December 24th - Jan 4th: WINTER BREAK
Monday, January 7th: School is Back in Session!
Monday, January 7th: Puffins to Forest Grove Public Library 2pm-3pm
Students should bring their library books to return, library card and a tote bag.
Chaperones Needed!
Community School Calendar 2018-2019
Forest Grove Public Library November Calendar of Events
A little note about comfort: Winter is here! Please make sure that your kiddo is properly outfitted with warm (waterproof) layers and appropriate footwear on Monday and Wednesdays when they will be outside for at least part of their day.
How's your homework routine going?
Suggested Weekly Homework:
Reading Homework
Spend at least 20 minutes reading (outside of school) every day.
Reading is on the "honor system" and we ask that you help your kiddo to develop a daily reading routine with good-fit books and a well-lit, comfy reading spot away from distractions. At fall conferences, your kiddo brought home the Tower of Books wall poster, which is a fun (and optional) reading genre challenge.
Typing Homework
Level 2 students have typing homework to develop and support important keyboarding skills. Please practice at least 20 minutes per week on: Typing.com
Passwords were sent home at family visits. Please email Ginny if you need help getting into your child's account.
Math homework
It is strongly recommended that your student practice math skills at least 30 minutes (or more) per week.
Our Dreambox math program for homework has started. Passwords and account information were sent home with your kiddo this week.
If you are interested in exploring other ways to practice math at home, take a look at these ideas:
Ideas for math practice:
- 4th graders can get valuable math practice with Khan Academy. Current 4th grade math topics are listed below.
- Online Math Game Sites: ZapZap Math or Prodigy- create your own account!
- Multiplication Facts Practice with a simple dice game. How to Play: Each player takes turns rolling 3 dice. First to break 200 (or 500, etc.) wins. On your turn, you get to choose two dice to add together, then you multiply the sum by the final die. That’s your score for that turn.
- Facts Practice with Free Math Apps: Sushi Monster & Math Hero
- Facts Practice with Purchased Math Apps: Operation Math & Math Vs. Zombies
- Place Value and Rounding
- Multi-digit Adding and Subtracting
- Factors & Multiples
- Prime and Composite Numbers
- Multi-digit Multiplication
- Division with Remainder
4th graders have set goals and made plans for daily practice and have identified the numbers they needs to work on (ie. 6’s, 7’s, 8’s, etc.).
During the break, support your child by giving reminders about daily practice.
4th grade: Winter Break Math Pages (optional) for those who would like a little extra practice!
What's Happening in the Puffin Nest...
This week, Level 2 students got a visit from an outreach specialist from Metro with an "Investigating Packaging" presentation and activity.
Students considerd questions and discovered a smart solution to a real problem.
Guiding Questions:
What is packaging and why do we have it or need it?
What's in our trash?
What happens to plastic and plastic packaging in the landfill?
How can we put less plastic in the landfill?
Is it cheaper to buy in bulk or larger sizes? Why?
Solutions:
Students talked about the advantages of buying in bulk or larger sizes, rather than buying small individual wrapped items. Using re-usable containers is also a great idea!
UPCOMING PROJECT: THE CLASS BUSINESS
When we return from winter break, level 2 students will will work through the different stages of the supply chain ( Plan-Source-Make-Deliver-Reuse/Recycle) as they develop their own classroom business.
Our kiddos will research the materials, design, and assembly of a mini golf course and putters. They will investigate motion and force before making a prototype for each hole that will be made using recycled materials.
Students will engage with the engineering design process by asking questions and seeking solutions.
- ASK: What is the problem? How have others approached it? What are your constraints?
- IMAGINE: What are some solutions? Brainstorm ideas. Choose the best one.
- PLAN: Draw a diagram. Make lists of materials you will need.
- CREATE: Follow your plan and create something. Test it out!
- IMPROVE: What works? What doesn't? What could work better? Modify your design to make it better. Test it out!