Weekly Parent Newsletter - February 10, 2024
Greetings! As we embrace the heart of February, we're delighted to share the highlights of another engaging week in our 4th-grade classroom.
**Celebrating Black History Month:**
This week has been a profound journey as we immersed ourselves in the narratives of trailblazers and visionaries during Black History Month. From the awe-inspiring achievements of Mae Jemison and Thurgood Marshall to the groundbreaking contributions of Katherine Johnson and Hattie McDaniel, our students have been captivated by the stories of resilience, determination, and triumph. Through engaging readings, captivating biographies, and thought-provoking discussions, we've explored the complexities of their lives, gaining valuable insights into the historical and cultural contexts that shaped their experiences. Our classroom has been abuzz with curiosity and empathy as we've delved into the significance of honoring and celebrating these remarkable individuals who have left an indelible mark on history.
**Math Marvels:**
In our mathematical explorations, we've been navigating the fascinating terrain of equivalent fractions and comparative analysis. With fraction bars and number line benchmarks as our guiding tools, our students have been honing their skills in understanding and comparing fractions with confidence and precision. Building upon our earlier lessons on common factors and multiples, they've embraced the challenge with enthusiasm and determination. It's been truly gratifying to witness their growth and mastery in this fundamental aspect of mathematical reasoning.
**Graphic Novel Adventures:**
Our journey into the world of graphic novels continues to unfold with boundless creativity and enthusiasm. The resounding cheers that greet the mention of our graphic novel writing unit are a testament to the genuine excitement our students feel for this project. From brainstorming vibrant characters and dynamic plotlines to meticulously planning out story arcs, they've embraced the creative process with zeal and dedication. This week has been dedicated to laying the groundwork for their graphic narratives, with students eagerly sketching out their ideas and mapping out the intricate details of their stories. As they prepare to embark on the rough draft phase next week, we're filled with anticipation and excitement to witness the magic that unfolds on the pages of their notebooks.
**Lunar New Year Celebrations:**
Our classroom was filled with joy and festivity as we celebrated Lunar New Year in a myriad of enriching ways. We were honored to have one of our students' mothers join us in the library to share the vibrant traditions of their family, offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Lunar New Year customs and rituals. The exchange of red envelopes symbolized not just good fortune, but also the spirit of unity and generosity that defines this auspicious occasion. Our exploration of cultural traditions extended beyond the classroom as we engaged in a 4th Grade Rotation, immersing ourselves in the art of crafting dragon puppets and clay dragons while learning about the cultural nuances that distinguish European and Asian dragons. The highlight of our celebrations was undoubtedly the heartwarming collaboration with our Kindergarten Buddies, as we came together to create dragon puppets and share in the joy of Lunar New Year festivities. Additionally, the Lunar New Year activity hosted by the No Place For Hate Club provided a wonderful opportunity for our students to further engage with and appreciate the diversity of our community.
**Global Play Day:**
Wednesday afternoon was a testament to the power of play and collaboration as we participated in Global Play Day. The energy and enthusiasm were palpable as our students brought forth an array of games and activities, each one a testament to their creativity and ingenuity. From traditional board games to innovative creations, they embraced the spirit of play with infectious enthusiasm, fostering bonds of friendship and camaraderie that transcended the confines of the classroom. It was a joyous celebration of the universal language of play, reminding us of the importance of laughter, cooperation, and shared experiences in nurturing a vibrant learning community.
**Musical, Artistic, Scientific, and Literary Exploration:**
Beyond our core subjects, students have had the opportunity to explore various realms. We've ventured into the Science Lab, immersed ourselves in the world of Music, enjoyed Club Fit activities, expressed our creativity in Art, and made delightful visits to the Library (don't forget to return your books!). In our music class, the students are currently immersed in the enchanting world of string instruments. Their enthusiasm for this musical exploration is palpable, and we're excited to see their musical talents blossom.
**Final Thoughts:**
We're thrilled to announce that we have a captivating author visit scheduled on Wednesday. If you're interested in ordering their books, I've sent 2 emails with instructions.
We very much appreciate the parent volunteers who are coming into the classroom to help our students with reading with math. Additionally, we are very appreciative of the class supplies and treats you are all sending in when you receive and email asking for your support.
As always, we appreciate your ongoing support. If you have any questions or would like to participate in our classroom activities, please feel free to reach out. We're looking forward to another month of growth, discovery, and joyous learning.
Greetings! As we embrace the heart of February, we're delighted to share the highlights of another engaging week in our 4th-grade classroom.
**Celebrating Black History Month:**
This week has been a profound journey as we immersed ourselves in the narratives of trailblazers and visionaries during Black History Month. From the awe-inspiring achievements of Mae Jemison and Thurgood Marshall to the groundbreaking contributions of Katherine Johnson and Hattie McDaniel, our students have been captivated by the stories of resilience, determination, and triumph. Through engaging readings, captivating biographies, and thought-provoking discussions, we've explored the complexities of their lives, gaining valuable insights into the historical and cultural contexts that shaped their experiences. Our classroom has been abuzz with curiosity and empathy as we've delved into the significance of honoring and celebrating these remarkable individuals who have left an indelible mark on history.
**Math Marvels:**
In our mathematical explorations, we've been navigating the fascinating terrain of equivalent fractions and comparative analysis. With fraction bars and number line benchmarks as our guiding tools, our students have been honing their skills in understanding and comparing fractions with confidence and precision. Building upon our earlier lessons on common factors and multiples, they've embraced the challenge with enthusiasm and determination. It's been truly gratifying to witness their growth and mastery in this fundamental aspect of mathematical reasoning.
**Graphic Novel Adventures:**
Our journey into the world of graphic novels continues to unfold with boundless creativity and enthusiasm. The resounding cheers that greet the mention of our graphic novel writing unit are a testament to the genuine excitement our students feel for this project. From brainstorming vibrant characters and dynamic plotlines to meticulously planning out story arcs, they've embraced the creative process with zeal and dedication. This week has been dedicated to laying the groundwork for their graphic narratives, with students eagerly sketching out their ideas and mapping out the intricate details of their stories. As they prepare to embark on the rough draft phase next week, we're filled with anticipation and excitement to witness the magic that unfolds on the pages of their notebooks.
**Lunar New Year Celebrations:**
Our classroom was filled with joy and festivity as we celebrated Lunar New Year in a myriad of enriching ways. We were honored to have one of our students' mothers join us in the library to share the vibrant traditions of their family, offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Lunar New Year customs and rituals. The exchange of red envelopes symbolized not just good fortune, but also the spirit of unity and generosity that defines this auspicious occasion. Our exploration of cultural traditions extended beyond the classroom as we engaged in a 4th Grade Rotation, immersing ourselves in the art of crafting dragon puppets and clay dragons while learning about the cultural nuances that distinguish European and Asian dragons. The highlight of our celebrations was undoubtedly the heartwarming collaboration with our Kindergarten Buddies, as we came together to create dragon puppets and share in the joy of Lunar New Year festivities. Additionally, the Lunar New Year activity hosted by the No Place For Hate Club provided a wonderful opportunity for our students to further engage with and appreciate the diversity of our community.
**Global Play Day:**
Wednesday afternoon was a testament to the power of play and collaboration as we participated in Global Play Day. The energy and enthusiasm were palpable as our students brought forth an array of games and activities, each one a testament to their creativity and ingenuity. From traditional board games to innovative creations, they embraced the spirit of play with infectious enthusiasm, fostering bonds of friendship and camaraderie that transcended the confines of the classroom. It was a joyous celebration of the universal language of play, reminding us of the importance of laughter, cooperation, and shared experiences in nurturing a vibrant learning community.
**Musical, Artistic, Scientific, and Literary Exploration:**
Beyond our core subjects, students have had the opportunity to explore various realms. We've ventured into the Science Lab, immersed ourselves in the world of Music, enjoyed Club Fit activities, expressed our creativity in Art, and made delightful visits to the Library (don't forget to return your books!). In our music class, the students are currently immersed in the enchanting world of string instruments. Their enthusiasm for this musical exploration is palpable, and we're excited to see their musical talents blossom.
**Final Thoughts:**
We're thrilled to announce that we have a captivating author visit scheduled on Wednesday. If you're interested in ordering their books, I've sent 2 emails with instructions.
We very much appreciate the parent volunteers who are coming into the classroom to help our students with reading with math. Additionally, we are very appreciative of the class supplies and treats you are all sending in when you receive and email asking for your support.
As always, we appreciate your ongoing support. If you have any questions or would like to participate in our classroom activities, please feel free to reach out. We're looking forward to another month of growth, discovery, and joyous learning.