Ms. McGarry’s Newsletter
September 2nd, 2022
Math
The students continued through Unit 1 in math where they learned about factors and different ways to solve multiplication problems using ones they already know. The students will be continuing to work through this unit throughout this week and the upcoming ones. Students will have a bit of math homework over the weekend to keep this concept fresh in their mind over the long weekend. This should not take too long and all I ask is that the students try their best. There will be AIMSweb testing sessions on Tuesday and Thursday next week in math and reading.
Reading
I have been reading the interactive-read-aloud book The Junkyard Wonders by Patricia Polacco throughout the week. The class also did the second session of NWEA testing Thursday. There will be time for students to finish their tests if they did not finish as well as any makeup tests for those who were not there. The date for this is not set yet, but I will let you know as soon as it is set. I will soon be conducting an individual reading assessment during reading time. There will be AIMSweb testing sessions on Tuesday and Thursday next week in math and reading.
Writing
Over the past two week, the students participated in a writing workshop where we discussed the elements of writing at a 4th grade level using sensory detail words. They were given stuffed animals to use as inspiration for writing short stories using these words. In the upcoming week, the students will type their stories and submit them to a Google Classroom post in class. The students will start a writing workshop about realistic fiction in the upcoming weeks.
Science and Environmental Education
The students had many opportunities to spend time outside since school started. Friday in class the students made scientific observations with Phenology outside the classroom. I pointed out how some of the plants are beginning to wilt and get ready for autumn. They will continue to make these scientific observations about plants and animals throughout the year. If weather permits, we will have Solo Spots next week in order to observe the changes from before.
During our science time, we completed our lesson on the prairie. Students worked in groups to research and make accurate and life sized drawings of different animals and plants that live on the prairie. The students cut out the illustrations and they have been posted on a mural in the hallway that all 3rd and 4th grade classes worked together on. Next week we will begin to talk about the Woodlands.
Dates to Save
- Monday, September 5, 2022 – Labor Day-No School
- Tuesday, September 6, 2022 – AIMSweb testing in class
- Thursday, September 8, 2022 – AIMSweb testing in class
- September 13th – Curriculum Night Comstock Building 6-7 pm
- September 15th – Curriculum Night Carson Building 6-7 pm
- Friday, September 16, 2022 – Early Release for Teachers Institute