I'm Back!

Well, back to the blog that is.  As many of you probably heard, I had a baby boy last Sunday.  Nathan is doing very well and our family is adjusting to another member.  I still plan on updating this blog every week.  I talk with and email Mrs. Wilke, so I will be able to keep the blog up to date with the learning that is happening in the classroom.  I heard that the class was very helpful this week!  Keep it up!  I like hearing all of the great things you are doing!

Last Week's Learning

Last week in math we continued to work on more complex story problems.  We explored problems with extra information, not enough information, and hidden information.  This week be on the lookout for some homework on these types of problems.  Please have your child explain their thinking to you and explain how they solved the problem.  If everything goes as planned, we should have our Unit 1 Test on Friday.

For literacy we focused on identifying the characters, setting, problem, and solution in several fiction stories.  Please continue reading with your child at home and asking them questions about what they read.  In writing we are still exploring personal narratives and adding details to our stories.  It is wonderful to read stories where the students are beginning to apply this skill.

We had a special presentation put on by the Neenah-Menasha Fire Department.  Students learned about what to do in case of a fire.  They also got to see a fire truck and explore both the inside and outside.  Below are some pictures from the fire presentation.

It was wonderful to see everyone at Parent/Teacher Conferences.  Thank you for taking the time to be involved in your child's education!

Spelling Words for the week of October 14th 

same

also

three

well

such  

Reminder

Wednesday, October 16th is Grandparent's Day and an 11:30 Dismissal.  Please make sure Grandparents have their ticket when they arrive.

A Look Back & Ahead

Last week we learned a little bit about schema (prior or background knowledge).  We discussed why it is important to activate our schema before reading and how it will help us better understand what we read.  We did several schema activities including a lint roller activity, listening to songs, brainstorming, and making connections to what we read.  In writing, we are continuing our work on narrative writing including stretching a story out across the pages and focusing on adding details to our writing.  In the picture below, students used a lint roller to help illustrate that everyone's schema is different because we all have different experiences.

In math we worked on problem solving.  We focused on compare story problems.  Please continue to work with your child on their math facts and on any homework that comes home.  Your assistance is greatly appreciated!

In Social Studies we began learning about communities.  We learned what a community is and about three types of communities.  Ask your child to tell you about communities!  We will be continuing our learning about communities for the next few weeks.  The pictures below show how students worked together to show their knowledge of different community types.

A look ahead...

This week's spelling words are: time, find, long, must, and give.  Since we do not have school on Friday, we will take our spelling test on Thursday this week.  Please make sure to study these words at home.

I will not be sending home a book order for the month of October because of the Book Fair taking place at Spring Road from October 7-11 and October 16th.  Please refer to the Spring Road Website for more information about the book fair and spirit (dress up) days.

Monday: Character Education Lesson
Tuesday: Mrs. Wilke, my long-term substitute, will meet our class and shadow me
Wednesday:  Fire Safety Presentation & Parent Teacher Conferences
Thursday:  2:15 Early Dismissal & Parent Teacher Conferences
Friday:  NO SCHOOL & Parent Teacher Conferences