Dear Fourth and Fifth Grade Families,
It was wonderful to see so many of you at Kingdom of Halloween this past Saturday. This event is always such a fun time for adults and children alike, and I loved seeing everyone in their costumes. Thank you to everyone who volunteered to help this event run smoothly and to those who donated items to be sold at the food booth. Your help and support allow these types of events to be a great success.
Thank you to all who joined our Garden School community at the meeting yesterday.
This week, students delved into the fascinating world of the five senses, exploring how they compare and contrast with those of various animals. They engaged in a hands-on investigation of sensory perception by examining three distinct animal groups aligned with the concept of the three parts of the human being: head, trunk, and limbs.
For the head, students studied the octopus, discovering its exceptional vision and ability to sense its environment through texture and color. In the trunk category, they learned about salmon, which possess a remarkable sense of smell that guides them during migration. Finally, when exploring limbs, students focused on monkeys, highlighting their dexterous movements and strong tactile sense.
The class also covered broader classifications of animals, distinguishing between invertebrates and vertebrates and examining the characteristics of mammals. They specifically looked at nerve-sense animals like mice and birds, which have developed unique adaptations for survival.
As the week progressed, students shifted their focus to carnivores, using the cheetah to illustrate speed and hunting instincts and exploring ungulates through the example of the giraffe, which has evolved specialized senses to thrive in its environment. Discussions about animal instincts deepened their understanding of how different senses drive behavior.
In addition to their scientific explorations, students continued working on fractions and spelling, utilizing dictionaries to enhance their vocabulary and comprehension. This integrated approach not only fostered a deeper understanding of the animal kingdom but also reinforced essential academic skills.
Announcements and Reminders for Fourth & Fifth Grade:
Please send in two full water bottles daily.
Layers, layers, layers! They will continue to keep your child comfortable regardless of the weather/temperature range of the day. The mornings are now consistently cold. Please send your child to school with a coat, hat, gloves, and scarf. Please make sure that they are bundled up and ready when they are dropped off. Hand Warmers are helpful as well!
Our entire class is beginning to train for the Fifth Grade Pentathlon in April. Each morning, during Circle, the students will jog/run laps around the forest. Please make sure your child has enough water and is wearing appropriate shoes for this activity.
I brew tea for the class on the chillier mornings. If you would like, feel free to share your child’s favorite tea with our class! I need at least six (6) tea bags for a pot, please. Please make sure the tea is caffeine-free!
November 1: No School (Teacher In-Service day)
With Gratitude,
Ki Paulyna
