As we wind our way down to Winter Break, we still have lots of loose ends to tie up. Here is a quick recap of our efforts...
* We've been working really hard to finish up the publication of our biography expert projects. The kids have designed their books, printed photographs and illustrations, and written out much of their text. A small handful of people are finished. I hope to see everyone else finish up on Friday. We plan to present these projects out to the school as a "Share Fair." This will be after break on Tuesday, January 8th from 8:15 until 10:00. Please stop in if you can.
* In math we have continued our work with area and perimeter. We also began working to solve multi-digit multiplication problems such as 48 x 7. Those who picked this up quickly worked to find strategies for problems consisting of two multi-digit numbers, such as 24 x 83. We are beginning with a method known as "partial products." When solving the problem 48 x 7 the kids will first solve 8x7, then solve 40 x 7, and finally add these two answers together. We will eventually get to the traditional algorithm many of you are so familiar with. We begin with this strategy because it helps to build an understanding of these problems as wells as helps the kids develop multiple strategies for solving problems.
* In science we've been working with motion. We conduct experiments just like the ones you are working on at home. Remember that these are due in on Monday. We can't wait to see what everyone has been working on.
*In reading we finished our read aloud, Esperanza Rising. It was a powerful novel about a young Mexican girl whose father dies leaving their wealthy family in shambles. After their home is burnt down by a jealous uncle they move to California with hopes of finding work picking and packing produce from the fields. Esperanza finds it hard to transition from a life of privilege to one where they live in work camps making very little for all their hard work. Be sure to ask your child about it.
Next week we'll be working on our plans for developing a nature garden on the recess field. We'll also be putting the final touches on our expert projects and presenting the motion experiments. Mixed in will be a rehearsal for the Winter Music Gathering, the actual musical performance, and a Winter Break party on Wednesday from 1:45 - 2:45. That's a lot for just three days.
Next week we are leaving straight from school on Wednesday to drive to St. Louis to see family before returning for Christmas. For this reason I imagine this will be the final newsletter until after the break. I hope you all have a great time together with your families and maybe even some snow.
Chris
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