Fourth & Fifth Grade: February 23-27, 2026
Dear Fourth and Fifth Grade Families,
The class wrapped up their final week of the West African Mythology block. The students did a game show style review of both the Ashanti and Yoruba mythologies. It was a fun way to review what the students learned. The class also worked on their respective projects in homage to both of the mythologies that were studied. Prior to Mid-Winter Break, the students created their human clay figures out of Makko powder and left them at school for the week to solidify. When we returned, the class created attire for their creations out of felt and designed their own miniature version of Ifẹ̀, the ancient modern-day Nigerian city where some of the first people of the Yoruba tribe lived.
In Ashanti mythology, the students learned about Adinkras, a pictograph system used in the Akan region of West Africa (modern-day Ghana and Ivory Coast). Each symbol represents aphorisms, proverbs, and concepts. In the class reader, Tristan Strong Punches A Hole In The Sky, each chapter heading has an Adinkra illustration, and the usage of these symbols is woven into the plot. Each student chose their favorite Adinkra symbol to draw and looked up the meaning in both the Akan language (also known as “Twi”) and in English. The students enjoyed exploring the different symbols and learning about their respective meanings. Cultural tales such as those told these past weeks help students not only cultivate cultural literacy, but also build empathy and a sense of belonging to the larger human story.
On the final day of the block, our class and Middle School, who was studying the Geography of Africa for their Main Lesson block, had an introduction lesson to capoeira. Capoeira is a Brazilian martial art that originated from Ngolo, an ancient dance-like fight that was primarily practiced in modern-day Angola . The students had the opportunity to learn basic movements, participate in rhythmic music, and sing songs related to the dance-fight. The demo lesson ended with a capoeira game called a roda, where the students had the opportunity to put together everything they learned and create àṣẹ (ah-shay), which translates to “good energy” in Yoruba.
In March, the students will begin their eighth Main Lesson Block: Decimal Fractions. After spending the month of February reviewing fractions, the students will have a smooth transition back into mathematics.
Announcements & Reminders:
Teacher-Parent Conferences are coming up next month (March 12 and 13). Please be sure to sign up here!
March 7: Community Work Day
March 12: Teacher-Parent Conferences (Half-day)
March 13: Teacher-Parent Conferences (No School)
March 18–19: Picture Day - Class photos will be taken, along with a makeup opportunity for students who missed photos in the fall.
Warm Regards,
Ki Nicole
