Weeks of Sept. 24 thru Oct. 5
Reading: We are now into our third selection in the Treasures Reading textbook. The first two selections, First Day Jitters and Amazing Grace were realistic fiction and our third selection, "Earth Smart" is non-fiction. Next week we will be reading Wolf ! which fantasy along with a non-fiction companion article, "The Truth About Wolves." We are covering such skills as cause and effect, main idea and supporting details, story elements, and compare and contrast. The comprehension tests, which I have asked you to sign, have been very good, so far. I will be concentrating on the extended response question at the end of each story to make sure the students are answering the question with details from the story.
Language Arts: I will be using the DLR (Daily Language Review) as a means to cover grammar, mechanics, and usage skills. We are now working on forming an effective topic sentence. I have introduced the students to the 4 Square graphic organizer for use with their writing. This method helps them to organize their thoughts and use transition words and phrases more effectively.
Spelling: The children are doing a wonderful job on their Spelling tests and homework. Please look for the list each Monday. Don't forget to check out Spelling City for games to reinforce the weekly words.
Math: We have begun the new Math book, enVisions Math. As I mentioned at Open House, it is aligned with the Common Core Standards. So far we have been working on place value up to the hundred thousands place. With much practice and reinforcement, the children seem to be grasping the concepts. The next areas we will cover are: understanding and using the number line and comparing numbers. Look for homework on a daily basis. There is also an exciting new computer program we will be using in the classroom known as IXL to reinforce the topics presented in class. This program will also be available to the students for home use. I will be sending a letter home to explain the program and how to access it from home. It will include your child's username and password. The password is the same as the one they use for AR.
Science: We are working on the Unit about the needs of living things, the needs of plants, and life cycles. There have been many wonderful discussions as the students make scientific connections to their lives. They are also learning how to locate information from the text to answer questions.
Math Links: www.mathisfun.com
www.IXL.com/signin/hts
Spelling : www.spellingcity.com
Special Announcements:
National Children's Book Week is celebrated in November. To focus on the importance of reading, the students will be bringing home a book report assignment. It will be due on November 5th. This will give them over a month to select a book, read it and do the report. I ask that it not be done on a book they have previously read.
Please encourage the children to have a book for Accelerated Reader. Many of them select books, but do not follow through with reading and taking tests.
The student of the week projects have been very enjoyable. Please let me know if you need another schedule for your child's upcoming project.
Birthdays: We enjoy celebrating birthdays, so please do not hesitate to send in treats for your child's special day! There are no food allergies.
The room mothers and I will be meeting soon to finalize dates and times for parties, trips, and special events. Please watch for communication from them, so we can make these occasions fun for the children.
