Fabulous in Fourth!
Mrs. Christopher December, 2014
Welcome December!
The month has arrived faster than I ever thought! And to think we only have less than three weeks until winter break! November was an amazing month, and each day, I was thankful more and more for each one of my students. I am so lucky to watch them grow into young middle schoolers, and I enjoy every day we are together. Our class created the #GowerDecemberChallenge and will be posting three things we are thankful for or that make us feel lucky or appreciative during this month of holiday cheer on our blogs. I encourage you to check every few days. Just reading their first posts made me smile many times. :)
Fourth Grade Music Program
Rockin' in the Ages
My All-Dressed-Up Fourth Graders
Gower Science Fair/STEM Night
Perk of a 4th grader: Invitation to participate in this awesome event! It will be held on February 12, 2015 at Gower Middle School. Students have a few options:
1. Participation in the Science Fair Portion
2. Participation in the STEM Night Challenge
3. Participation in both!!
The Science Fair proposals are due to school by December 19. Guidelines are being sent home and they are also on the Virtual Backpack. Students can work individually or in groups of two or three. I would love to see my students display their talents at this event!
There will be more information coming home later about the STEM Challenge, which will also be a great opportunity.
PTO Coupon Books
Thank you for helping our wonderful PTO with this fundraiser. The payments (and orders) are due December 12 if you choose to keep your book, and if not, please send the book back to school so we can pass them on. Thanks again!
Event Information
Field Trip to Naper Settlement Outdoor History Museum
Can't wait for this fabulous trip! We will be learning how the pioneers lived in these cold winters. Dress warm! This trip will be outdoors for much of the time. Permission forms will be coming home soon. Check out the site for more information: http://www.napersettlement.org/
When?
Wednesday, Dec 17, 2014, 09:15 AM
Where?
Naper Settlement, South Webster Street, Naperville, IL, United States
Six Flags Reading Challenge
The forms for this reading challenge were sent home last week. In our class, students are expected to be reading 30 minutes each night, so reaching 360 minutes should take less than two weeks! Just for turning in that form, your child will receive one free ticket to Six Flags for the 2015 season. It's a pretty sweet deal considering the cost of that ticket. I encourage every child to complete the form even if you are unsure you will use it. Always better to have the option rather than not at all. :) Forms are due by February 20. Thank you!!
Bluestem Books
What another great challenge! This form (blue) was also sent home last week. Every time your child reads a book, he/she can rate it and you can initial. If they read 4 books, they will have the opportunity to vote for the Bluestem winner. If they read them all, they will be invited to a special party in the LRC with lunch and treats! It's really a fun time, and the best reward is all that amazing reading! Win! Win!
#MysterySkype
Our first Mystery Skype was a big success! Check out some photos from our experience! The class we were talking with was a group of fourth graders in Virginia. I am trying to schedule some more opportunities. I love watching the students learn about the geography of the United States while having a great time!
Student Roles
Students participated on one of the following:
Communicators
Researchers
Data Collectors
Map Analysis Team
Skype
We used Skype to communicate. Here, you will see the other class is "thinking" to find the answer to our question.
Preparing
We spent time preparing for our meeting by collaborating in teams. One of the tasks was to come up with some possible questions that would help our class come to our answer quickly. This is played in a 20 Questions format, and it was tough for students to create questions with only yes or no answers!
Event Information
Pancake Breakfast with Santa and Holiday Bazaar
Come celebrate the holidays at Gower West this Saturday. It's going to be a great time!
When?
Saturday, Dec 6, 2014, 08:00 AM
Where?