Just Kidding!

We began our new in-class activity: the reading of the Shakespeare for Kids book "A Midsummer Night's Dream".  For those who have not read these adaptations, I highly recommend them!  The author has simplified many of the plays without stripping them of the wonder and magic of Shakespeare!  As we read through this book, we will be stopping and discussing difficult words and making sure everyone grasps what is happening.  Today, the class learned the phrase "in his prime", as well as the words verbose, fury, irate, and tragedy.  We also discussed the custom of arranging marriages.  This activity will require no at home reading.  We will read and discuss the story in class!

Math-  The 4B math class has been working with data collection.  They are looking at different methods of recording and documenting data, including bar graphs, tally charts, and line plots.  Ms. Jennifer taught about median and mode, which they will be using in an upcoming project.  They 

Test Prep-  Today, the 3rd graders and I worked through and discussed the remainder of the math sections.  We talked about each issue that arose.  Multiplication is still a tricky spot!  We then were able to move on to the first section of social studies.  Here, the kids had difficulty with the location of the Prime Meridian.  We stopped and discussed latitude, longitude, the equator, and the Prime Meridian.  I helped the 4th graders work through issues in the math sections today.  Surprisingly, area and perimeter caused them a lot of issues.  We worked through many examples on the board.  Then, we discussed volume.  Another concept that caused problems was the conversion of units of measurement.  Because of this, the class will be working with online games to strengthen these skills.

Science-  Today, Ms. Gail discussed insects with the class.  They reviewed their at home assignments, and then talked about complete and partial metamorphosis.  Finally, they learned about body structures that different insects have.  The kids created their own insects using different treats!  Afterward, they took turns explaining the different body parts that were represented on their creations.


Literature-  Ms Gail continued the kids' lesson on Greek mythology.  They listened attentively to stories about Cupid, Apollo, and many others.  For the end of school, the students will be writing their own nature or hero myth. 

Social Studies- We continued learning about the big industrial and economic boom of the 1920's.  Today included lessons in stocks and the stock market, assembly lines and their impact on goods and wages, and the different presidents of the era.  The class answered comprehension question on the material, and will be working on a crossword puzzle for next week's class.

Agriculture- There was big news on the farm today!  Not only did Greta have two little doelings yesterday, she had a Sable!  You never know exactly what lessons you will end up teaching when animals are involved!  The class had a genetics lesson.  They learned about dominant and recessive genes.  I explained that Saanens are a white dairy breed.  However, purebred Saanens can carry a recessive gene resulting in kids that are dark!  If a kid receives this gene from both parents (which the class learned are called "dams" and "sires" in the goat world), then they are born dark, and are called Sables!  I am absolutely thrilled to have our first Sable born... which I obviously have to keep!

After checking out the goats, we walked down to Minter's Farm to film scenes for our big ag video production.  Only a couple more days of shooting, and it will be finished!