Our science topics for the beginning of the year are Interdependence within Ecosystems and Classification of Living Things. We have been focusing on forest ecosystems, thinking about individual life cycles within, but also how a forest itself grows and changes over time. One book that we read that explained how this might happen was How the Forest Grew by William Jaspersohn. We have been spending time on the Nature Trail, and making connections to 4 Winds. This month’s activities were particularly relevant as we looked at different Orders of Insects. This topic will also connect to a year long project of enhancing and replacing the signage on the Nature Trail. Please let us know if you would like to be involved in this project.
Students used an app on the iPads, called Shadow Puppet Edu, to share their summer experiences. They were able to search for pictures, take photos with the iPad, and/or incorporate pictures emailed to school. They added text in different fonts, sizes, colors and positions on the page. The final step was to plan what they were going to say, and record their voices. Because there were many personal family photos on some of the projects, we decided not to post them on our website, but you will be able to view them at our Open House on October 6.
In math, third graders are looking at patterns in numbers and determining how they can continue those patterns based on what they already know. They are also working to solidify their addition facts so that they are automatic as it is important when doing more complicated math problems. Third graders are also playing a variety of games to improve their logical reasoning when approaching problems, such as Othello, Mastermind, Mancala, and Battleship. Fridays are game days when they use games to improve their skills.
Fourth graders began the year by making “Name Flags”, incorporating mathematical information about themselves. They are reviewing skills, focusing primarily on multiplication. They are working on building their fact fluency, as well as exploring different strategies for solving more difficult problems. These include the use of manipulatives, arrays and other representations, and story context to help them visualize and solve the problems. They are exploring the relationships between factors and multiples, and noting patterns in their findings. They are also using games and other activities such as Try-A Tile to reinforce skills.