Hi All,

I hope you enjoyed out beautiful coastal fall weather! 

Last Friday, our class celebrated the completion of our Personal Narrative stories. We met up with Mr. Avey and Mr. McMillan and read work from other kids. The children are coached to leave positive, constructive comments for each other. This week we begin an Informative Writing unit!

Our class also finished up the week with a terrific presentation on Type I Diabetes from Lucy, Jane, and our school nurse, Sandra Goldstein. The kids learned about the meaning of diabetes, and ways they can support individuals with this medical diagnosis. Some also connected the discussion to other challenges they face, and gave our class an opportunity to grow even further as a supportive community.

This week Fourth Graders begin Math Module 3, on multiplying and dividing bigger numbers. You will notice that the first few activities seem cumbersome and inefficient as modes to multiply, but they are addressing the concept of multiplication. Personally, I have shifted over to "Partial Product" when I do my own calculations, but kids will learn a variety of techniques, including the standard algorithm. Third Graders will continue with their Module 2, learning about various forms of measurement.

In Reading the focus is now on information. At home, kids may continue to read narrative or information, but a significant portion of our reading time in the classroom, and all instruction, will be around strategies of reading and understanding informative writing (aka nonfiction.)

Planning is underway for this year's Halloween festivities. There will be a parade for all grades at 8:15,  and our class party follows at 9. Room Parents are organizing the party, so please make contact with them if you'd like to support this activity in any way.

Finally, this Friday, October 25th, Third Graders' landform projects are due. This assignment went home approximately one month ago, and is the culmination of a Geography Unit. Fourth Graders should complete and submit their California regions project, which has been primarily prepared in class. Check in with your child to verify whether they need additional work time at home this week.

Have a great day!

Carroll Mayer