Third and Fourth Grade

Third and Forth Grade Teacher: Jennifer Philbin

3-4 News

The frieze of colonial Boston is complete and the class will be presenting their work to the school during morning meeting. In addition, the students have also finished creating their colonial families. Each child has written a biography about their favorite character from their family as well as a piece written from the perspective of their family member. We are currently learning what it feels like to be taxed without any say, and frankly, the colonists are angry!

 Within our soil unit, each child brought in a soil sample from home to investigate. First, we discussed what we knew about soil and then we asked questions. Using the scientific method, the students discarded information that they thought were “facts” and discovered new ideas. Now that our soil unit has come to an end, we’ll be starting our geology unit next week. In May, we will be traveling to Thatcher Park to further explore each concept.  This will enhance the student’s knowledge in this area. 

Over the past few weeks the 3-4 class has enjoyed collaborative work with our 5-6 friends. We’ve taken to the streets armed with garbage bags and smiles as we’ve cleaned up our school yard as well as the sidewalk across the street from our school. Working as a team, the students then sorted their findings by determining if the materials they found could be recycled. Some of the materials that were not able to be recycled were saved for our next collaborative project – the set and props for our play Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

The students worked together in small groups to build some of the interesting interiors of the factory such as the Invention Room.  Our students used found objects and recyclable goods to create large sculptures which will be covered with paper mache and then painted.  As you may have heard, the 3-4 class will be taking on the roles of the beloved Ooompa Loompa for our production. We’ve been learning songs and some movements to add to our performance.

Best wishes to all of you for a wonderful and relaxing summer,

Jennifer