Happy May!

Greetings and welcome to May! Wow, like 6-7 weeks of school left? 4th graders will be 5th graders, 5th graders will be 6th graders.....how the school year flies by.  So what have we been up to in 4/5 B lately?  Here we go.  We had an interesting School Safety Day on Friday two weeks ago.  Checked out the Smoke Trailer, the fire truck, and 4/5 B students met some former 5B students (as fire fighters)!  They showed us many cool things, discussed safety in homes and fire escape drills.  We also had a school "lockdown" which went very well. We have planned a field trip to Amherst next week on Wednesday, May 15th.  Papers have gone home with most being returned already.  We will be visiting a planetarium and museum with Karen's grade 5 class as well.  Lunches are what they bring or get from the lunchroom.  A little money for ice cream after lunch is necessary.
      We have done many classroom activities over the last two weeks, so let me update you all.

     Our literature/social studies group completed the Green Mountain Hero book last week, and we are now in the process of reading Arrow Over the Door, set during the same time period.  We are using the Green Mountain Hero in writing to work on a Response to Literature piece.  Students are also working on writing a piece based on a picture prompt.
     5th grade math group has worked on volume of containers, and is currently working on lattice multiplication as a strategy to multiply larger numbers.  They seem to like the strategy very well.  Use this link to tell more about the lattice strategy.  http://www.basic-mathematics.com/lattice-method-for-multiplication.html

     We have completed our science unit on simple machines, took lots of things apart to investigate their parts, and did investigations on both inclined planes and lever launchers.  Lots of science and interesting discussions.  We are now doing a unit on Recycling and Natural Resources with Ms. Deb running the unit.
     Our social studies unit, Migration to Vermont, continues with more information on the years following the 1700's.

      Finally,  4th grade Science NECAPS start tomorrow on Wednesday May 8, Thursday May 9, and next Tuesday May 14.  Best preparations?  Sleep, breakfast, and a good disposition.

Until the next time, Mr. B and Ms. Deb