March 15, 2010

Dear Parents,

All of this rain certainly means that spring is coming! Students have been very busy and doing a great job.

We have started Unit 4 of our Imagine It! reading series. This unit is called “Science Fair”. The reading series is great because it is made up of stories using social studies or science content. This past week we read about the scientific method. Consider taking this opportunity to discuss the scientific method with your child:

“A scientific method of solving problems encourages thinking about all the possible reasons for or answers to a problem. After your child has finished reading "Scientific Method," you may want to encourage him or her to think of a time when he or she observed something that was different from how it usually appears or functions. Help your child write down the possible reasons for this difference.”

Students will be going home with a Magnetism home connection this week. Please help your child to identify any items in your house that contain magnets inside, such as your television.

In Science this past week, we did an experiment called Bird Beaks and Survival. This is great practice for the students with NECAP testing. We also watched a video and discussed different types of animal adaptations. This week, we will continue along with plant adaptations and finish up the ecosystems unit.

Also, we have started a cube drop experiment in Math. This helps students to practice with probability. After the experiment, we will be reviewing Unit 7 for a couple days and then we will take our Unit 7 test. Please continue to help students study their multiplication facts! When students memorize these facts, it makes a great deal of the math lessons easier for them.

I hope the students told you all about the Brain Party celebration we had on Friday afternoon. They all had a great time and it was nice to celebrate their wonderful scores on the NECAP.

Mrs. Oljey came into the classroom Wednesday to begin talking to students about different careers. Students will have the opportunity to explore different career options through internet research in the Smart Room. She will be coming in for a few upcoming Wednesdays.

Let’s hope for some sunshine!

Sincerely,
Lauren Ferreira
Ms. Hamilton’s Student Teacher