Welcome back, families!
I hope you had an enjoyable and relaxing Thanksgiving Break. It was a little like "first day" deja-vu all over again on Monday, as the students and I settled back into routines. Let me share some current happenings:
In Math, the students learned how to multiply large numbers using the Partial Products Algorithm (Lessons 5.5-5.6). Tomorrow, I will teach them the traditional method (which we adults frequently use). On Thursday, they will learn the third and last multiplication algorithm - Lattice (Lesson 5.7). Please refer to Everyday Math Online's website (use your child's student login information) to obtain resources on all of these various algorithms. Once the students have learned all three methods, they will pick one which they can confidently use.
In Reading/S.S., we completed the culminating project for our Native American Project on Voicethread. I will share the link for you to view, soon. We are now moving forward in history to Westward Expansionism, and have spent the last couple of days discussing this concept: How did people get to America in the first place, if only the Native Americans were here, and from where did they come? Why did they want to come here? Once settlers were in America, why did they continue moving West? What changes occurred as a result?.. etc.. These next few weeks before the Winter Break, we will be building our foundational knowledge, in addition to working on the reading strategies of inferring and determining importance. If you're curious about some of the books we'll be reading, take a look on my Shelfari (to the right).
In Writing, we will work on revising our papers, and go into the genre of Fictional Narratives. In Science, we will look at flower reproduction and dissect flowers.
We are continuing Home Reading Journals (HRJ) this week, with the next Journals due on Monday, December 6th. If you have forgotten which day your child's HRJ is due, please refer to the PARENT FILES folder on our 4th grade website. In the folder, you can download the document - Geiger Class HRJ Schedule. I'd like to also remind you that your child needs to read at least 25 minutes a night, M-F. Research proves that the simple act of sustained reading (a "just right" book) on a regular basis improves a child's reading level and vocabulary knowledge. It is so important!
This is the last week for our Pre-Interns, Ms. Ross and Mr. Cole. They have been such a tremendous help in the classroom this semester, and the students have grown to appreciate their input and support. Fortunately, Mr. Cole has chosen to stay with our class for his Internship this spring. We will get to see him after the Winter Break in January.
As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to email me. Thank you for your continued support! I hope you have a great week!
- Ms. Geiger
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