, we are preparing for the AIMS test (April 4th) by reviewing the various topics the students can expect to see on the test.  So far, we have been having a lot of fun going through the review packets and collaborating on our answers. 

On a final note, we had an important and enriching discussion in our classroom today about the school virtues and respect.  Please read the letter below the 4th grade has prepared:

Dear Parents,

I hope you all had a restful and enjoyable spring break.  It is hard to believe we have already reached the fourth quarter; the end of the school year is rapidly approaching!  Sometimes nearing a finish line diverts focus away from the purpose of running the race.  As we begin our final quarter together, it is important that we take some time discussing the virtues of our school.  As you all know, in spite of our rigorous curriculum, there is a reason we call ourselves ‘Great Hearts’ and not ‘Great Minds’.  We take great pride in the role we have in developing a child’s heart, in addition to their minds.

 

As a method of reinforcing the virtues, we will shine a spotlight on the way we speak and treat each other.  Today, we had a Socratic discussion about the importance of showing respect to one another and different ways we can demonstrate that respect.  I encourage you to ask your child about our discussion and new classroom/school procedures.  If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to ask.

 

Thank you for your support as we strive to end the school year on a strong, positive note!