Busy Week...

Hi Everyone!

My home office is slowly coming together and Mr. Gorham set up the card reader for the digital camera today. I have been snapping pictures of all the fun activities we have been working on in room 5. Thank you also to everyone who was able to make it to Read-Aloud Night last Thursday. We had a great turnout and it was nice to hear Mrs. Zia share some of her writing with us.

Here is the update:

Mathematics: We are now into multiplication. We have begun "Mad Minutes" are working toward completing 60 facts in 2 minutes. We will do this daily to build not only accuracy, but automaticity. I am not expecting everyone to complete 60/60, but I am looking for improvement over time. We are graphing our progess as well. (I am still trying to beat my personal best of 59/60...I keep leaving one blank!) Please use the websites or standard flash cards to practice. It will make division that much easier for your child if they know their facts.

Welcome to Canada! The zebra has switched from his sombrero to a "Mountie" Hat!

A rousing game of Jeopardy!

Wow! That was easy, right?!?

Social Studies: We have been learning all about Canada and are working on province reports with partners. Mrs. Brush created an exciting Jeopardy game for us to review with. She has also been teaching us French.

Science with Mrs. Guitard

Science: Mrs. Guitard (our field study student from FSC) has shared a lesson on hot air balloons with us. We have also continued to test our minerals. So far, we have tested for luster, streak, cleavage, fracture, and specific gravity (density). We will also test for hardness this week. Thanks again to Mrs. Thompson (Mrs. Villaflor's student teacher) for helping us!

Testing Minerals

It must be fun if everyone is smiling!

This group is dedicated to their scientific work!

Writing: We are busily writing our five paragraph essays on disgusting foods. Revising and editing using "interesting" vocabulary continues to be a primary focus. We will also begin a sensory poetry project to help kick off our study of the Northeast Region in social studies. Thank you for sending in pictures with your child!

Reading: We are continuing with realistic fiction. The War with Grandpa group made authentic looking "War Declarations" using a tea stain process. The Because of Winn Dixie Group has been working on charater development and finding evidence in the story to support answers to comprehension questions.

Read-Aloud: We have begun to read "More Tales from the Classroom at the End of the Hall," the sequel to the first book we read in room 5. Ask your child what their favorite chapter has been so far.

Vocabulary Parade: Please keep track of your project using the calendar that was provided. Four creative words are due on Tuesday. We will select one word together and then you are free to begin costume construction. Parents are welcome to "parade" with us around Zeh on Friday, November 30th at 1:45 PM. Bring your camera. This is a fantastic fourth grade activity and we will all have the opportunity to increase our vocabulary. I can't wait to see everyone in costume!

We have a busy week coming up. Here are just a few reminders:

• 11/12 Monday- No School Veteran's Day
• 11/13 Tuesday- 11:30 Dismissal for Parent Conferences/Vocab Parade Words are due at School
• 11/15 Thursday- 11:30 Dismissal for Parent Conferences
• 11/16 Friday- Field trip $$ due to school for our trip to the Harvard Museum of Natural History
• 11/17 Saturday- Pancake Breakfast and Shop 'til You Drop

(And For My Planners...) A Look Ahead:

• 11/21 Wednesday- 11:30 Dismissal
• 11/22 Thursday- Happy Thanksgiving (No School)
• 11/23 Friday- No School
• 11/26 Monday- Professional Development for Teachers (No School)
• 11/30 Friday- Vocabulary Parade begins at 1:45 PM

I look forward to seeing you all at Parent Conferences. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

-JoAnne