January 29, 2018

          During these soggy days of January, the 4th graders have been working hard in the classroom. Next week marks the halfway point in the year. It is hard to believe! 
          In science, the 4th graders have been learning about energy. We started the unit with a trip to the science lab a couple of weeks ago to explore and observe different kinds of energy with Ms. Yuhas. 

Since then, the students have been testing how energy is stored and released by creating rubber band racers in class. Energy transfer was explored by creating "Bumper Coasters". The students also discovered that hills store energy. We will continue to study energy in the weeks to come looking at how it connects to engineering concepts. Science is a favorite time of day!

     In Social Studies, the 4th graders have been traveling along with Lewis and Clark's Corps of Discovery. The students are creating story maps of the timeline of this epic journey. Using books, websites and snippets of the Ken Burns documentary Lewis and Clark: The Journey of the Corps of Discovery, the student have an understanding of the importance of this exploration to the history of the United States. You can watch the Ken Burns documentary through the Multnomah County Library site under resources, then hoopla to stream the movie. The websites the students used are located in Google Classroom and show the animals and plants documented on the trip. Take a moment to look!

     The 4th graders have been preparing for the All School Mass on Thursday, February 8th we will be leading. I hope you can join us at 2 pm. This coming week is Catholic School's Week and The Madeleine School will be celebrating in many ways. One special way is this Tuesday, January 30th at 9 am, Archbishop Sample will lead The Madeleine School in our All School Mass! It is a true honor to have the Archbishop join us and I hope you can too.

Here are some photos of moments from the last couple of weeks.

Closing our day with prayer.

Thoughtful Thursday

Practicing multiplication facts.

Long Hair Lovelies!

God Bless,
Jenn Langhus

January, 7th, 2018

     It was a busy week in the 4th grade classroom this past week. Our religion focus is Jesus, the image of God. The students created lovely portraits of Jesus. Our studies deal with the two great mysteries of our faith: the Incarnation (to become flesh) and the Pascal Mystery (Jesus' Passion, Death, Resurrection and Ascension).  Jesus is both truly human and truly divine. When we look at Jesus, we see God the Father as well as ourselves. We are called to follow Jesus by reflecting his words and actions in our own. Later this week, our religion focus will turn to Baptism. 

          The 4th graders are moving into more complex multiplication. The students work together to solve problems in the math book, discussing strategies and helping each other work. It is wonderful to hear the math talk going on during this time. Please continue to practice math facts. It is more important than ever to have those down accurately. 

     Lewis and Clark's epic journey with the Corps of Discovery continues to be our focus in Social Studies. Each student has researched and presented about one of the people who made up the group. Next, we will be learning about our state government to prepare for our  field trip to the State Capitol scheduled for February 22nd. 

  

     It is good to be back together after the break. The students are learning how to write a 5 paragraph essay stating his/her New Year's resolutions. This process will be used countless times over the academic years. We are taking our time and focusing on each step. Later this spring, the students will be writing an essay on a National Park of their choosing. I am enjoying the students and their maturing points of view. They are growing in their ability to discuss ideas and share opinions. I love spending my days with your children!

God Bless,
Jenn

     

January 1st, 2018

Happy New Year!

     I hope you all have had a relaxing and happy holiday break. My family and I had a great time in Sun Valley, Idaho despite the fact that there was no snow on the ground. I am excited to see the 4th graders tomorrow and get started with a new year, 2018!

  

     December in 4th grade was all about leading our school in prayer. The students worked very hard planning the Monday morning prayer services and the all school Mass. Sister Cathie came by and helped some of the groups plan. For the Mass, the 4th graders broke out into groups and after careful study of the First Reading from Isaiah, created iMovie trailers. I will be posting them on the class blog this week so look for an email announcement. 

On Friday morning before break, the 4th graders traveled down to 1st grade to read with and to the 1st graders. It was so much fun! Our class was asked by the St Vincent de Paul volunteers if we would package up the candy for the children of families in need over the holidays. Mrs. Stephens and Ms. Savery helped make that happen. It felt good to do a little work for those in need. 

Thank you to our fabulous room moms, Joss, Julie and Elizabeth for the super fun Christmas party on the last day before break. Check out the photos.