September 28, 2011

We had a lot of fun at the Cubs game last week! Thank you to Mr. Jim, who provided the tickets, and Mr. Torres, who bought a souvenir for everyone.



Students did much better on the science test than on the social studies test. The extra studying the students said they did paid off! Please remember that I give the study guides to the students at least a week in advance so that they have lots of time to review and ask me questions if they don't understand something. We have an English test next week, October 6, on sentences.

On Friday, October 7, we will be going to the National Museum of Mexican Art to view their Day of the Dead exhibit. I will also be sending home information next week on the fourth grade Day of the Dead project. Students will need to interview two people about a person in their family who has passed away, and they need a shoebox by the end of the month in order to build an ofrenda.

Our art lessons with Mr. E have also begun! Mr. E is an artist who works with the Art Institute to teach classes at schools. He is working with grades 4, 5, 6, and 8 this year. The students analyzed a painting called "Distant View of Niagara Falls" and discussed how to interpret paintings.

Mrs. Z has has been doing a great job working with the students in science, math, and social studies! In science, the students began a unit on ecosystems, and in social studies, they are learning about economics, with lots of hands-on activities and games. In reading, they are doing guided reading groups where each group has a different novel to read. Students may need to do some reading at home to make sure that they are prepared for our meetings.