The Grillo Gazette
March, 2015
Writers Workshop
Literary essayists have been very busy finding evidence for their topic sentences. We are able to angle our stories to highlight the way they support our thesis statements. Before adding quotes to our essays, we asked ourselves:
Can I point to specific words or actions that support my reason?
Can I explain exactly how these words or actions support my reason?
Students had a blast writing lists in a parallel structure as another way to gain evidence for our essays. Parallelism refers to similar structure, phrases, and grammar. After listening and analyzing the lyrics in "My Favorite Things" by Julie Andrews we understand songs and poems are written for both the ear and the heart. They need to sound good and mean a lot. 4G writers say them aloud as they write to make them sound good. Try it out with your child!
Rocks and Minerals
Geologists tested, compared, and discussed each minerals ability to transmit light during the “translucent” test. 4G discussed the terms “transparent,” “translucent” and “opaque” before labeling each mineral. A minerals luster, metallic, glassy, waxy, dull, was also illuminated. Lastly, mineral hardness was analyzed as we used a copper penny and nail to scratch each mineral.
Readers Workshop
Immigration
After researching Ellis Island, 4G took a trip to Angel Island to learn about the struggles Asian immigrants faced in San Francisco. We read and responded to poetry etched on the walls of Angel Island. Researchers gathered information about the living conditions of tenement housing in NYC this week. Upon arriving in New York, many immigrants settled into tenement apartments. Students took an interactive tour of this housing situation and analyzed photos to develop an understanding of the tenement lifestyle.
Thank you to all the parents who organized, cut, and sewed costumes as well as cooked up enough ethnic food samples for 200+ people. I truly recognize and appreciate all the effort and time put into making our museum a success. Everyone who toured our museum had wonderful compliments for our immigrants. Thanks for coming!
Math
4G created fraction number line posters this week to better visualize fraction models. Mathletes established a rule for finding equivalent fractions. We renamed fractions as decimals to develop an understanding of the relationship between decimals and fractions. Students created their own fraction cards to help order and compare fractions with different numerators and denominators. Math stars worked on ordering and comparing fractions in a set. We used pattern blocks and counters to help us visualize numerators and denominators.
4G students used iPads to play a very intense Kahoot.com unit 7 review game. Check out some serious, action packed game faces below and use the link to play at home as well!