What We've Been Up To...

This year is just seeming to fly by. I thought I would update you as to what we have been working on throughout the subject areas...

Math- Everyday we work on Math in Minutes... It's each students' warm up... It covers a variety of areas in math, from reading graphs to fractions. We correct it together and students SHOULD BE =) taking home their corrected versions. In Math Trailblazers we are currently working to review place value and double numbers. We just finished a unit going over and reading various types of graphs.

Reading Group- My reading group and I are currently reading Charlie and the Chocolate factory. We are really focusing on the vocabulary (its pretty difficult) and understanding the text (comprehension). Each week students get spelling words to take home and study as well as a class packet to work on that is due each Friday. Each reading group does something differently at MES. Be sure to ask your 4th grader what they are currently reading/working on in their groups!

Writing- We have just finished a unit on Organization. Students wrote "Life Stories" which turned out really well. We also have pen pals we write to in Hillsboro and end up writing to them about once a month. Next week we will begin working on the State Writing Test.

Science- In Science, I am finishing up our unit on Life Science. We covered plants, animals, lifecycles, food chains/webs. We also each planted a pea plant that will be coming home shortly. Next week we will rotate through and students from my class will receive Science instruction from our 2 other 4th grade teachers in Electricity/Magnets and Earth Science. Students have really enjoyed the fun, hands-on learning that coincides with Science.

Social Studies- In Social Studies we are starting a unit on The Northeast. We previewed the unit finding interesting facts. Did you know that in Hershey, Pennsylvania that all the street lamps are shaped like Hershey kisses???? =) We will continue working and learning about the Northeast.

If you ever have any questions or concerns, be sure to email Ms. Raethke. That is typically the best way to get ahold of her. Have a great 3-Day weekend! Hope to see you all this Tuesday at McTeacher night! =)