Week of February 24 - 28

Even though it is a short week due to Parent/Teacher Conferences, we still have a lot of learning planned.  Here is what we are up to this week.

Math - Time is a main focus this week.  Students will be learning the difference between AM and PM and should be able to give examples of activities they might be doing at certain times.  Students will also be telling time to hour, half hour, and minute increments.  Near the end of the week we will be talking about picture graphs.

Literacy - We have finished our Folktale unit and are moving into a nonfiction focus.  This week we will be reviewing nonfiction text features such as the glossary, index, captions, diagrams, etc.  We will be using these features to help us when we start learning about different animal classifications.

Writing - Students should be finishing the letter/opinion pieces they are writing about a favorite book.  Students have been working hard on adding evidence to their writing and editing.

Word Work - Students will be starting a new Wordly Wise Unit, and due to the short week, there will not be spelling words this week.

Science - Students will be starting a unit on animal classification.  Students will be introduced to their new classroom "pets."  These "pets" will be with us for the whole unit so we can observe them.  Please ask your child what this "pet" is.

Reminders:
Thursday  - 11:30 Dismissal & Parent/Teacher Conferences
Friday - No School & Parent/Teacher Conferences

Green Dot Hotshots!

I am proud that our class is now a Green Dot Hotshot Class!  This means that, as a class, we achieved 50% of the total amount of "green dots" on the YPP test.  A green dot means that a student is proficient in a particular skill.  Because we achieved this goal, students received a Green Dot Hotshot bracelet and  our class picture was put on the YPP Wall.  Great job, everyone!

In more YPP news, we had one student earn all the green dots possible.  Congratulations, Nate!  Nate received a Green Dot t-shirt for this accomplishment.  Way to go!

Week of February 17 - 21

Here is what is happening this week:

Literacy:  Students are working hard on their Reader's Theater scripts.  Students are in one of five groups and have enjoyed working on practicing their lines with fluency, expression, and meaning.  We will be practicing this week with a performance on Friday.  I will be sending home a note on Monday inviting you to be the audience for our performance.  I hope to see you there!

Math:  This week students will be diving into Unit 5.  This unit focuses on telling time and graphing.  We will be engaging in several activities to gain a better grasp of these concepts.

Word Work & Writing:  In writing we are continuing to write opinion pieces.  We are writing letters about books and explaining why others should read them.  A big component to these letters is students providing evidence to help back up their opinions.  The spelling words for this week include:  they're, wrong, pretty, won't, and afraid.  Please help your child practice these words at home.

Special Events:
Tuesday:  Jump Rope 4 Heart
Wednesday:  11:30 Dismissal (PLD) & Spirit Day - Dress in ONE COLOR from HEAD to TOE
Friday:  Reader's Theater Performance

  

Week of February 10 - 14

I am very excited to be back in the classroom after my maternity leave.  I enjoyed my time at home with my two sons, but I am happy to be back.  It's amazing how much the students have grown since I have been gone!  Here is what is happening in our classroom this week.

Math - We are reviewing for our Chapter 4 Test, which we will take on Thursday.  This chapter focusses on addition and subtraction of larger numbers.  We learned several methods to solve these problems including adding up and regrouping.  Problem solving using larger numbers is also a big focus, with comparison problems and 2-step problems being the most challenging for students.  Any help you can provide at home is encouraged.

Literacy -  We have been revisiting Folktales for the last few weeks.  We compared two different versions of Little Red Riding Hood and students even wrote Little Red Riding Hood a letter explaining the lesson they hope she learned.  This week we will be doing Reader's Theater with several different folktales.   In writing we are working on opinion pieces.  Students have been busy writing letters to other student to convince them to read a certain book.  Students are starting to use evidence to support their opinions.    

Word Work - We have been continuing to do word sorts and Wordly Wise to enrich vocabulary.  Spelling words for this week include:  enough, together, second, favorite, and through.  Please make sure to study these words at home.

Valentine's Day - We will be having our Valentine's Day party on Friday afternoon.  Please remember to have your child bring their valentines to school on Friday.