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!

Week 11 Updates

Hello 4B Families,

Today, your scholars had their first practice AZ Merit test.  Today, they were able to play around in the testing platform and spent 90 minutes planning and writing an essay.  On Friday, the students will practice the ELA and Math portion of the AZ Merit test.  Just a reminder, there is a half day on Friday...the perfect way to begin spring break!

Ms. Blasi has sent us a message about the Spring Concert at the end of April:

Our Spring Music Concert is fast approaching. Please save the date!

 Thursday, April 27th

 K-2nd Grade - 5:30-6:15 PM

 3rd-5th Grade - 6:30-7:30 PM

Both concerts will be held in the Lincoln Gym. Please be looking for a letter your students will be bringing home with important information on concert details and concert attire. This letter can also be found on my blog.

http://archwaylincolnmusic.blogspot.com/

At the concert this April, we will be doing an eye glass drive in partnership with the Chandler Chapter of the Lion's Club. We will be collecting used eye glasses for those in need. Please start looking for old eye glasses you have around the house that you might want to donate. The eye glasses can be for both children and adults. A flyer with more information on this outreach opportunity will be going home with students before Spring Break.

Please feel free to e-mail me with any questions you have! I look forward to seeing you at our Spring Concert!

Ms. Blasi
lblasi@archwaylincoln.org
3rd-5th Grade Music Teacher

In Language Arts this week, we are learning about poetry.  Today, the students created their own poem made of rhyming couplets.  Tomorrow, they will try their hands at haikus!  On Friday, the students will all recite the poems they have been memorizing.

In Science, the students have their last meteorology test tomorrow.  We spent this afternoon going over the study guide and there will be a review session in my classroom during lunch tomorrow.  On Thursday, we will do some review packets to show the students the different types of questions they can expect on the AIMS test (April 4th).

In History, the students will take their last quiz on Arizona history on Friday.  Students will be given the study guide tomorrow and we will review for the quiz on Thursday.

Week 10 Updates

Hello 4B Families,

We are approaching the end of the third quarter...only two weeks until spring break!  Next week, the students will do a practice version of the AZ Merit tests.  In preparation for this, I will be demonstrating how to navigate through the test later this week.

One other quick announcement: Please check each of your scholar's Archway sweaters and jackets.  Several have gone missing from the classroom and I have been informed that names are present on the items of outwear.

In Language Arts this week, we have started reading short stories and exploring the differences in structure from novels.  Starting on Wednesday, we will start learning about drama and the different types of plays.  The students will be given a small part in a short play on Thursday and they will all perform it on Friday.  If your scholar receives an animal as a part, he or she is more than welcome to create a mask to wear on the day of the performance.  Just a reminder-all scholars should be working on memorizing his or her poem in preparation for the recitation next Friday, March 17th.

In History, we are wrapping up our Arizona unit by discussing the transition from territory to state and the development of our state government.  We will also be discussing Native Americans and the creation of reservations.

In Science, we are also wrapping up our unit on meteorology.  We have started learning some weather map symbols, and the students will get more practice in that later this week.  Today, we play a 'flash quiz' science game with a mixture of questions about meteorology and questions they can expect to see on the upcoming AIMS test (April 4th).  We will continue to review the different topics the students will be presented with on the test.

As always, thank you for your continued support!