Spring 2009
It is hard to believe that Spring is here. The kids are anxious to get
outside and play. We had a great time going out together to play four square,
football, and have fun!
Reading and Math PSSA's are now behind us. The kids worked SO hard and I am
so proud of each of them. We will have science PSSA's at the end of April.
In math we are working on measurement. We have been exploring the differences
between the customary and metric units of measurement and have been using
different manipulatives to determine measurements. Now that we have mastered
the systems, we will move into converting measurements from one unit to
another. We will use calculators for a lot of this and calculators are
permitted on homework. The Measurement Olympics will be coming up in May and
the students will be able to show all the knowledge they have gained.
In reading we have been working on different genres. We did a puppet theater
with the story Red Writing Hood and we worked on cracking the case in a
mystery and evaluated the moral of fables. We are currently reading and
exploring nonfiction texts and looking at the structure that an author uses
to write. We will all be engaging in literature circles with chapter books in
the upcoming weeks. These circles are a great way to encourage discussion
through the use of specific roles.
We greatly enjoyed our last science unit on animals. We worked in centers to
experience adaptations, hid butterflies to explore camouflage, and did our
first ever dissection of owl pellets! Mr. X even taught a lesson to us on
adaptations. This unit was a blast! I am so excited to see the new species of
animals that come into our classroom!
In writing we have finished creating and writing about an invention that
would solve a problem in our lives. I have seen everything from Goggle
Defogger to an Expandable Shoe. The kids are so excited to show off their
work to you at the convention on April 3rd! We are now moving on to our first
research report. We will be investigating the life of famous people by
reading about them and then summarizing their life. We will then become this
person and present our research at a wax museum.
As the weather gets warmer, please keep in mind our dress code (no backless
sandals or spaghetti straps!).
A HUGE thank you to all of the parents who have been coming in for math and
reading help. The kids love to spend time with their parent helpers and are
really improving with their help! Also, THANK YOU to all the parents who came
in to help with our paper mache puppets. I could not have done it alone!
Please send in box tops and soup labels!!! Mrs. Conant has taken the lead in
the contest and we would like to catch up!!!
You received a note saying book orders can now be placed online or to me. It
is so easy to do online. If you need any help please let me know!
As always, if you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact
me!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Hassel
