Dear Families, I hope everyone had a restful and enjoyable Thanksgiving. I loved hearing about how each family spent the holiday. After a relaxing break, everyone came back energetic and refreshed, ready for a full week of school. These next three weeks are going to be very busy and our next break will be here before you know it! Winter break will begin after Winterfest on Friday, December 21th. Please note: Friday, December 21st is a half day of school. On Thursday, the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra visited Friends Academy. This year, the Learning in Concert Program focused their presentation on the problem of pollution from plastic. Read more about the program HERE . Language Arts Fourth graders have been introduced to Academic Choice as part of our Language Arts block. Academic Choice gives students an opportunity to choose what and how they learn. The Responsive Classroom Approach believes:
All options for Academic Choice have been introduced and practiced. Academic Choice should not be confused with making a free quiet choice. Each option has meaning and purpose to enhance the learning of the students. For each choice made, students will share a plan of action, have conferences to monitor progress, and reflect on the work completed. Some students are currently doing an inquiry project (KWL) on a topic of choice, writing fiction stories independently, while others are buddy reading. These are just a few of the meaningful activities students are participating during Academic Choice time. Below are a few pictures of Academic Choice in action! Social Studies
We continued to learn about the Trail of Tears that greatly impacted the native people of the southeast region. We had many class discussions and took time to look through books and online resources to gather information. Fourth graders wrote persuasive essays with the goal of convincing Andrew Jackson to not sign the Indian Removal Act allowing the Cherokee tribe to remain on their land. We transition to the second pillar and begin the process of learning the states and capitals of the southeast region. Math Highlights:
Have a wonderful weekend! Warmly, Brigid Comments are closed.
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May 2019
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