Newsletter-January 10, 2011

Hi,

Our class has been very interested in learning about World War II and people who were impacted by the events in the war. Comparing and contrasting the von Trapp family in The Sound of Music with the REAL von Trapp family was very fun. We looked at a powerpoint with many websites about the movie and the family. It had primary as well as secondary sources. We used the research to help us draw conclusions about the real family and literary license. We also read a book about King Christian V in Denmark and the yellow star. Erika's Story was another book that we read with unexpected outcomes. Ask your child about these books and information. We will be continuing looking at literary fiction or historical fiction. We will be using literatured dealing with the topic of WWII some more to examine and research.

In writing, we are gathering ideas and details to begin our next writing piece. A kernal story was a great strategy that we used to help outline a story. (Where were you, moment it started, next moment, last moment, what I thought) This outline helped each of them decide if they have experiences as well as beliefs or reflections about the experience to make a great story. They have been asking themselves if the story is unique to them or is it predictable and has basically happened to everyone. We will begin writing our drafts tomorrow and will continue to revise and edit next week.

In math, we have been using fraction strips, fraction circles, and drawings to help us practice comparing fractions, adding fractions, and finding equivalent fractions. We will be taking a math benchmark on Wednesday and then moving onto decimals. We will relate decimals back to fractions and use decimal square models to help us gain a greater understanding of the concept. We will also be doing a lot of problem solving to apply decimals and fractions.

Last week in science, we learned about different types of soil. We tested the water retention in different soils and then planted radish seeds in the soil to determine which soil is best for growing seeds. We will be collecting data all week and making our determination on Friday.

We will be learning about the Texas Revolution. We talked about vocabulary today and watched a video on the following website. http://www.txindependence.org/ We will be practicing our reading comprehension skills by reading our textbook in SS to gain and understand information about the Texas Revolution. We will also be learning about Texas heroes and reading historical fiction or literary nonfiction on this topic.

Our pen pals are coming to FCE on Friday. We will be taking them into the computer lab and writing on our blog. We will also be exploring some fun sites in math and social studies. We are excited to see them again. Feel free to come and join us. We will be in the computer lab from 10:30-11:30.

Dates to Remember:
Jan 11 Science Fair Registration Forms due
General PTA Meeting in the library @ 6:30 pm
Jan. 12 Spring Robotics Club applications due to the office by 3 pm
Applications are also available in the front office.
Jan. 13 Report Cards go home
Jan. 14 (Friday)-Checkpoint #3 for science project due
Jan. 14 Pen Pals to visit FCE
Jan. 17 MLK Holiday
Jan. 18 Simplicity Parenting Book Club begins
Jan. 27 Group and Individual Spring Pictures
Jan. 28 Marathon Mileage forms are due to the coaches in PE. Please put the t-shirt size on the form.
Go Green Meeting @ 9:30 in the PTA portable
Feb. 4 Science Fair and Math and Science Night

Writing Contest for Fourth Graders!Texas Travels Essay Contest

The Texas Travels Essay Contest is an essay contest for Texas schoolchildren grades 4 and 7.

Contestants are asked to write an essay about the historical significance of a Texas city or town. The contest encourages creativity, develops research and writing skills and enhances the student’s knowledge of Texas history. Winners receive great prizes provided by Commissioner Patterson and dedicated corporate sponsors!

All entries must be postmarked February 26, 2011

Attached is a link to the website, the 2011 Registration Form, and 2010 Winning Essay.

http://www.glo.state.tx.us/OC/savetxhist/education.html

Have a great week! Let me know if you have any questions.

Sincerely,
Pam Bartholomew