Instructional Technology
In Instructional Technology fourth graders just finished two block coding sprite labs, which taught them how to create and animate sprites. Classes will then create a sprite that looks like/represents them for a larger All About Me interactive coding poster/project. The fifth graders are currently researching the main steps of the 3D printing process. We just finished evaluating a website, focusing on who created the site, when was the information written/updated, what the domain suffix of the website is, and more. After a bit more research we will be learning some basic design moves within a web-based 3D CAD modeling program.
Music
The 4th and 5th graders have been working on reading rhythmic notation, as well as performing on different percussion instruments. Within the next few weeks, students will start focusing on melodic notation, which will give them the opportunity to perform on pitched percussion instruments, such as the xylophone. At every music class, students also learn about a composer or musician of the week. This gives students the opportunity to be exposed to the lives and music of many different composers and musicians. We look forward to learning new concepts and skills next month in music class.
P.E.
Currently in P.E. class, we are focusing on improving students' fitness through exercises like push-ups, curl-ups, planks, stretching and PACER practice tests. These exercises are helping to increase strength, endurance, flexibility and overall health. Our goal is to track students' progress and encourage them to reach personal fitness goals in a positive and supportive environment. We also just finished our intro to lacrosse unit with both grades. We will finish October with some chasing/fleeing activities to help increase cardiovascular endurance.
Art
In 4th grade Art students started the year learning how to draw a sea turtle and created ocean scapes. Next we learned about stained glass Rose Windows and created our own version of these windows. We then created model magic snakes that required color mixing and careful sculpting. In 5th grade art we began the year drawing birds. We then learned how to draw a Gecko and students had the opportunity to paint using the metallic watercolors. We then created Lego portraits. We are currently painting beautiful night sky silhouettes!
World Language
Students in World Languages have fallen into French this autumn. Fourth graders are greeting people and saying how they’re doing, learning the alphabet and numbers, and identifying things they use in the classroom like pencils and whiteboards. Fifth graders are using what they learned last year and learning to tell time in French and how the 24-hour clock is used in Europe.
