We have had another busy week. With the help of Mrs. Bihari, we got our broccoli planted in the greenhouse. We continued researching state wonders and writing about them. We are learning more about fractions, division and subtraction. We are writing book reviews and beginning Humphrey book clubs too.

On top of all this our social and emotional learning discussions have been around difference. What do we do when we notice difference? What do we do when we feel different? How does it feel to be treated different? There are good sides and bad sides to those questions. We based our discussion on our read-alouds. The one we recently completed, The Thing About Georgie, had a main character who was a dwarf. We’ve called that an “obvious difference.” Our new read-aloud, Absolutely Almost , has a main character who finds school and understanding people challenging. He’s “almost” good at lots of things, but never accomplished at things he feels matters. We’ve called that a “secret difference.” Mrs. Mariotti has joined us for these discussions and is helping us become more aware of brain development and growth. We are endeavoring to become more understanding and to grow our willingness to react with kindness.

Habits for Success

            All year long we have been working to think of ways to grow and become more successful. We know that by looking at things in a different way we may understand it differently. We know that we have to stick with things even if they are difficult. It is important to take responsible risks and to take action. Waiting around for others to do things doesn’t always lead to success, but sometimes waiting is important. Having confidence and believing in yourself even if others doubt you is important. “When people say your dream is impossible, don’t give up. Use your imagination to make your dream real.”

We are working to find time to think about our actions and our choices in how we feel about things that are done to us. We can choose to take things personally or we can express our feelings without drama and talk it through. That can be challenging. We are also beginning the process of reflecting on our year’s work and accomplishment to put together our digital portfolio. Our plan is that we will present them to you at the end the school year to share how we have progressed and worked to meet the goals we shared with you in the fall.

Fractions – Recipes and Number Lines

            One of the ways we have been exploring fractions is to look at different recipes. We have been doubling them and cutting them in half. Through this work together we have again noticed that with fractions bigger numbers mean smaller amounts. We are learning how to add fractions with like denominators and how we can divide them into even smaller amounts. We have explored congruency with geoboards and played fraction dominoes to help the children become more comfortable with what fractions are and how they compare. Finally we have been working to use fractions on number lines with different ending points. That way we know that 1/4 of 100 is 25, but 1/4 of 336 is 84. Fractions certainly challenge us to think in different ways. They are intuitive in real-life situations, but confusing when working with paper and pencil. Any chances you have to share fraction work through cooking or building, crafting or sewing with your children will certainly add to their understanding.

Bits and Pieces –

• Testing begins next week. Please assure your child that putting in their best effort is all we can ask. Let them know it might be tough, but it won’t last forever. Let them know you believe in them.
• We are beginning Humphrey book-clubs next week.
• Our last challenge of the year with Mr. Caron will be on Tuesday, May 17.