May Happenings

Hello Parents.

As we round out our last month of the year, we have two important dates coming up to put on your calendar.


May 23rd is Field Day.  This is planned by the specials teachers.  Information will be sent home soon from them.

May 25th will be the 4th Grade Picnic during our regular lunch time.
If you would like to come and eat lunch with us, please meet us on the grass by the bus loop.  The kids may bring their lunch that day or buy from the cafeteria and then head outside.  We will enjoy lunch together from 12:40-1:00, and then the kids are off to their regular recess after that.  Feel free to bring siblings, other family members, blankets, etc.

May 25th is also the last day of school.


Reading Workshop
Our study of the comprehension strategy of summarize and synthesize will continue. Synthesizing information helps readers to see the bigger picture as they read.  The kids will learn how to be thoughtful readers who integrate new information with their existing learning to come to a more complete understanding of the text.  Their thinking will begin to evolve as they encounter new information.  I will model application of the strategy using text on the Maya, the true story of a young Afghan refugee, ancient Egyptians, and humpback whales.  As always, the kids will be given text at their reading level to read and independently apply the strategy.

Writing Workshop

The kids have completed their informational book and are witting one final narrative of the year that will synthesize all of the techniques they have learned thus far.  For their final piece they may write realistic fiction, science fiction, historical fiction, or fantasy.  They are really excited because they get to select their own topic.  Many are writing books similar to books they love to read.  This final piece will be hand-written into a small white book that they will also illustrate.

Math
During our last math unit of the year, the kids will be solving two-digit by two-digit multiplication story problems and division problems.  We are using different strategies, such as  standard algorithm and cluster problems as we do so.  Lastly, we are exploring standard algorithm and long division.  As always, the kids may choose the strategy they like best to help them solve their problems.

Science
We are currently learning about the sun, moon, and stars.  We will study the path of the sun and its various positions in the sky as well as how and why shadows are formed.  Additionally, we will  gather and analyze shadow data to develop logical conclusions about the sun's position.

Finally, we will study the various phases of the moon as well as constellations.  

As we complete our unit on the sun, moon, and stars, we will begin our final science unit of the year on electricity and magnetism.  In this unit, the kids will study the properties of magnets and the forms of electrical energy.  They will build circuits and study how electric current is changed into useful energy.  This is a very "hands-on" unit that the kids always love!  It is an educational and fun way to end the year!