I can't believe we're nearing the end of October already! I'm looking forward to our first class party on Monday, October 31st. Children may bring their costumes to school if they'd like to wear them for the party. Please have your child bring their costume instead of wearing it to school (in a bag marked with their name). I will give them ample time to change before the party begins.
During the week we were very busy with Daily 5, math groups, writing our personal narrative stories, and exploring our science concepts. We took a “Rainforest trek” by following a series of short video clips that were narrated by a tour guide. After the trek the students wrote a blog detailing some of their favorite aspects of the trek. I was very impressed with what they learned through this experience. I hope you had a chance to read their blogs. They were returned to them at the end of the week. Our next lesson focused on the desert habitat. Ask your child to tell you about the “Jeopardy” game we played to explore this habitat more deeply!
Thank you for sending in the photographs for the “Looking Back” writing assignment. This week we began our stories. The students have learned to use an opening, write the events in chronological order using transition words, and to have an ending to wrap up their stories. I am also asking the students to begin revising and editing their stories for word choice, capitals, and correct spelling of high frequency words. I'm very excited about the stories they are writing and the children are eager to share them with their classmates next week.
Math groups continue to go well. We've added in a new technology component. The children are using a program called Dreambox. This is a program that is directly linked to the common core standards. It is an adaptive program that tailors to your child as they work. This allows children who need a challenge to work at a level that is appropriate for them. It also gives kids more time with the concepts they are having more difficulty with. The goal is that the students work on this program 15-20 minutes, 3 times a week. We will provide them the time and resources they need here at school. We ask that the children don't use this program at home at this time so that we can closely monitor their progress and usage time. Thank you for your understanding!
Here is what the kids had to say about the week:
Sangeeta- This week I learned about the rainforest habitat.
Sohana- I really enjoyed making a new friend this week.
Sofia- My favorite part of the week was writing my "Looking Back" personal narrative.
Raine- This week I learned that a spider monkey's baby hangs from her body.
Melanie- My favorite part of the week was getting ready for Star Student.
Annabelle- I really enjoyed learning about spelling because it helps my brain.
Malcolm- My favorite part of the week was the spelling word search.
Nicole- I really liked making the guidance posters.
Saathvik- I enjoyed writing a pumpkin acrostic poem.
Allyson- I learned a new math game called "Name that Number."
Sujit- This week I learned how to make a new friend.
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