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"Spoon feeding in the long run teaches us nothing but the shape of the spoon."
-E.M. Forster
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Dear Parents,
I enjoyed meeting many of you last week during parent-teacher conferences. Many of you had
questions about books your children may enjoy. Last year, our reading specialist compiled a list of
fourth grade favorites. I have copied it and it is in your child's mailbox today. So if you're looking for
"one last gift," this may be helpful.
Speaking of the holidays.....I know that multiplication facts may be the last thing you want to think
of but it is important to review them. I believe that the facts fall into the "use it or lose it" category
for most of us. We have begun multiplication of two and three digit numbers, and I am sure that the
children can attest to the fact that knowing one's facts is very important when solving problems!
There will be a quiz next Tuesday on multiplying 3 digit X 2 digit numbers (for example, 134 X 23)
This week in math we are in unit 5, Interpreting Data. We are working graphing, and using
extrapolation and interpolation to interpret data. There are several hands-on activities in this unit.
There will be a test some time during the first week back after vacation. Before vacation I'll send
home a review sheet that contains some terms that the children should be familiar with.
In writing, we have been working on personal narratives. The children are writing about personal
experiences, using vivid descriptive language. We have been talking about writing about a "moment
in time," rather than trying to describe a lengthy event. I like to use the analogy of a watermelon:
write about one of the seeds; don't try to describe the whole watermelon.
In January the children will be reading a biography and writing a book report. This is part of the Wax
Museum which will be held Tuesday, February 2nd. They must choose a famous American to read
about. If you want to get a "jump" on the project you could visit the library during vacation and pick
out a book. The book will have to be approved, and it should be the right reading level for your
child. Living popular culture figures and living athletes are not appropriate subjects. I will send
home information about the assignment after vacation.
Next week we'll be having our holiday celebration (Wednesday afternoon.) For those of you bringing
in treats, please remember our no nut policy. If you have a holiday video you don't mind lending
please send it in. We'll be voting on a video to watch. Also if we finish Pippi Longstocking before
Wednesday we may watch that video instead. So if you happen to own it I'd love to borrow it.....
Thanks to so many of you who have donated disiinfectant wipes, whiteboard markers, and items for
our "store." We'll be having the store some time next week. I really appreciate all of the generous
donations!
Please remember to mark your child's clothing with his or her name. I can't tell you how many items I
have had to put in the school lost and found this year. Also, someone left a pair of light brown fleece
adult gloves during conference week; if they're yours please have your child come and pick them up .
This is probably my last newsletter before the holidays, so I wish all of you a wonderful, peaceful
holiday and a very happy new year!
Joyce Rains
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