Classroom Update!

We have been very busy lately catching up from all of our snow days. The students have been working really hard and their effort certainly shows!

In reading we have formed “Literature Circles” based on the students’ first, second, and third choice book out of four options. All of the students were pleased to see that they were placed in a group of either their first or second choice. This week they have read the first assigned section of their book and completed their first literature circle role. I am very proud of their hard work so far and am excited to hear them share their jobs in our first book talk tomorrow (Friday)!

In math the students have mastered adding and subtracting fractions with like denominators and we are moving on into adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators. This could prove to be a challenging task for students, but I know they can do it!

In social studies we have marched into studying the Civil War. We have watched a video and covered chapter 10, lesson 1 in our social studies textbook. There will be a quiz on this section on Tuesday, February 23, 2010.

In response to our studies of the Civil War, Mrs. Jones’ 4th graders have also been divided, much like the states of our early nation. Two-thirds of the class now represents the Union and one-third of the class represents those who have “seceded” to form the Confederate States of America. Students will gain points for their side through academic “battles” such as answering questions correctly in class, scoring well on graded activities, and participating during class discussions. Ask your son or daughter which side they are a member of!

It was very nice to see many of you at the Parent-Teacher Conferences held this evening!

That's all for now!
Ms. Burnett :-)