In the classroom, we've been just as busy learning about lots of different things. Here's what we've been working on recently:
Reading : We know all about making connections with texts. So far, we've learned about text-to-self connections (when a book reminds us of something that's happened to us) and text-to-text connections (when a book reminds us of another book). When you read with your child at home, ask him/her what the book reminds him/her of. To make connections, students must utilize a much deeper level of understanding about texts than simple retelling would do. Making connections forces the students to not only understand what is going on, but also to apply that understanding to other circumstances.
This week, we're going to continue working on connections, to make sure that we're making meaningful connections and not just thinking about coincidences. Then, we'll move on to discussing text-to-world connections (when a book reminds us about something that happens, or has happened in the world). These are often quite tricky, as the students don't have much historical or current events background, so don't worry if your child cannot make these types of connections.
Writing : 1-Bu's 'how to' books have turned out great! This week, we're going to refocus ourselves to narrative writing forms (i.e. the students will go back to writing stories about events in their lives).
Math : Last week, we learned all about creating and solving number stories, which the students are getting really good at. Recently, we've also been focusing on gaining understanding and mastery of math facts. We've gone over the 'easy facts' (which are +0, +1, and +2 facts), 'doubles facts' (2+2, 3+3, etc.) and 'turn around facts (3+5 and 5+3, for example). This week, we'll continue discussing math facts, before moving on to learning about function machines. Please look out for a family letter about function machines later on this week.
Theme Study : We've wrapped up our weather unit, and will now move on to learning about Black American History.
Odds and Ends : Valentine Projects are due Friday, the 10th. Thank you for taking the time to work with your child at home to complete this project. I promise all the hard work will pay off when your child reads all of the nice things that his/her classmates have written. Please remember to return the heart-shaped tracer along with the completed hearts.
Also, keep in mind that there is no school February 20-24th.
Have a great week!