This week, the students were introduced to the definition and structure of an expository essay. They were read quality examples of essays written by students from previous years. Each child was allowed to select a topic from the American Revolutionary period, such as: What happened during the Boston Massacre? Who was King George III? What was Shay’s Rebellion? They then had to establish a thesis statement and four to six main points of discussion. Some students have started organizing their ideas on their pre-writing planners.

This week in the colonial town, the residents received an important pamphlet from an anonymous author asking for a united cause against Great Britain.

It was later found to have been written by Thomas Paine and he has been credited as being the first person to truly unite the average citizens and political leaders in the North American colonies. It was issued on January 6, 1776, and sold 500 thousand copies over the following two years. It dramatically influenced American opinion and led to the revolution.

This week, seventh graders, Rohan and Sachleen, gave a presentation about the importance of being industrious. The students were asked to rate real-world examples of people being industrious.

This week in social studies the children attended the Second Continental Congress. Each child was given a part and represented each of the thirteen colonies. They discussed and debated the Olive Branch Petition, the formation of the continental army, and the creation of the Declaration of Independence.

Mr. Maskell’s Math Group

• Monday (4-29) Lesson 9.10
• Tuesday (4-30) Lesson 9.11
• Wednesday (5-1 Review Lesson
• Thursday (5-2) Assessment 9, Pretest 10
• Friday (5-3) Lesson 10.1

Reading: Read Selected Books (and 20 book assignments if possible)

Geography: Assessment 8 (5-9) Study guide is not yet available for review.

Vocabulary: Assessment 8 (5-16) Portfolio is not yet available for review.

Spelling: Partner Test (5-2) Only certain students.

Social Studies: If Book Pages 22, 23, 24 (Due 4-30)

May 8: 3-4 Grade Musical 6:30 PM

May 14, 15, 16 Lower School Map Testing (9:00-10:15 AM each day)

May 27: No School

May 31: Last Day of School (noon dismissal)

On Friday, the fourth-grade colonial town hosted twenty-three grandparents. The “strangers” were given money and asked to discuss [with the students] the challenges of colonial life. The children explained their roles as craftsmen and tradesmen and shared their disappointments with the continued unjustified tax laws. The “strangers” helped stimulate a sinking economy.

    

This week at the Indiana Dunes Learning Center, the students experienced a hands-on program that combined discovery, adventure, and fun with math, science and social studies. A variety of state and national curriculum requirements were met as students explored the natural and cultural history of the dunes, that were interconnected with human and natural environments and the rich biological diversity found in the southern Lake Michigan region.

April 22-24: Indiana Dunes Learning Center

April 26: Grandparents and Special Friends Day 8:30-10:30 AM

May 8: 3-4 Grade Musical 6:30 PM

May 14, 15, 16 Lower School Map Testing (9:00-10:15 AM each day)

May 27: No School

May 31: Last Day of School (noon dismissal)

Mr. Maskell’s Math Group

• Monday (4-22) Indiana Dunes
• Tuesday (4-23) Indiana Dunes
• Wednesday (4-24) Indiana Dunes
• Thursday (4-25) Lesson 9.8
• Friday (4-26) Lesson 9.9

Reading: Read Selected Books (and 20 book assignments if possible)

Geography: Assessment 8 (5-2) Study guide is not yet available for review.

Vocabulary: Assessment 8 (5-9) Portfolio is not yet available for review.

Grammar: Assessment 8 (5-16) Study guide is not yet available for review.

Spelling: Partner Test (4-26) Only certain students.

Social Studies: If Book Pages 20, 21 (Due 4-26)