Sad to be leaving

I can't believe my time in this class is almost done.  The time really flew by.  Tomorrow is my last day and then I will be here on Jan. 2nd to help with the transition.  I am so sad to be leaving.  I feel so grateful that I was able to spend the last few months with such an amazing group of kids.  They really are such caring, genuine, helpful kids.  I couldn't have asked for a better class.  I could go on and on but I'm sure you already know how great your kids are!  Mrs. Manders is excited to come back because I have been keeping her up to date with everything and she knows what a nice class she is coming back to.  I know the transition will go smoothly for everyone.

The students finished up their world map projects this week and you should have seen them come home yesterday with their grade.  We went to the computer lab yesterday and tried a new website: maps101.com.  They got to play a game that focused on the cardinal directions and also tried completing a world map puzzle at different levels. 
In math, the students have been learning different strategies for adding 2-digit numbers and regrouping.  They will be continuing this unit after break as well.

Just a reminder that the CogAt practice tests will be the week they get back from break.  Also tomorrow is hibernation day so the kids can wear PJs and we will be watching a movie. 

Thank you all so much for a great first half of the year and for all your help and support.  I will be back to visit as often as possible! 

Have a wonderful holiday!

Lia

Let it Snow!

I hope everyone is enjoying our first big snowfall!  It doesn't make driving fun but the kids are loving it!

This week in math we are adding numbers to 100, estimating based on groups of 10, distinguishing between odd and even numbers, and adding two-digit numbers. 
In Reader's Workshop, we finished up our unit on Wondering about fiction texts.  We read many books and students wrote down any questions they wondered about.  We learned that usually our questions were answered in the story but not always.  Students also practiced this in their independent reading books.  This week, students were given their new word sorts.  They should be practicing at home as well as in school.  We met with our 5th grade buddies and read the book Snowflake Bentley.  Then they made their own snowflakes.  It was a lot of fun! 

In Writer's Workshop, we finished up our letter-writing unit.  Students are in the process this week of finishing their final copies of their letter to their 5th grade buddy.  They also wrote an acrostic poem about snow, which they will illustrate so we can hang them in the hallway.  We have been learning about past, present and future tense verbs and will start learning about irregular verbs this week. 

We completed our weather unit in Science.  Students enjoyed learning about and practicing how to measure weather and observe weather changes.  They measured wind by using windsocks outside and observed clouds to predict weather.  They also learned about types of severe weather and how to be prepared for dangerous weather. 
We started Social Studies this week.  The students will be learning about our world.  So far, they learned about the 7 continents and 4 oceans.  This week, they will be labeling and coloring in a blank world map.  This project will take a few days. 

Just a reminder that book orders are due tomorrow 12/12.  Also, our winter party is scheduled for Thursday, December 20th at 1:30. 

I am so sad my time in this class is coming to an end.  They are such a fun, and caring group of kids!

Stay warm!