Dear Third and Fourth Grade Families,
Last week, the class continued to explore the world of fractions. We expanded our study of equivalent fractions by folding differently colored paper strips into sections of different sizes between ½ and 1/12. Not only did the students get a visual idea of their relationships, but they also had to figure out how to cleverly fold the strips of paper to evenly divide them into 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 12, or 16 equally sized pieces. Then, the students laid their paper strips side by side and formed teams to find as many equivalent fractions as possible. This hands-on activity will help the students visualize and better understand math operations with fractions. In Norse Mythology, the class learned more about Odin, Thor, and Loki’s mischief. The students drew Odin, sitting on his throne in Asgard, surrounded by his two ravens Muninn and Huginn and his two wolves, Geri and Freki. They also painted Thor with his lightning-producing hammer Mjöllnir in watercolors. On Friday, the students had a look at the Nordic runes, which the Vikings engraved into wood and stones with their knives and axes.
In Mandarin, the third-graders finished their calendars, and all students folded origami rabbits for the Chinese New Year Festival to welcome the Year of the Rabbit. They had fun making some origami rabbits to keep for themselves and some to share with students in Kindergarten. With Mr. Matan, the third graders are planning to build a house made of wood in the forest. This week, they all came up with designs and discussed which design elements they would incorporate into their building. Lastly, the chickens have begun to lay more eggs in the garden, so the students take turns bringing the eggs home. The eggs are pretty large, and some of them are blue. The only challenge is to keep the eggs intact on the way home. There is undoubtedly a learning curve involved!
This Saturday, February 4, is our All School Meeting (adults only, please)! Following our community workday, we ask you to please join us at 12:00 for a faculty-sponsored, complimentary soup bar before we join together to hear about the “State of the School” at 12:30. As an added incentive, each family represented receives 2 volunteer hours. Adults only, please.
Reminders:
2/4: Community Work Day / All-School Meeting–A Community Event (adults only, please)
2/15-2/17: Half Days and Parent Conferences: Please sign up for your slot here.
2/20-2/24: Mid-Winter Break (No School)
2/27: Teacher In-Service (No School)
3/11: Community Work Day
Warm Regards,
Gaby Farrokhi
