April 19, 2020 Dear Families, I hope everyone is doing well. I am very excited about this next packet about Insects.I hope the kids enjoy having their own caterpillar to watch and take care of during this time at home.I believe there is enough work for the next four weeks.There are a few things the kids should know about caring for their caterpillar. 1.You should not take the lid off the cup and touch the caterpillar.They are very fragile and this can cause harm to the caterpillar. 2.You do not need to add any water or food to the caterpillar’s cup.The Mallow plant food already has water mixed in it. 3.Make sure the caterpillar cup is not in a place that is too hot or too cold. 4.Be careful not to drop, shake, or turn the caterpillar’s cup upside down.This may cause harm to the caterpillar as well. 5.Observe your caterpillar each day and draw pictures of how your caterpillar changes each day. I will talk about the different changes that may occur with the caterpillars in our Zoom meetings, scheduled for every Wednesday morning at 11:00a.m.Please try to have your child connect with the class.Everyone loves seeing each another! In your packet, I have included a Caterpillar journal for you to write in daily as you watch your caterpillar grow.Please make sure you date, draw a detail picture of your caterpillar, label any parts you see, and write what changes you have observed each day.It’s always nice when you color your pictures, too. Included in your packet, you will find information about Insects.Please read the Insect information page first and complete the activity, before working on the other pages.This will give you background information about all insects before learning about specific kinds of insects.Then, each day read about a new insect in the packet and complete the pages.It may take a couple of days to complete the pages for each insect. After completing the entire insect packet, research an insect of your choice to do an Insect Report.We may choose insects in a Zoom meeting, so that everyone has a different insect report.First, research an insect and complete the notetaking stagger-book.You may add more information to your stagger-book if you choose.For example, you may want to explain the insect’s life cycle.Then, once you have completed your notes, use them to write a rough draft of your report. Have your parents help you edit your work and organize ideas together.Last, neatly write out your report and add a picture to the cover of your report. Then, use your creativity and create an oversized model of your insect to share with your report.You can use any materials that you want to make your model. We will share our reports and insect projects on our Zoom Meetings.While your classmates share their reports, there are pages to write down new and interesting information about their insects that you have learned. Along with reading, researching, and completing activities about insects, we will be reading the book, The Magic School Bus: Insect Invaders, and completing the packet.I will deliver you a book as soon as they arrive.But for now, I will share the book with you on our Zoom meeting this Wednesday, April 22nd. Lastly, in your packet is the last Math chapter on Geometry and Fractions.I have included patterns of the three-dimensional shapes.It is best to make the 3-D shapes before starting the unit.You will need scissors, glue, or tape to complete the shapes.Your parents may need to help you with this project. Again, if you complete your packet in four weeks, you will earn a prize and will be able to improve your 4th quarter grades on your report card. There will be another packet drop off to help prepare for third grade.If you have any questions or concerns about the packet, please contact me by text (559) 289-7203, or email [email protected].I hope you enjoy watching your caterpillar grow and learn a lot about interesting insects.Miss and love you, Mrs. Console