St. Christopher School

Not only are 4th grade students working hard, they are also creative and clever.  Book reports were shared on Friday. I was impressed. The criteria this time was to dress a gourd as a literary character from a fiction book read, and deliver an oral report from that person's point of view. A few of these imaginative figures are in the display case in the lobby.

Science projects were handed out on Friday, also. Each student was randomly assigned an ecosystem such as a desert, rainforest, swamp, coral reef... They are asked to research their ecosystem either in the library or online, create a diorama with at least five living things, and submit a paper with interesting facts about their chosen organisms.

On Wednesday of this week we'll be planting tulip bulbs obtained for us by Sue Sheehy, Natalie's mom, in 4M. Last year we planted 100, and with this year's 90 our display in early spring should be spectacular.

We've enjoyed our visits from Sister Elizabeth; she's always so enthusiastic to see the children, and the children respond in kind.  Both 4th grades will be making a fall craft, with a Thanksgiving theme, for "Meals on Wheels."

One of my goals is for the students to have strong math skills.  Drill, drill, drill. The Eno board is a big help here.  We've finished subtraction and we'll be going on to multiplication this week.  Math homework is usually given nightly.

There will not be a regular book report this month, but students are always asked to read at least 20 minutes nightly. They will be recording observations, in complete sentences, of course, in their journals.

Our first spelling bee of the year was held, and Matthew Thibault was the champion.  Hurray for Matt!

In social studies, we're still studying the Northeast. We've had a test on the New England states, and now we'll be going on the the Mid-Atlantic.