Here we are, hot weather, a packed schedule, and our last
few weeks of 4th grade… I am just going day by day so it doesn’t
seem like it is almost over. We have been very busy, and the days speed by.
What have we been doing? We had a terrific Grandparent Day
turn out. It was a treat to teach a class and give our guests a chance to see
these fabulous kids work together to solve a problem and play a game in pairs.
The kids shared their interests, read from their writing portfolios, and showed
off their artwork on display. We had an assembly and 4th graders
sang “Country Life”. It was a memorable day complete with adoration, generous
laughter, and sincere attention from our TGS extended family.
We are finishing up the math book and doing problem solving
every morning. We are working with integers,
learning vocabulary and concepts of 3D geometry and how to solve volume of
rectangular prisms, and practicing/reviewing all our skills to be prepared to
take an end of the year test. This group is very strong in math and will be
well prepared for next year. They are good at sharing and communicating
solutions and helping each other understand new concepts. I am lucky to have
had such a gifted group my first year teaching at TGS.
Our Egypt Unit is winding down. Students are working on a
non-fiction research project by creating a 6-page book on a topic of their
choice. We will finish these next week and celebrate our study with a fun
culminating activity. We will end the year by exploring some natural history and
current uses of the Connecticut River.
Our main agenda these past two weeks has been planning,
practicing, and filming our medieval movie, The
Water of Life. It is a motivating group project. I see students helping
each other, being supportive, problem solving, and working for the greater
goal. It is student driven, essentially,
each has specific roles and is contributing to a common project. It is a very
engaging story with lots of twists and turns in the plot. Making a film is a
very different experience than acting on stage. In our latest discussion the
consensus was that film is much more forgiving. Mostly it is a lot of fun to
wear costumes and be outside making a story come to life. Students are editing
and adding sound and transitions to the film under the direction of Matt, our
chief editor. We will show the film to the school at the last All School Meeting
(6/13). Be there to see it on the big screen!
Everything is set for our end of the year overnight in the
Path of Life Garden. It will be a fun way to celebrate a great year. Thank you
for all the encouragement, compliments, and appreciation throughout the year. I
love doing what I do and your good feedback helps me do the best I can. The
students at TGS are really the greatest joy. A teacher is granted so much
interaction with exuberant, curious, and energetic young minds and hearts. I
learn right along with everybody.
Many thanks, Emily
Dates to remember:
Monday, May 28- No School, Memorial Day
Thurs. May 31- June 1—Overnight rafting/ camping trip
Tues. June 12—trip to TransCanada Hydro- electric dam and CT
River (need a driver—leave 9:00- 2:30)
Wed. June 13- Film presentation at ASM 2:15
Fri. June 15 – Last day- noon dismissal (graduation at 4:30)
