2.25.08

Dear Parents,

I hope you all stayed warm and dry this weekend and snuggled in to relax.  Here’s what’s happening in 4A:

Literature:  We are continuing our study of Nothing Here But Stones, where we are focusing more on the plot than the writing style.  This story blends many of the values taught in Kaylee’s class with the pioneering difficulties we will be discussing in General Studies.  The students are practicing their questioning skills as we weave through the challenges the main characters face.  

Social Studies:  The Explorer’s Journals were sent home last week to be completed.  The final drafts and the cardboard pieces are due into our class by Thursday so we can assemble them.  If you have any questions on aging the paper, or where to find cardboard, please let me know.

In addition, we have begun our unit on California Missions.  Last week the mission system was introduced to the students. We discussed the impetus for Spanish colonization of Alta California and the reasons for using a religious organization to get the job done.  This week we will continue with an overview of the mission system and what life was like on the missions.  

In addition, the students have been given their mission report assignments and have been asked to find at least one book on their mission(s). We will begin the research phase of the report process this week.  The reports will be done in class.

Science:  Now that the inventions have been sent home, we can begin our next science unit, which will focus on magnetism and electricity.  This is a very fun, hands-on unit.  More information on this unit will follow.

Auction Project:  We have begun the final artwork for our auction project and, I have to say, the drawings are looking beautiful!  Within the next week I will send home an order form for the original framed artwork and note cards.  So, more information will follow on this topic as well.

That’s it for now.

Have a good week,

Debbi