February flies on by …
As February quickly draws to a close this week, we continue to work hard in Room 104…
We are currently finishing up Theme 5 in our reading series. Students have worked hard on centers involving literary devices (imagery, personification, metaphor, simile), author’s purpose and perspective, and comprehension strategies, such as summarizing. This week we will be performing our second Reader’s Theater in small groups. Students are working hard on practicing their lines and using expression when they read.
Students have also been working on persuasive writing. We completed a persuasive letter and are currently creating a persuasive paragraph. Students are continuing to fine-tune their editing skills and are working hard to persuade others to support their opinions and ideas!
In Math we have moved on from Polygons to Decimals. The concepts we are covering fit right into our knowledge from studying fractions and percents. Students will see how what they know about fractions and percents can help them understand decimals as well. Students have been coming home with DSTP Math review packets. Please continue to encourage your child to do the best he or she can. We will work through the problems in class as we continue to review the skills students should understand by 5th grade.
Our Motion and Design Unit in science comes to an end this week. Students have learned and tested various methods for making their Knex vehicles move over the past few months. This week they are working in groups to create a vehicle to meet the design challenge of their group’s choice. The class has created some imaginative, cost effective, and smart moving vehicles. We will pick up our next unit, Mixtures and Solutions, in the coming weeks!
In Social Studies we have been studying World War I and the events following the Great War. Students wrote personal narratives and newspaper sketches from the point-of-view of people living at the time of World War I. As we move ahead, students will be studying the Great Depression and the events following.
Look for “Thinkfinity” in my links for a site that will serve helpful in students working on skills at home and maybe provide some helpful parent hints!
Ms. Ferguson
Studying Inventors…
Happy December 
I have posted three links to assist students in choosing and researching an inventor for their project. Students may use these links among other sources to complete their work.
Ms. Ferguson
Welcome Back!
As the school year begins, there are many exciting things happening at Carrie Downie.
Whether you are returning for another school year or you are just joining the Carrie Downie family, it is my pleasure to welcome you and your child to Carrie Downie Elementary School.
I look forward to getting to know you and your child as the year begins and progresses. This school year is a new one, filled with many opportunities both academically and socially for students. I place a high value on knowing each student individually and giving each student an equal chance for success. Your child’s growth is very important to me. My goal is to work with you in order to help better meet the needs of your child. All children deserve to be able to achieve and succeed, and with your help I believe that this school year will be a success for everyone.
There will be more to come, but I’ll see you soon and again: Welcome back!
