Drumming and Learning the South African National Anthem

During drumming last week, we practiced Nkosi Sikelel iAfrika (the South African National Anthem) so that we can sing it to Ladysmith Black Mambazo as a tribute to their late founder, Joseph Shabalala. Shabalala was a close mentor of our drumming teacher, Mr. Yingwana.  The kids picked up the words and pronunciation with surprising speed!  We'll practice some more on Monday and Tuesday this week.  We also got some singing help from Portland blues legend, LaRhonda Steele!

Nkosi Sikelel iAfrika (The South African National Anthem)

Student Bloggers

Here is the latest entry from our student bloggers, Quy Tam and Bebe:

Everyone in our class got assigned into science groups. In our groups we trieThis week was an amazing week and last week we had a meeting about fidgets and so this week we made all the rules about fidgets. Everyone in our class signed agreement. Anyways, we also started a science unit.d to light light bulbs and our group got everything to light up (no names).

Fourth Grade Scientists

January and February have been focused on science in room 202.  We are learning about energy: what it is, how it is created, and how it moves.  We are starting the unit with creating circuits.

We also took a class field trip to the Oregon Museum of Science & Industry (OMSI). We saw the "Exquisite Creatures" exhibit by Christopher Marley, the Turbine Hall, and the Life Hall.