Week of February 28th

Happy Leap Year. We watched a video yesterday to help explain this phenomenon to the kids. Is anyone else wondering why the extra day wasn't added during July's warmth instead?

In language arts, we continued a project this week focusing on figurative language. I am usually quite impressed with the final output of this project and this year is certainly no different. I am really excited to share these with you at Central's Open House in just a few short weeks. I think you will find that your children are learning how to use language in a non-literal way, which will only serve to improve their overall writing. We have a few other 'surprises' to share with you at Open House (March 18th @ 6:30) as well.

We began our study of decimals in math. We started by focusing on place value while attempting to gain a better understanding of tenths and hundredths. We practiced both reading and writing decimals (and their equivalent fraction) and will look at comparing decimals; potentially rounding decimals too next week.

The kids had an awesome week in science. All of our lessons since the beginning of January were delivered to get the kids to this independent level. At the beginning of the week, the kids designed and wired working flashlights. Although the level of grit and persistence varied, all groups met with success in the long run. Then, the kids began to design the electrical needs for their four-room homes and began to install the wiring. Suffice to say, my room was totally abuzz and the children could not have been more engaged. After the wiring we will move to the interior design aspect of the project which tends to upgrade these from starter homes to tricked out mansions :-)

I hope you and your children are able to get outside and enjoy some of the promised warmth on Sunday. It is really hard for me to fathom that the calendar is turning another page and we are entering the month that includes spring break. One thing I know to be certain after teaching fourth grade for as long as I have is that the time after break for fourth graders (and their teacher) just flies. We have field trips, several special events, and multiple year-end celebrations. Before we know it I'm saying goodbye to the kids, telling them to have a fantastic summer, and wishing them well at Highcrest :-(