A4 News: Turning Point

Happy Spring!

It might actually start behaving like it outdoors!

We have had a HUGE turning point in our room. Maybe it's rejuvenation from Spring Break, or the visit to Skokie School, but I am SUPER proud of these kiddos. I have seen an incredible growth in their work ethic, self-responsibility, care of others and overall maturity. This crew is really gearing up for Skokie school. I am proud & happy!

In Math we completed our geometry unit. During this unit, we focused on rules of polygons, different kinds of angles, protractors and angle measures and area. Coming up next is Measurement. We will explore many types and units of measurement.

This was our fourth week in our Reading groups. We are having a great time in our small group discussions, sharing our Lit jobs with each other. So far we have done Character Characteristics and Word Wizard next week is the Connector. Check the red folder for details of these activities.

More recently we moved into Literary Essay as part of our PARCC test preparation. These kids did a fantastic job with this format. They really were able to implement all the necessary skills and structure. I am so proud of the growth and effort. Next week we will revisit opinion/persuasive essay writing to bring forth all our essay writing skills.

PARCC testing is done, however there are a few friends who will need to do some make-up test next week.

In our study of the Regions of the US, we are now entering the SouthWest area. Here we will stop and learn about the Hoover Dam, the Grand Canyon and the Oklahoma Land Grab. Also, we have begun our study of the 50 States. The packet came home in the red folder which is to stay home to help kids study. Our1st quiz on Fri. April 29 on location. Once your child has successfully passed the location quiz at 80% or better, he/she will move on to the others - postal abbreviations, spelling and capitals.

We have been very busy working on our Expert Report Digital Books through the use of "Book Creator" app on the iPads at school. At this point I expect kids to have all their text, formatting theme, pictures and other non-fiction features set up. If your child is behind, please encourage him/her to come into school at 8:00 am any day to get extra work time on the iPads.

Also sent home this week were the directions of creating the Bibliography for the Expert Report. We are using a web based tool called "Noodletools". Please assist your child in working on this from home to be saved in his/her Drive so it can be later accessed and copied into their digital book. Having this done by Monday, April 25 will help to keep us on track for the big Fair Day.

Thank you to the many of you who were able to make it to the Camp Edwards meeting on Thursday. We have sent home the packets of information. If there are any questions, please reach out to me.

Finally, please mark your calendar for the following:

Wed. April 27 1:00 - 3:00 pm - Expert Report Fair
Tues. May 3 - Hubbard Woods 100 year Celebration
Thu/Fri May 5 & 6 Camp Edwards

I hope you all enjoyed this glorious weather this weekend. Here are some fun photos of the past weeks.

Midwest - Henry Ford Assembly line activity