Classroom Update
Mr. Sykes' 4th Grade
It's Base Camp Week!
Happy New Year!
I hope everyone had a wonderful Winter Break! It was great to see students back from break rested and ready for a wonderful new year. Here are some things we'll be working on over the next few weeks:
- Using multiple methods to better understand multi-digit multiplication
- Exploring the geography, history, and culture of the Northeast region
- Reading a variety of mythology texts as we explore their themes and modern allusions
- Introducing our new writing unit: Persuasive Writing
- Developing problem solving skills during STEM Day
And of course, we are all looking forward to growing our leadership skills and working as a team on our overnight trip to Base Camp!
Base Camp Overnight
It's clear to see how excited students are for this week's trip. It is my hope that you have already received all the information you need to prepare for our journey. If you have not already, I encourage you to gather all materials as soon as possible. In doing so, please don't hesitate to contact me if questions or concerns arise.
A few things to consider:
- All students must return the waiver sent home Monday to participate in activities
- When packing, remember students will be responsible for carrying all their gear
- ONLY chaperones are allowed to bring an air mattress
- If students require medications, an additional form must be filled out. Please contact me if you are in need of this form.
- The pizzas we will have for dinner on Thursday will be delivered by Toppers on Grand
- Students will be eating lunch at Birchview on their day of departure and the day of return from the trip, so plan accordingly
- The movies we will view are Despicable Me and Despicable Me II, both are rated PG
- iPods and other portable music players are NOT allowed on the trip. Students are responsible for ALL items they bring with them.
We are all looking forward to engaging in team building, rock climbing, robotics and archery on this special trip. It's sure to be a learning experience that students will never forget!
Northeast States, Capitals, and Abbreviations
It is a fourth grade standard that students learn all 50 states, capitals, and abbreviations. We achieve this through a regional focus and currently are learning the states of the Northeast region. Though students receive time at school to practice during the school day, reinforcement at home is beneficial.
One resource we use to practice in school is Quizlet. Here, students can learn and practice the location, capital, and abbreviation of each state. Students can choose other methods of practice if preferred, but I wanted to make sure families were aware of this site. Please feel free to use the following link for learning and review.
Postcards Please!!!
As we continue to study of the regions of the United States, we are asking for your help. Our goal is to collect postcards from each of the 50 states. We would love to receive some new postcards from the Northeast as we begin our focus on this region. Do you have any friends or family who could write our classroom?
All you need to do is send a postcard to the following address: A personal note is encouraged, but not required.
Mr. Sykes Class
c/o YOUR STUDENT
425 Ranchview Ln. N
Plymouth, MN 55447
We will be displaying postcards on our bulletin board to help us get to know the regions of our country.
Thank you in advance for your help!
Upcoming Dates
- 1/7 - 1/8 - Base Camp Overnight Field Trip
- 1/8 - PTA Movie Night 6:30 - 9:30
- 1/14 - STEM Day
- 1/15 - MLK Assembly
- 1/18 - MLK Jr. Day - No School
Digital Days
Day 5 - Art
Day 1 - PE/Music
Day 2 - Technology
Day 3 - PE/Music
Day 4 - Spanish
Helpful Links for 4th Grade:
Contact Me!
Email: scott.sykes@wayzata.k12.mn.us
Website: http://www.wayzata.k12.mn.us/Scott.Sykes
Phone: (763)745-5374
Twitter: @bvsykes4