Happy sunny Valentine's Day!  We had another rather short week here at JES... with a field trip on Monday and a delayed opening Wednesday, we managed to squeeze in some good learning anyhow!

We are learning about multiplication and division in both 3rd and 4th grade math. Third graders are working hard to use models to show their thinking of equal groups, and they are learning about how multiplication and division are related. 4th graders are learning how to use partial products -- breaking up one number into tens and ones and multiplying each separately. They are also working on division and how to deal with remainders.  There's a lot of good thinking going on!

In reading, we have finished up our social issues book clubs, and the students impressed me with their ability to discuss these issues and their newfound interest in what IS and ISN'T a social issue.  Now that they are all finished reading their book group books, they have some time to read on their own while I finish up assessments and work with individuals. After break, we will begin a research reading unit.

Our persuasive pieces are just about finished, and the students have some very compelling arguments about hats, recess, homelessness, the environment, pollution, smoking and so much more! This week they learned how to address their specific audience and how to add examples when they elaborate.  I think they have learned so much about organizing and saying more.  I'm proud of the work I am seeing!

Each of the students has become a "Senator" in our General Assembly. They have been researching their counties and learning about demographics. Next week, we will have our Mock Legislature with Miss Fecura's class (the House) and we will discuss a bill that is currently being discussed in the legislature about healthy kid meals at restaurants.  That will be the end of this unit -- and we will get back to science after the break.

A few important pieces of information:
The students have asked me to go back to giving them themes for sharing. Next week's theme is "something that warms your heart." Of course, the theme is entirely optional! I forgot to mention the theme to the kids today, so it would be great if you could tell them.

I have received many parent conference sheets but am still missing about half. Please get those back to me this coming week so that I can make a schedule and share it with you. If you don't want a conference, please let me know so I don't need to keep asking for your sheet!

No homework next week!

That's a wrap for this week. I hope you all enjoy your weekend!