Scarecrows

Last week we did a scarecrow activity with our kindergarten buddies. It is wonderful to see the fourth graders work with their buddies. I am seeing a lot of teamwork and willingness to assist the buddies on the fourth graders part. The kids are always asking when we are doing buddies again. In the top photo, Josiah and his buddy show off their finished product. The bottom photo shows Zach and his buddy hard at work.

Off to a great start!

I can't believe we are in the third week of school already! We have been very busy in Room 202. In social studies, we have been learning about map skills. For science class we are learning about animal adaptations. Be sure to ask your child about some of the really cool adaptations animals have for meeting their needs. Last week, we went outside for science class to to a predator prey camouflage activity. All of the students enjoyed being birds who had to hunt for caterpillars. Our reading story this week is called Amelia's Road. It is about a migrant farm worker who has no place to call home. Ask your child how Amelia solved her problem in the story.

New School Year

It is hard to believe that school is starting. It seems like the school year just ended. I am looking forward to meeting all my new students and starting a great year in fourth grade. Hopefully all of my new students have received my letter and have started on your boxes all about you. I am anxious to meet all of you on Monday and look forward to you sharing your boxes. I always learn so much about my new students when we share the boxes. Enjoy the last few days of summer vacation! See you on Monday!

Accelerated Reader Field Trip

Congrats to Eric, Kyle, Noah, Wade, Danielle, Grace, Brooke, Kaci, and Maddi who were the top Accelerated Reader point earners in fourth grade. As a reward for this accomplishment, they were treated to lunch and miniture golf at Wolf's Camping Resort. They also got to go to Renninger's for an ice cream treat. Keep up the great reading.

4th Grade PA Trivia Competition

The 4th Grade PA Trivia Competition will be held on May 26th at 2:00. Congratulations to the finalists from Room 202: Nick, Christian, Kaci, Wade, Grace, Makena, Maddi, Brooke, Noah, and Kyle. Study hard! There are lots of facts to learn.

Clear Creek Field Trip

Thursday, May 7 is our field trip to Clear Creek. Students need to ride the high school bus or be dropped off at school by 7:20. We will be back in time for regular dismissal at the end of the day. Be sure your child is dressed for the weather. It is usually a bit cooler at Clear Creek. It may be raining, so an umbrella or rain coat would be a good idea. Please send an extra change of clothes and shoes. We will be wading in the creek and often get wet. Be sure to send your child a lunch and a drink (no glass containers). Students will also need a plastic container to dig in the sand with. A sour cream container or something similar would be great. The students are very excited for the trip. Now let's hope for a nice, sunny day.

Animal Research Reports

The class has turned in their animal research reports, and I really enjoyed reading them. I learned many interesting things from the students' research. I was surprised to learn that Dall sheep have growth rings on their horns which are very similar to the growth rings that trees have. I also learned a lot about walrus tusks. I didn't know that the tusks are used for protection against enemies or that they are used to help the walrus move around. The students are now in the process of sharing their books with the class. I think the students definetly learned about the research process. They put a lot of hard work into their projects, and I am very pleased with the final outcome. Pictured here are Makena, Eric, and Grace with their projects.