Friday

Can you name the parts of a seed? Our fourth graders can after dissecting swollen lima beans, separating the seed coat from the cotyledons and examining the embryo with hand lenses. Next we will continue the study of the life structures of plants.

Yes, today is 'pajama day.' Somehow, the fourth graders don't believe male teachers sleep in their jeans and sweaters.
Next Tuesday we will begin the MSP (measurement of student progress) which is the big standardized test for Washington's students. Earlier bed times and good breakfasts are recommended.

Friday

Sure, we learned how to brew tea in fourth grade this year, but tea alone isn't much good when it's time to make dinner. So, this week the fourth-graders are writing an essay about a situation in which they are given the responsibility to make dinner when they get home from school one day. To make it somewhat easier, one part of the meal must come from a can. We'll see what they come up with in terms of food groups and inventiveness.

We repeat-long division. Now that the fourth-graders are quite good at double digit multiplication, long division and changing fractions into decimals come next. Divide, multiply, subtract, bring down.....repeat. One is reminded of hair-washing and shampoo instructions.

Friday

While we still want students reading outside of school, it just isn't quite warm for the kind of recreational reading pictured at left. Apparently, Spring has not yet sprung. Nevertheless, we've been talking about the other evidence that the season really does exist, from lawns getting mowed to the chirping frog sounds heard all over.

Halibut is not the answer to the latest bonus question: What deep water fish is used to make the famous 'filet of fish' sandwich?

Our class is considering entering a Room 17 team for the Relay for Life fundraiser in June at the Clallam County Fairgrounds. Stay tuned for more information about this event.