Please
enjoy these updates from our classroom.
Reading
The
Let the Circle Be Unbroken
reading group is learning more about the Jim Crow south through the
lens of the main character, Cassie. Her brother's best friend is on
trial for a murder he didn't commit. We left off with a cliff hanger
in the middle of the trial. Ask your child about his or her
prediction about how the trial ends. Nancy's group has begun the book
The Library Card
by Jerry Spinelli. This book has three separate stories about
characters’ experiences once they get a library card. In the story
we are currently reading the main character found the library card
and then entered a library because of curiosity about a bug. As a
group our focus will be on change and identifying pivotal moments. We
are also continuing spring reading assessments.
Math
We
are continuing our data study. Students have created their own
survey questions and interviewed students in our class and in the
fifth grade. This week, students will create double bar graphs in
order to compare the data from the two classes. We are also using
vocabulary like median, mode, outlier, and range to talk about data.
Ask your child about his or her survey question and what he or she
learned.
Writing
So
far, we have learned several types of poetry: diamante, haiku,
acrostic, couplet, and concrete poetry. Some students have started
to publish their poems to the bulletin board outside the classroom.
Come and take a peak. This Tuesday, from 10:45-12:25, we're taking a
walking trip to Tompkins Square Park
collect poetry inspiration. If it rains, we'll postpone to
Wednesday.
Social
Studies
Students
have split into groups to study several Native American tribes:
Cheyenne, Hopi, Iroquois, Lenape, Sioux, and Taino. They're finding
their own ways to organize the information they're reading through
highlighting and note taking. Students who need extra support are
using color-coded highlighting to separate information about food,
shelter, clothing, traditions, and family. Students
are learning new vocabulary specific to their tribe and practicing
fluency by reading aloud to their group mates.
State
Science Test
The
New York State fourth grade science test happens in two parts.
Between May 23 and June 1, students will take the performance section
of the test, and on June 4, students will all take the written
section. We have begun science test prep with Emily to get ready. So
far, we've studied the three states of matter: solid, liquid, and
gas, as well as ways to measure them. Students have used rulers to
measure the length of solids, graduated cylinders to measure the
volume of liquids, and balances to measure the mass of solids and
liquids.
Extended
Day Ends
This
will be the last week of extended day. Starting on May 21st,
all students will be dismissed at 2:50.
Theater
Performances
Monday,
May 21st
will be our last theater class. Students will share the short pieces
they've been working on around different parts of a Native American
myth. Parents are invited to join us from 9:00-9:45 in the back of
the auditorium for this final class.
Family
Wednesdays
We
continue to invite parents who are interested in visiting our
classroom first and last period on Wednesdays to join morning meeting
and class meeting.
Snack
We
are currently out of snack. Please take a look at our current snack
calendars, and be sure to send in snack on your week. If you realize
you've missed your week, we would appreciate any snack you can send
in.
May
7
|
May
14
|
May
21
|
May
28
|
June
4
|
Parker
|
Luigi
|
Kasar
|
Christina
|
Amon-ra
|
Oscar
|
Liza
|
D'yanira
|
Brandon
|
Ashley
|
Narayan
|
Lila
|
Dreanna
|
Alana
|
Jonathan
|
Milla
|
Alexander
|
DeAndre
|
Adriana
|
Martha
|
Miljan
|
Eko
|
Dario
|
Adelina
|
Michael
N.
|
Michael
C.
|
Ismael
|
Water Cooler Funds
At the beginning of the year, many families contributed toward our water cooler fund so that students have water accessible throughout the day. Thank you!! At this point in the year, we are still $120 short. If you have not yet contributed and can do so, it would be much appreciated.
Best,
Nancy
and Stephanie
