March 5-9

What an amazing time the students had last week engaging in various activities relating to science. From meeting a marine biologist (Mrs. Engleby) and landscape architect to making terrariums to learning about the plant parts we eat, the students and teachers had lots of fun.

This week we continue our Spotlight on Science with the students leading experiments in Alpha and Kindergarten and a visit from another scientist - a former biology teacher and a PhD with research in cell biology.

Current Events begins again this week with Gabby and John presenting on Tuesday; Lucy and Connor on Wednesday; Quentin and Skyler on Thursday and Lucile on Friday.

The students will also have classes led by Upper School/Middle School students in theater and first aid.

Friday is Field Day and you would have already received a letter about this. You child can wear Spirit Wear or a t-shirt in the color of their team. Field Day begins at 10:00-11:30. Please make sure your child has a hat and sunscreen. Drinks will be provided.

This week we are reviewing spelling words and you will find a list of these words in your child's folder. Please review all words, even the ones they get right on the pretest.

We have been reading biographies over the last three weeks and students will have a chance to share their projects on people who have made an difference in the world. Students will share on Thursday and Friday, and can come dressed as the person they are sharing information about (if they would like). I will post times, if you would like to come along and watch your child.

Here is what else is happening in class.

Language Arts
* Phonics - Review ou, ow, or, ore, our, oo, ew, ue, ui, ou, air, are
* Spelling (see your child's folder for a list of these words we are reviewing)
* Reading - Charlie and The Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl; We're From India by Victoria Parker
* Fluency - Review expression and reading rate
* Comprehension - Using clues in a text to answer questions and make predictions
* Robust Vocabulary - vegetarians, embroider, plantation, popular
* Grammar - Present/past tense action verbs; forms of be
* Writing - Prompt Writing - Pre-assessment; Biography celebration
* Handwriting - turn h to b; f (at first, curve up. Then go straight down.

Mathematics - Unit 6
* Introduce multiplication arrays as a way to find the total number of things in several equal groups
* Use everyday examples of rectangular arrays; solve multiplication problems using multiplication diagrams and array models
* Explore situations that require equal sharing or making equal groups of things
* Review and quiz

Social Studies - Asia
* India - To learn about India we will meet three children who live there. India is a huge country in Asia. Many people live there. India has snowy mountains, sandy beaches, steamy jungles, dry deserts and wet plains. Students will meet these children in the book We're from India by Victoria Parker and compare their own life to the lives of these children.

Science - Growth of a Plant
In addition to the various activities the students are engaged in during our Spotlight on Science week, they will continue to pollinate their flowers (with the help of their bee friend) and watch the seed pods grow.

I wish you a wonderful week and spring break. Please continue to have your child during this period.

Marion O'Mullane