Fourth & Fifth Grade: November 10-14, 2025
Dear Fourth and Fifth Grade Families,
The class had an eventful week, diving into week two of North American Geography II. After wrapping up our study of the Ice Age, when North America’s first peoples arrived, we discussed how the continent’s geography changed once the glaciers receded and how both humans and animals adapted to new climates and vegetation.
This naturally led us into exploring the geography of modern-day Canada, the largest country in North America. For some students, this was their first time learning that Canada is divided into provinces rather than states, as we do in the United States. They also discovered the country’s diverse geographical features: from mountains to plains to Arctic tundra. Continuing to explore the rest of North America, including the countries to our south and the islands of the Caribbean, the goal is for students to broaden their understanding of the world beyond what is familiar to them. This aligns beautifully with the developmental stage many of them are entering, around ages ten and eleven, when curiosity about the wider world begins to expand in exciting new ways.
To preview next week’s topics —Mesoamerica and the Caribbean —the class read a short selection from Ancient Maya Technology. They learned about some of the Mayans’ remarkable contributions to society, such as transforming the cacao plant into a medicinal drink. During one of our math periods, we explored the Mayan number system. Each student created their own worksheet using Mayan numerical symbols, then traded with classmates to “crack the code” and solve one another’s math problems. It was a fun and creative way to practice problem solving in a new written language!
We ended the week with students reading about the Central American or Caribbean country they chose for their individual projects. After reading a short book about their selected country, they shared interesting facts with the class. To bring this learning home, consider asking your child to tell you about their country and something new they discovered. In the final week of the block, students will write a short report and give a presentation about their country.
The class also had their first birthday celebration for the school year. Happy Birthday, Chloë! The children enjoyed a nice afternoon treat of strawberries and homemade chocolate chip cookies.
Announcements & Reminders:
We are looking forward to seeing families at the Thanksgiving Luncheon on Friday. Please join the Grade program musical presentation in the church’s sanctuary at 10:30.
A Kindergarten tour and a Grades tour will be offered on Wednesday, December 10th at 9:30 AM. These tours are for our current families to learn more about the respective programs. Please RSVP by emailing Crystal: admissions@thegardenmarietta.org
November 19: Please RSVP to Ki Nicole by tomorrow, November 19th, via email with the names of the guests attending
November 21: Grades Presentation in Sanctuary at 10:30 am
November 21: Thanksgiving Luncheon at 11 am (All families and students are invited)
November 24 - 28: Thanksgiving Break (No School)
Warm Regards,
Ki Nicole
