Let it Snow!

Hello again!  We had a great first week back from break!  In ELA this week we continued to work on using the RADD strategy by reading a passage called Call of the Wild about how zookeepers keep animals active in zoos.  We also started our next class novel Save Me a Seat.  We started by taking a look through the book to see how it is organized differently than other books.  This book is told from the perspectives of the two main characters, Joe and Ravi.  The chapters alternate between the two.  We discussed why an author would choose to write a book this way and how it would change how we as readers understand the characters and the story.  We will really focus on the effect of character perspective as we read this awesome novel!  We also focused on Cause and Effect relationships this week.  We defined cause and effect and worked to create and identify cause and effect relationships in our own lives.  Then, we looked for examples in our book, as well.  We also continued to work on opinion writing, and students wrote pieces about whether or not 4th graders should have smartphones! (Spoiler alert: most said yes!)

In Social Studies this week we learned about the Early European Explorers who came to the Americas.  We started by discussing why European countries were sending explorers out into the world (trade, finding raw materials and claiming land).  We discussed how these explorers were really trying to find a water route to Asia.  Students looked at a world map and found possible options.  After that, we learned about the Northwest Passage and how some explorers who were looking for it ended up discovering different parts of what is now New York.  We also read about Henry Hudson´s 4 voyages searching for the Northwest Passage.

In Science this week students started to create paper roller coasters that they will use to complete some activities that will help them understand the effect of hills on energy and energy transfer.

I hope that everyone has a wonderful weekend!! Enjoy the snow (or if you are like me, enjoy staying inside in your PJs while your children enjoy the snow!).

A few reminders:

• A permission slip came home this week for our field trip on March 30th to the New York State Museum!  There is no cost for this trip, but please return the permission slips by Wednesday and indicate if you would like to chaperone.  More specific details about this trip will come home as it gets closer.
• Report Cards will be coming home with students on Wednesday, March 8th.
• Please make sure your child has working headphones at school.
• Wednesday, March 15th is a half day for students.