Q3 Updates
2/13/2013
As we approach midterm of Q3, I'd like to post some updates on what is going on in our classroom and at WES.
Science--we are finishing up our unit on landforms with studies of glaciers, slope, landslides, volcanos and fossils. How fitting that yesterday when we rubbed sandy ice cubes (glaciers) against tin foil (earth) to represent glacier erosion, there was an epic glacier collapse in Argentina. The students loved seeing and hearing about their lesson happening "live" in another part of the world. Check my tweets to link to the video and ask your student to describe the erosion and deposition taking place. Writing--in writing this quarter,we are working on persuasive essays. While I persuade the kids to do their homework, they're convincing me why students should have longer recess. At the same time, we have another writing project going on. Our class read a series of persuasive picture books including I Wanna Iguana by Karen Orloff. This book is about a little boy who wants a pet iguana and uses various arguments to convince his mother why he needs the iguana. Our class in turn picked their own "strange" pets and worked with a partner to role play "parent" and "child." The partners wrote persuasive letters back and forth,and let me just say some of these arguments are quite entertaining. We are working on publishing our writing using the StoryKit app for iPad. This app involves typing stories and adding pictures to an online "book." Students can even record their voices reading their stories. We'll be sharing our stories in a few weeks with the first graders in Ms. Montjoy's class and the students are very excited. Speaking of StoryKit, some of you may have received our practice "books" in your inboxes based of Mark Teague's Dear Mrs. LaRue. I'd love to hear your feedback! Other updates: Valentines Day--2-14-13. Last week I sent home a class list for students who would like to bring in Valentines to share with classmates. Brining in Valentines is not required, but I do ask that of you do bring in Valentines cards that you make sure ALL students are included. Fourth graders have fragile feelings and I'd love to keep their thoughts positive about this day to celebrate friendship. Lost & Found--I've sent several children to root through the lost & found already, but it is still super full. If your student lost something, send them to find it before Friday as the lost & found will be donated then. Early Release--2-15-13 No school--2-18-13 STEM Friday--3-15-13 As always, feel free to email or call with any questions, comments, or concerns. Thanks for your continued support at home!
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Mrs. Ana RhyneI teach 4th grade math and science at Weatherstone Elementary School. I graduated from Meredith College with a BA in Spanish and K-6 licensure. Archives
May 2016
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