Summer Homework...

Dear Parents,
Please take the time to look through the summer homework sent home. The packet has very clear instructions, as well as many supplies for Math work, and Science Experiments. All sections are optional but heavily recommended, EXCEPT FOR REQUIRED READING. Please see the packet for the book list and complete information. Thank you!! The booklet also describes the rewards that can be earned for the different sections, as well as a way for the children to break up the tasks so that it is not overwhelming.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact me... Have a great summer!

Last Day Celebrations - Some Pictures!

After organizing and cleaning our classroom, the last day finally came... We had a double party! We celebrated our last Star Party (which we patiently earned), and celebrated the end of a great year...and the beginning of more growing and learning to come! We did some reflective activities, and then had lots of fun... We decorated summer cooler-cups, and enjoyed fresh popcorn and delicious doughnuts...what more could you ask for? We received award-ribbons for Homework Honor Roll, and presented Rachel with a fantastic trophy for reading 25 books in the Book Challenge and completing all 25 Book Reviews. Hurray for 4th-5th Graders' hard work! We each received a class collage as a memento.

We'd be remiss if we didn't mention the 2nd Grade's Cafe that we joined for lunch - thanks to all the Yeladim in 2nd Grade we enjoyed a hearty Israeli lunch. There were handwritten, colorful menus at each table, quick wait-staff, and all the amenities...Enjoy the pictures:-)

Here's what Morah told us before we left:

Dear Students,

Just a note to say

How much I’ve enjoyed teaching you

Each in your own way

We spent all year together

Week by week, day by day

It seems so strange that now we go

Each on our own way

Each of us, the Sages say,

Is likened to a treasure,

Whose value, depth, and beauty

We can never really measure

I’m sure that you, the treasures

Will positively shine and glow

Sparkling with confidence

As you learn and grow

As we head on into summer

And think of fun and games

Remember all the good times here

And hopefully all you’ve gained!

I hope your summer is fantastic

Healthy, and safe, too

And best wishes for next year

Good luck, so long, I’ll miss you!

Social Studies Presentations Part IV

Our final presentations, by Noah and Adam respectively, were FANTASTIC! Noah presented Spain, and Adam presented Australia! Each project was clear, detailed, and well-presented! We heard the words to the Australian anthem - and we had an interesting discussion comparing the anthem to others we've seen. The students also noticed Britain's flag in the corner of the Australian flag, and we discussed why that is the case... Noah treated us to the music of the The Royal March, because, as he told us, Spain's anthem does not have any words! We really enjoyed that! We then made our two final recipes - Australian coconut biscuits, and Spanish Gazpacho soup...yum! Enjoy the pictures! Hurray for all the great 4th-5th grade researchers, you all did a great job!

Social Studies Part III

Daniel K. and Daniel G. - WOW! You each did FABULOUS work on your countries! Daniel K. gave us a detailed report on Azerbaijan, and Daniel G. gave a detailed report on France! We learned many cool facts, and each presenter held our attention and really knew their country well! Incidentally, both Daniels chose to display their Country's name with the color of the national flag;-) With the help of Morah Jessica (our in-house gourmet chef) we made stuffed grape-leaves (Azerbaijan), and French Napoleon pastries...yum. Enjoy the pictures!

Social Studies Presentations, Part II

Hurray for Ukraine and Russia! Joshua and Rachel presented today, and did a fantastic job sharing what they learned about their countries with us! Job well done! We made Madagascar Coconut Cake (from Freida's report), Russian Jelly Blintzes, and Ukrainian Potato Dumplings...yum! Enjoy the pictures!

Recital Recap!

Thank you all for coming! Enjoy these pictures of the awards, the parent-child math and science activities, and some of the performance...

Social Studies Presentations Part I

Freida presented Madagascar, and Esther presented Israel! Great Job! Way to go! We learned so much and found out some cool facts about your countries. A great big thank you to parents for all your help! Look at the yummy felafel balls that we made from scratch! We'll keep you posted on the remaining projects...

TRIP TO NY HALL OF SCIENCE - RECAP!

We had a short but fun trip to NY Hall of Science. We got to visit many fascinating areas including: Microbes that were magnified x140! Lights and Shadows! Trying to see the blood vessels in your eyes! Visual-perception exhibits like the Hall of Mirrors and the slanted house! To wrap it up, we had a fantastic time in the Science Playground which included a giant balance, a water tunnel with many opportunities for experiment, and so much more... Enjoy the pictures!

PLEASE RETURN LIBRARY BOOKS

Dear Parents and Students,
As the year comes to a close, and we pack our supplies away... Please be so kind and return any or all school library books that you may have at home.
In addition, PLEASE RETURN (TO SCHOOL) ANY PUBLIC LIBRARY BOOKS THAT YOU BORROWED FROM MORAH FOR YOUR SOCIAL STUDIES REPORT! PLEASE BRING THEM TO SCHOOL TOMORROW!
Thank you so much!

SOCIAL STUDIES REPORTS- PLEASE READ

Dear Parents and Students, This week we will work on our Social Studies Country Reports. I’m requesting that each student acquire a tri-paneled (3 sections) display board as soon as possible.  (You can buy one at Staples for $8.49).  The work will be done mostly at home. The projects are due next week, Wednesday. I’m attaching to the Homework Log a sample for mapping out the information you’ve gathered; I've outlined what is expected to be included. The work should either be written VERY neatly, or typed. You may print out pictures to display. If you do not have access to a colored printer, please email me the pictures you’d like printed, and I will print them for you. The posters will be on display next week, and remain displayed for the recital. Also, please prepare a list of ingredients needed to make the recipe you chose (you can check countryreports.org for recipe ideas). We will need to get the ingredients so we can make the dishes in school. (Please see form attached to Homework Log.) I will share whatever books I borrowed from the Public Library and school library in case it is needed; If I did not find books on your particular country, I suggest taking a trip to your local library, and/or looking back at the countryreports.org website for any missing information. In addition, basic facts can be found in your Math Student Reference Book in the World Tour Section. Good Luck! PLEASE CONTACT ME IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS! Wishing you a “Chag Samayach”,

   Morah Nechama Dena

Post Walk-a-thon Pics

 Here are some pictures of our big day out...after the walk. Pictures of the "walk-a-thon" coming soon :-) We had a great time!

Science Fun with Magnetic Fields

You can try this at home! Use very fine steel wool (do not work near food and you may want to wear gloves while snipping) to make small bits over a piece of paper. The bar magnet should be placed underneath. The "invisible" magnetic field can be seen!

Science Update!

As we've been reviewing key science concepts, we've stopped to concentrate on Magnetism. The students were particularly enamored with the experiments you can do with Magnets!

Here are some points we discussed and you can review with your child:

• The closer in distance the object is, the greater the force of attraction
• There are two "poles" - the North seeking, and South seeking poles
• The earth is like a great big magnet, because it contains large amounts of iron
• A magnet has an invisible magnetic field surrounding it
• Two north "poles" will repel each other, as will two south "poles". Only a "north" and "south" will attract
• Not all metals will be attracted to magnets; only metals containing large amounts of iron, for example, steel (not aluminum foil, not nickles or pennies
• Magnets are key components for compasses - the "north seeking" pole will always point north
• Magnetite is a mineral that contains large amounts of iron (the greatest amount of naturally-occurring iron), and was used in compasses to help sailors find their way

We tried a cool experiment that allows you to see the "invisible" field around the magnet. We cut steel wool into fine, powdery pieces, and placed them in a jar with oil. We held a strong bar magnet to the outside of the jar, and -wow!- got to see how the steel particles are attracted in a rounded formation.

Try it at home!

REMINDER: WALK-A-THON TOMORROW

Just a quick reminder that our school walk-a-thon along the boardwalk will be tomorrow. If you have not already done so, please be sure to send in your child's walk-a-thon sponsor sheet and the money pledged. Remember, the money earned goes to our long-awaited play-yard! 

We look forward to an invigorating walk and a chance to see the U.S. marines at Coney Island as part of Fleet Week when we're done. There are air and water demonstrations planned - we'll see how our schedule works out. They'll  have  helicopters at the beach and the students will hopefully get to talk to and interact with the crew, sit on the helicopters, etc. It should be a great way to wrap-up the walk-a-thon!

You can visit this link for more info on fleet week.
http://gonyc.about.com/od/holidays/p/fleetweek.htm

Cubic Measurements

We've been discussing the difference between linear measurements, measurements of area, and measurements of volume. We reviewed the units of measurement for volume: cubic meters, cubic centimeters, cubic feet, etc. We did hands-on work to prove our assumption that there are 1,000 cubic cm in a base-ten large cube. We also used meter sticks and yarn to visualize the volume (space it takes up) of a cubic meter. We were surprised to find out just how large it was, and how many of us could fit inside!

A Health Month Yummy Snack!

A great big thank you to Alice's mom, Morah Irena, for coming to make a colorful fruit salad with us! We learned that to get a balanced, healthy mix of fruits you should look for the colors of the rainbow! We had red apples, oranges, yellow bananas, green apples and blueberries! Thank you very much for the delicious snack!

A Health Month Visitor!

A great big thank you to Noah's dad, a pharmacist, for coming to discuss health as it relates to pharmacy. The students were fascinated and asked great questions. We discussed the difference between prescription and other medication, and the importance of only taking medicine under the guidance of a parent and or doctor. Some of us also wanted to know how pharmacists can read doctor's script...as well as why so many pharmacies (which are supposed to keep you healthy) sell chips in the other half of the store... ;-) We really enjoyed the visit!

Geometric Solids and Frames

We've been studying about Geometric Solids this week, and we each made our own rectangular prism frame. We've been solving and creating our own riddles such as "I am a polyhedron, I have 6 faces, all rectangles, and 8 vertices. What am I? A rectangular prism!"
Try some at home for fun and review!

Social Studies Report - Please Read

Dear Parents,

Please be sure to read the note attached to your child's Social Studies homework tonight. The children are required to do part of the research at home - with parental supervision, being that this is Internet based. I wrote very clear directions as to which websites to visit and what information to be pursued, and where. Questions 1-5 (in Part 1) should be done tonight. I modeled for them each step today at the computer so they should be familiar with these questions and websites.

If you have any questions, please let me know.

This portion of the work is collecting information (research) and we will discuss the presentation the following week.

Health Month & Juice Sale - please read

In the spirit of Health Month at Mazel, 4th-5th Grade will have the opportunity to purchase freshly-squeezed veggie juices this Wednesday. Please send in $5 with your child by Tuesday.
Thank you!

We are also looking for health care professionals to come share some tips on health & hygiene as well as fitness with the children. If you, or an adult you know would be willing to share with us, please let us know - we would greatly appreciate it! Much thanks!

Mazel Tov Morah Ariella!

Dear Parents,

Morah Ariella requests that you R.S.V.P. for her wedding via email at ariella.paim@gmail.com

Please specify if you will attend for the Chuppah, Dinner, or both.

ThankYou!

ELA STATE TEST PREP.: Please be sure to read your child's individual recommendations! Thank you!

PLEASE BE SURE TO SEE THE NOTE THAT WAS SENT HOME TODAY. THERE ARE INDIVIDUAL RECOMMENDATIONS THERE FOR YOUR CHILD SO THAT THEY CAN DO THEIR BEST ON THE EXAM!

Dear Fourth Grade Parents,

The Fourth Grade ELA State Exam is being administered statewide the week after Pesach break. In our class we will be taking the exams on Wednesday, May 4th, Thursday, May 5th, and Friday, May 6th.

Our goal is for each student to excel on their exam and to receive the highest score within their abilities. Therefore, over the past few weeks, we have been intensifying our work of preparing the children for the exam. We have done practice tests in class and for homework. Based on the results of our practice work, I am confident that the children will do well, Bezrat Hashem (with the help of Hashem).

It is IMPERATIVE that on the evenings before the exam (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights) the children get a good night’s rest. Please be sure that the children go to bed, with their school things prepared for the next day, by 8:00 pm. Each mornings before the exam, please make sure they have a good breakfast at home. Hungry children do not perform well. The children will also need No. 2 pencils with erasers for the exam. You can send two such pencils with your child on Tuesday morning.

For your interest, below is a chart outlining the format of the test:

Day 1

(Wed., May 4th) Book 1

Students answer 43 multiple-choice questions on comprehension of printed reading selections (7-8 passages) Time: 70 minutes

Day 2

(Thursday, May 5th) Book 2

Students answer 5 multiple choice questions and 3 short-response questions on comprehension of an oral listening selection. In addition, there will be 3-5 multiple choice questions on writing mechanics. Time: 30 minutes

Day 3

(Friday, May 6th) Book 3

Students answer 4 short written response questions and 1 Extended Compare/Contrast ESSAY on comprehension of two printed reading selections, one literary and one informational. Time: 60 minutes



Techniques you should review with your child before the exam:

RELAX.

In order to do well on the test, it is important to relax and feel positive beforehand. Children who feel nervous tend to make careless mistakes and cannot focus on their work. You can talk to your child about relaxation techniques that they can do before the test begins or during the test – ex: taking a drink of water, breathing, closing eyes, thinking positive thoughts, imagining oneself someplace special… And practice trying these techniques together. Have a drink of water, relax and enjoy reading interesting texts. Remember that you have worked hard to prepare and practice for the exam and if you concentrate and work carefully you will do very well!

MULTIPLE CHOICE TECHNIQUES WE HAVE WORKED ON: SQ4R

S: SURVEY: Do a quick survey of the text. What is the title? What are the subtitles? Are there any charts or lists? What do the graphics show?

Q: QUESTIONS: Look at the questions (except in Book 2/ Listening Section). Ask yourself WHO and WHAT is the question about? Make sure you understand what the question is asking you to do.

4R: READ, RESPOND, REREAD, and RESPOND: Read the text completely and carefully. If you think you see answers to the questions, underline the information. KEEP reading – don’t assume you found your answers already! Once you read, Respond to the questions you are sure about, checking to see that you have SUPPORT in the text. Then Reread selections that you are not sure about, and find answers to the remaining questions. Finally, check your RESPONSES to make sure you chose your BEST answer.

SHORT ANSWER TECHNIQUES WE HAVE WORKED ON:

Be sure to read the questions carefully. Who or what is the question about? If it’s a graphic organizer, what information did they already give you? Do you see the planning icon (the notepad and pencil picture)? That means you need to PLAN your answer!

ECHO! Echo the question. Never assume the reader knows what you are talking about! Write clearly in full sentences. Be sure to write at least 3-4 sentences.

DETAILS! Include DETAILS from the text to support you answer. Even when you infer, you must have details from the text that support your choice.

ESSAY TECHNIQUES WE HAVE WORKED ON:

TASKS: Read the directions carefully, and circle each task you are asked to do. Reread the directions – are you sure you understand what you are being asked to do?

PLAN: Use the information and DETAILS from the short answers to help you plan for the essay. The task is to connect the two texts, so usually making a “T-CHART” will help you compare and contrast or connect the two texts. Try to put as many details in the planning so that you have lots of information to work with.

WRITE: Each “bullet point” can usually be turned into a paragraph by echoing the question, and answering it using DETAILS and EXAMPLES from the story. Your paragraph should have no less than 3 complete sentences! Don’t forget to skip a line between paragraphs. Use your best vocabulary, and make it sound interesting! The paragraphs should read like an essay – pretend the readers have no idea what the questions were! The last paragraph should be a summary that quickly “wraps up” your essay.

EDIT WITH C.U.P.S.: Reread your answer. Does it make sense? Does it include all the information asked? Did you echo the questions in each paragraph? Did you CAPITALIZE only where needed? Did you USE words correctly and interestingly? Did you use proper PUNCTUAUTION? Did you check your SPELLING to the best of your ability?

LISTENING TECHNIQUES WE HAVE WORKED ON:

Listen carefully during the first reading. After the first reading, think: What is the genre of this text? What would be the best way to write NOTES on this type of text? Draw a four square chart that has a box for the Beginning, Middle 1, Middle 2, and End of the Story. Draw little pictures if you need to! Write only a few words, no full sentences – you just need enough o remember the details or sequence. Decide which characters need a character map (sun). Then, when answering the question LOOK BACK AT YOUR NOTES as a guide to add details and answer carefully and correctly!

GENERAL:

Always try your best, even if a question seems hard. There is always a good chance that you might get it right and for many of the questions partial credit will be given.

Use your time wisely. Do not sit and do nothing. When you are finished, if there is still extra time left, read the questions again and look back into the text to make sure you have chosen the best answer.

When filling in the answer sheets, make sure to be neat and not to make any extra markings on the paper.



Sincerely,



Morah Chani Okonov

Morah Nechama Dena

PRE-PURIM PARTY THIS FRIDAY! PLEASE SEND COSTUME!

We will have our Pre-Purim Party this Friday. Please send a costume with your child - they should not wear it to school, they will be given time to change. As mentioned in the past, please be sure that the costumes are appropriate, and of non-violent characters (no toy guns, swords, etc.)... Happy Purim!

ELA State Test Prep

Being that state tests are coming up soon after Pesach vacation, our more intense preparations have begun. We have been analyzing sample test questions and asking ourselves - about whom or what is the author asking? We need to be very sure we understand how to read the questions so that we can choose the best response!

There will be three parts to the test, taken over a three day period:

Part 1: Reading and answering text-based multiple choice questions

Part 2: Listening and responding to prompts with extended answers

Part3: Reading and responding to prompts with extended answers

These texts will include fiction, nonfiction, and poetry.There will be a need to understand and use graphic organizers (flow charts, web-charts) to explain the content, as well as prepare and plan for writing a comparative essay (a paragraph that compares two of the texts and includes the criteria that is asked).

As a class we've come up with  some test-taking tips and strategies that we will continue to add to as we move along.

Please keep in mind that while the tests are important, and diligence in preparing should definitely be promoted, pressure is most certainly not! Let's keep in mind that defining success only by these test scores is erroneous - the tests check certain limited areas and many factors come into play (including - but not limited to - how relaxed and focused your child is during the test). 

Publishing Celebration!

We held a Publishing Celebration this past week to celebrate our completed Personal Narratives! All the students truly put in effort to brainstorm, organize, draft, edit, and publish their pieces. Excellent work! We celebrated each others' work  by listening to each piece and giving the author positive feedback, using information from the text that we really enjoyed! Each student then received a certificate with their friends comments... It was really amazing to see the finished work as well as to hear all the great feedback. Enjoy the pictures!

TRIP REMINDER

PLEASE NOTE: TRIP TOMORROW (MONDAY) TO THE JEWISH CHILDREN'S MUSEUM. We will be leaving school, G-d willing, at 9:30.

LIBRARY TRIP PICS & RECAP

 We enjoyed an informative and interesting trip to the Central Brooklyn Public Library. We enjoyed a workshop given by a librarian who gave us some interesting facts about the building and its history. Did you know that the Central Library was built in the shape of an open book? Did you notice that their display stands are also formed in the shape of an open book? Did you know that the library was in the making from 1908 but was only completed in February of 1941? 

We were reminded about the genres we read and their differences: fiction, nonfiction, biography, reference, etc. We were shown the different sections for each, including books in a series, and books with their artwork displays. We also discussed how fiction is organized by author's last name in alphabetical order. Biographies are organized by name. 

In addition, the Dewey Decimal system helps us locate books by topic, for example dinosaurs, dogs, or electricity; to find the right number, ask a librarian or look it up in the library catalog. (The librarian knew many numbers by heart, but like she said - she was just showing off...she only knows a few!)  We all got a chance to browse, read, and check-out our own books. That felt big and responsible. Please enjoy the pictures...and please don't forget to return the books:-)

Historic Richmond Town

Never too late for a recap of our trip to Historic Richmond Town (...after all, it's been around a couple hundred years;-)) We enjoyed an educational program that included a hands-on activity of spinning wool (did you know they actually spun the spool around and around?) and breaking flax. Did you know you brush the flax with needle-like brushes? It sort of feels like really, really, rough hair. Did you know you make linen out of flax? Did you know that silk was imported from Asia, and was therefor very expensive and rare in the New World? Most colonial-period clothing was made of wool or linen. We got a great laugh when two of our classmates got to dress up in colonial-period clothing. We wondered what are uniforms might have looked like had we lived back in the day... Enjoy the slideshow!

LIBRARY TRIP TOMORROW! PLEASE SEND YOUR CHILD'S LIBRARY CARD!

REMINDER: Tomorrow is our class trip to the Library. PLEASE remember to send your child's library card to school. All cards issued through school were sent home last week. We will only borrow books with our OWN library cards. THANK YOU!!

Author/Illustrator Visit: Ann D. Koffsky

We truly enjoyed the presentation by Ann D. Koffsky, an author and illustrator of children's books. She explained in great detail how illustrations are created to match the meaning of the text, and how an illustrator might develop their artwork. She also discussed where you might get historical ideas about the clothing people may have worn in a certain time period, as well verifying historical facts that can help you in your work. Here are some pictures and her website: www.annkoffsky.com

Math Review

We had a fun Math Review for Unit 7! Each student got colorful cards with the numbers of  math review 

questions they were responsible to prepare and explain to the class. Morah sat in a student's desk, and the students had the turn to be the teacher. We had great Morahs, Professors, Rebbis and Teachers come up - the kids had a great review and they enjoyed it, too. When each question was completed, the corresponding card/letter was added to the riddle. When all questions were completed we cracked the code. It said: Happy Pre-Purim to you! When the month of Adar comes, we increase in joy!

 A great big THANK YOU to Noah's Mom for coming to read to us for Literacy Month! We read an excerpt from Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Dog Days. That sure had the class laughing! If you'd still like to come read with us please contact Morah and we'd love to have you!

We earned our 2nd STAR PARTY!

 

Hurray for our Star Students! The class collectively earned their 2nd amazing Star Party for good behavior and achievements. The celebration included: making personalized, beaded key-chains (so cool), dipping Hamantashen in white and dark chocolate and decorating them (yum)! Enjoy the pics, and we look forward to more great star parties - they are hard-earned and therefor well-deserved! Keep up the good work!

 

LITERACY AND PARENTING EVENTS!

This Thursday our Literacy Coach, Myra, will be coming to speak to parents at 7:30 pm about literacy, reading to kids, and how to choose books! This is a GREAT opportunity to meet a true expert in the field of literacy. It will definitely be WORTH your time!

Here's the e-vite link (cut and paste) with all the info, in case you haven't already seen it.

http://new.evite.com/?utm_source=yahoo_mail&utm_medium=email&utm_content=text&utm_campaign=host_conf#view_invite:eid=0320AARBSZI3CI7JQEPAGM5WEFUYXU

On Wednesday, February 23rd at 8:30 pm, Chani and Rabbi Avremel will host Mazel's second Parenting Discussion Group for MOMS and DADS! Topic under discussion: When They Don't Listen: How we, as parents, deal with our children's misbehavior.

Here's a link (cut and paste) to the event posted on Facebook with all info:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=174184705958446&index=1

Literacy Month!

We had a fantastic visit from Esther's mom, Morah Irina, who came and read one of their favorite stories to us: The story of The Great Big Turnip. We enjoyed the short story of teamwork...and then acted it all out with an activity Morah Irina had prepared. Each student got a part: the turnip, the old man, the old lady...down to the cat and mouse! We had a great time, enjoy the pictures, and THANK YOU to Esther's mom!

If you would still like to visit us and share a favorite book, please call/email so that we can arrange a time.

Science Update

We wrapped up our unit on the Water Cycle with an educational and fun script that we read. The cast included these characters: the sun, ocean, water vapor, snowflake, glacier, stream, river, reservoir, tap water, water in a pipe, and even sewage water! The students had a great time impersonating, using various voices. Some of them took home their scripts to share with you, we hope you enjoy (and return them, too;-)!

We began our next Earth Science Unit: Erosion. We want to know how earth's crust, made of rock, can change in landform. We began with an experiment where we placed chalk and  rocks in a closed jar. We shook for 1, then 3 minutes and observed changes to the chalk (it turned sandy, and had worn away!). We then switched the old chalk for new chalk and filled half the jar with water. We observed and after 1, then 3 minutes of shaking the jar, the water quickened the process. We noticed that some of the chalk disintegrated (big word! not melted...) in the water, and the rest of the chalky "sand" settled (deposited!) on the bottom of the jar.

Here are some pictures of our fun experiment: