Month: February 2020

We had a successful learning experience creating Marshmallow Towers in the Makers Space. The success was in that some of the towers failed. The learning increased problem solving,  failure analysis and negotiating teamwork. Next time the project is building weight bearing bridges. Our materials will be marshmallows and toothpicks.

This week in class:

Math: Chapter 5 Test will be this week.  Standards assessed:  4.OA.B.4 and 4.OA.C.5

Social Studies: Oregon Trail continues. Students will spend time self and peer editing in class. They will bring home landmarks for parent/older sibling/caregiver editing this week. This project meets the following standards and more!
W 4.2 Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about  topic. W 4.3 Orient the reader by establishing a situation and introducing a narrator and/or characters; organize an event sequence that unfolds naturally.
W 4.3C Use a variety of transitional words and phrases to manage the sequence of events. w 4.3e Provide a conclusion that follows from the narrated experiences or events. W 4.5 With guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, and editing.

Religion: Ash Wednesday is this week. Please be sure your student is in dress Uniform for our Mass. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent.

Reading: Continue Achieve Articles at home. If your child is struggling you can print out a hard copy of the article and read together before doing the questions on the computer. Students will pick a creative book project from a selection I provide for the book Wonder. Your student will bring home her choice tomorrow.  This fun project meets the following standards: •  RL.4.1. Refer to details and examples in a text when explaining what the text says  •  RL.4.2. Determine a theme of a story, details in the text; summarize the text. •  RL.4.3. Describe in depth a character, setting, or event• RL.4.7. Make connections between the text of a story and a visual or oral presentation of the text

Enjoy your day!

Best,

Annie Martin

Today is Random Acts of Kindness Day. Your students show kindness and care often. Today is a great opportunity as a family to discuss the importance and power of kindness.

Here are some ideas from an article by Amy Morin, LCSW.

7 Random Acts of Kindness for Kids
Make kindness a habit in your family.

Research says teaching kindness has a positive influence on a range of academic, health, and social outcomes for kids. Studies also show kids who engage in random acts of kindness are more likely to be accepted by their peers. Their good deeds improve their well-being and help them develop positive perceptions of their world.

Donate Items to People in Need: Donate gently used books to the library or a charity. Make a meal and deliver it to an elderly neighbor, a relative, or a friend.

Write Thank You Notes:  Point out all the people who work behind the scenes to make life better and encourage your child to thank them.

Do Chores for Someone: Provide acts of service for people who may need a helping hand.

Care for Animals: Volunteer to walk someone’s dog or care for a pet whose owner will be out of town.

Make a Gift for Someone: Provide your child with art supplies so she can create gifts. A homemade card, a simple bird feeder, or a painting can brighten someone’s day.

Give Compliments: Set a goal to give away kind words and compliments.

Spread Some Cheer: Random acts of kindness can include any simple gesture that brightens someone else’s day.

On Thursday the students are invited to wear Pajama’s to school for a school wide PJ Day. This was declared by our student principal for the day. The class will also exchange Valentine cards. No school on Friday so all the fun will happen Thursday, February 13.

Social Studies/Writing:  Students are writing daily entries from the point of view of a pioneer traveling on the Oregon Trial. After we discuss all the 20 landmarks students will pick which rough draft entries to edit and finalize. Be on the look out for rough draft entries to come home for editing!

Math: Keep practicing math facts!  We have wrapped up our unit on division. The class will have fun with multiples, factors and a Valentine Math Project  this week.

Literature/Reading: Our focus will be on the messages from the novel Wonder: Kindness and Acceptance. Students will engage in a variety of activities including  character trait clouds, answering open ended questions and creating kindness posters.

Religion: St Valentine

Thank you to all the parents who came in to discuss their vocations. The presentations were inspiring!

We appreciate the parent lead art this year. It has been fun and informative. The class learned all about the Aurora Borealis on Friday!

The class Art Project was a success. Thank you to the parents who took on that major job. The kids had a chance to see the beautiful piece and are so proud of it!

Parent involvement and support is so meaningful to our school, teachers and students. All you do at St John and at home to support your children is deeply appreciated. 

Let me know if you have any questions, comments or concerns.