Please read below for a curriculum update in Class 4-312.
Math
On Monday, May 6th, we started a new math unit: dividing three-digit numbers by two-digit numbers. Tomorrow, we will be taking a test that also includes other concepts from throughout the year. After that, we will learn about decimals and complete more geometry work.
Writing
Before Spring Break, our students demonstrated their ability as literary essayists with published essays about a text of their choice. Students read a series of short stories, chose their two favorite texts, and generated claims supported by text evidence. From there, students chose the text and claim about which they felt most passionate and worked through the writing process to plan their supporting reasons and text details, draft their essays while elaborating upon and explaining the importance of their text details, edit using a grade-level checklist, and publish with their neatest handwriting. We are excited for you to read our essays in the hallway when you join us in the classroom on Thursday, May 30th.
Building upon our skills from the literary essay unit, we have moved into a research-based argument essay unit. Students have researched two sides of a controversial topic: Are zoos more helpful to animals or more harmful to animals? From their research, students have put their argument essay skills to the test by working in teams to prepare for a class debate. After the debate helps students to solidify their research-based argument skills, we will move into researching a second controversial topic. Students will then write persuasive letters to convince an audience of their opinion. (We apologize in advance for any future debates at home.)
Social Studies
For the past couple of months, the students have been researching all about the American Revolution, from the first shots fired at the Battles of Lexington and Concord to the end of the war with the Treaty of Paris. Now that we have finished covering the timeline of the Revolution and discussing cause and effect of various events, we are jumping back to where it all started with the Boston Massacre in 1770. Students are examining primary sources that emerged after the Boston Massacre, including eyewitness testimony and committee reports. Based on all of the evidence analyzed during class, we will be conducting a courtroom trial to judge if British Captain Thomas Preston should be found guilty or not guilty for his actions during the Boston Massacre. The exciting trial will take place on Thursday, May 30th, in our classroom (4-312).
Reading
A few weeks ago, we began reading our final read-aloud book, Where the Mountain Meets the Moon, by Grace Lin. Please find the synopsis of this exciting fantasy book below:
Living in the shadow of the Fruitless Mountain, Minli and her parents spend their days working in the rice fields, barely growing enough to feed themselves. Every night, Minli's father tells her stories about the Jade Dragon that keeps the mountain bare, the greedy and mean Magistrate Tiger, and the Old Man of the Moon who holds everyone's destiny. Determined to change her family's fortune, Minli sets out to find the Old Man of the Moon, urged on by a talking goldfish who gives her clues to complete her journey. Along the way she makes new friends including a flightless dragon and an orphan and proves her resourcefulness when she tricks a group of greedy monkeys and gets help from a king. Interwoven with Minli's quest are tales told by her father and by those she meets on the way. While these tales are original to Lin (the author), many characters, settings, and themes are taken from traditional Chinese folklore. The author's writing is elegant, and her full-color illustrations are stunning. Minli's determination to help her family, as well as the grief her parents feel at her absence, is compelling and thoroughly human.
Important Upcoming Dates
May
- Friday, May 17th at 11:30am: A Midsummer Night's Dream drama performance with Jenny and Matthew
- Tuesday, May 21st: Field trip - Van Cortlandt Park
- Wednesday, May 22nd: Ballroom Dancing performance at 9:00am
- Tuesday, May 28th: Ballroom gala for students in the gym (no adults)
- Thursday, May 30th: Join us at 8:45am in 4-312 for an American Revolution presentation
June
- Tuesday, June 4th: No school
- Thursday, June 6th: Chancellor's Day - No School for students
- Tuesday, June 11th: Clerical Day - No School for students
- Thursday, June 13th: End of Year Celebration at 8:30am (confirmed)
- Wednesday, June 26th: Last Day of School (half day)
Best,
R & L
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