Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Strawberry Shows Independence and Responsibility

Not only have these last few days been positive and productive, Strawberry students are demonstrating responsibility and independence  For example, groups have been working on their map projects with worker bee-esque tenacity.  It's been an inspiration to witness.  When the projects are finished, they will be shared and displayed.  During this time we are also learning our states and their corresponding geographical features .  This study sets the foundation for our larger focus on Westward Movement, and questions such as Why do people move? and How did The West "come to be"?

Yesterday the students received their very own squishy ball learning tool.  These are quite useful to hold and squish during class meetings.  Strawberry Creek had a bin of squishy balls last year that were mostly torn up before the end, so we agreed as a community to distribute individual squish balls.  The students continue to use them responsibly.  In addition, each child is in charge of two pencils, and up to now not one has been misplaced!   Hopefully, we'll continue this positive trend.

Wednesday (9/29) homework is:

1.  Math for 4th graders

  • Practice your math facts using your array cards with someone else (parent, sibling).  Make a "know it" pile and a "don't know it" pile based on whether you can say the fact within a "one-one thousand" count.  Practice for at least 10 minutes.
  • Optional--go to the multiplication.com website to play multiplication games.  
2.  Read and fill out your reading log.

3.  Fill out your spelling sheet.