Fourth & Fifth Grade: January 26 - 30, 2026
Dear Fourth and Fifth Grade Families,
This week, the students had the opportunity to participate in a variety of geometry-related projects and learn about famous mathematicians of the past who paved the way for what we know today!
Continuing from last week, the students did more readings about the Greek mathematician, Archimedes. This time, they learned about how he was responsible for simplifying one’s understanding of simple machines like the lever and why ships are able to float in the ocean despite their heavy weight.
The class also learned about the Italian mathematician Leonardo Binocci, known as Fibonacci, and his infamous Fibonacci Sequence. First they learned about the numbers in the sequence and how to calculate them. Then, students illustrated the first seven numbers in a series of connected squares. The class learned that this method helps one draw a perfect spiral, known as the “golden spiral.” Next came a look into nature and the discovery that the number of spirals on a pinecone total to one of the many numbers in the Fibonacci sequence. The students were amazed to find that the crafting a perfect spiral, plants in nature, are all connected to the Fibonacci sequence. Outside of that, we’ve done other series of geometric drawings and learned to identify any potential patterns between the shapes created. Next week, we will conclude the block with more geometric drawings and art projects.
In grammar, we spent the week doing fun creative writing prompts. In the first one, the students described their day if they woke up as the size of an ant. The second one was encountering a mythical creature at the school playground and describing how they interacted with it. The students volunteered to share their stories and share how their minds process hypothetical situations. As a way to bring academics into the home, ask your child what they wrote about and have them retell the short stories they authored.
Announcements & Reminders:
The April Auction is coming soon! We are open to suggestions of potential projects, as well as looking for an Auction Representative for the class to help oversee the project. If you have any ideas or you are interested in volunteering as a representative for the class, please reach out to me by email.
January 31: Community Work Day
February 7: Early Childhood & Grade Curriculum meeting at 11 am & All School Meeting (Spring) at 12:30 pm
February 12: Lunar New Year Performance 2:30 pm (all families welcome)
February 16-20: Mid Winter Break (No School)
February 23: Teacher in Service (No School)
Warm Regards,
Ki Nicole
