Australia

Students continued work on their Australian animal brochure this week during Centers.  It has been fascinating to learn all about such a wide variety of animals from all of the Australian biomes.  By the time these brochures are finished we will have information on reptiles, fish, mammals, and birds that are unique to this special continent.  During Social Studies this week, we began to learn about another animal that inhabits Australia- HUMANS!  We focused on food, shelter, clothing, transportation and cultural traditions of these people.  Next we will zoom in on one subgroup of Australian people, the native Aborigines!

 

Mythology

This week 4th grade continued to study mythology. After reading a variety of myths, the class learned that myths fall into several different categories.  Students found that some myths teach important life lessons and some myths explain how important natural events came to be (known as pourquoi myths).  Realizing these commonalities not only helped students develop an understanding of the myths, but also gave them a powerful way to compare the myths that they read.

 

Appreciation Circle

Fourth and Fifth Grade began doing the Appreciation Circle during Morning Meeting at the beginning of the school year.  This is an activity where each student chooses a name (at random) of another student or teacher.  It is then their job to secretly observe that person throughout the school day.  At the end of the day the student presents their secret person with a compliment or an appreciation.  For the first few months of the school year, we conducted the Appreciation Circle within our two classes.  Recently, we have been choosing to incorporate other classes and even specials teachers into this activity.  I think that all students agree that giving and receiving these appreciations is a highlight to their week.  Ask your child what their favorite appreciation has been!

Important Dates:

March 7th & 8th                                               Student Led Conferences  (Half Day)

Friday March 25th- April 1st                         Spring Break