June 13 News

     We have so much going on right now that I want to tell you about.
     In math we are working on fractions. We have learned how to add and subtract with like fractions and with fractions that have different denominators.  You can ask your child what the butterfly method is.  We have learned how to compare fractions, order them on a number line and draw pictures to represent them.  We have used fraction bars to compare the size of fractions and now we are creating our own fraction cards.
    We are also designing math games that we will play with our first grade buddies.  Besides designing the game board students will also write the directions of how to play the game, how to determine who starts first and how to win.
     In reading we are reading tall tales. We saw a video with the main tall tale characters. We have read tall tales and found the exaggeration and what it shows about nature.  Next, students will be writing their own tall tales.
    This week math and writing portfolios went home from last year. We added some writing pieces from fourth grade as well.  Students are always amazed at their progress as a writer from kindergarten to fourth grade.
    In science we have been studying about simple machines. Besides experiments that students are doing to learn about the inclined plane, lever, pulley, wedge, screw, and wheel and axle, we are building the simple machines with K'Nex.  We have also been working with Aryln to build drumming monkeys that use gears, levers and pulleys.
     In social studies we are still studying about Vermont. We read Green Mountaineer books and wrote summaries. We have learned about jobs that were done in colonial times and compared them to jobs now.  We read about famous Vermonters and created and shared posters of top 10 facts about them. We made paper samplers. Students did a great job on their Vermont history book report.
      In writing students have written great historical fiction stories about early Vermont life.  They had a list of 40 historic terms and had to weave at least 20 of the words in their story.
     On Fridays we have been solving students' hink pinks (two words that rhyme). They have done an amazing job creating them all year.
    Their Vermont Museum piece is due on 6/17. It should have a card that tells the name of the piece, their name and what it was used for.
    We had a great visit with our Calais pen pals. I'll send photos under a separate post. 
      Below are photos from one of our simple machine unit and of the drumming monkeys.