While my mind is on Thanksgiving, let me remind you of two Thanksgiving-related items. First of all, thank you to those 1-Bu families that have already brought in food items for local families in need. If you would like to contribute, but have not yet done so, please have your donations in school by Thursday, November 18th.
Furthermore, the family turkey projects are due on Friday, November 19th. So far we've gotten some pretty neat looking turkeys... oh, I mean, NOT turkeys. Please remember to write your child's name on the back of his/her project. I'm excited to see your creativity!
Reading : Last week, we wrapped up talking about our animal strategies. Ask your child about Spoon the Raccoon Detective, Hugo the Huge Mouth Hippo, Slither the Sound It Out Snake, Chunk the Skunk, Skippy the Skip It Frog, and Hoot the Owl of Many Questions. (Don't worry, a sheet will go in your child's binder soon, explaining all of these strategies to you.) It is important that your child is searching for meaning when he/she reads. When trying to figure out a tricky word, he/she should constantly be asking him/herself if it makes sense.
This week, we are going to start talking about just right books. It is crucial that students are able to select books that are 'just right' for them - not only in terms of their reading abilities, but their interests too.
Word Study : Phonics/word study homework starts this week! An explanation packet is going home with your child on Monday. Please look through this packet carefully, and keep it handy as your child does his/her homework this week. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask. You'll notice a new word wall words link being added to the website this week, which will list each week's word wall words (which you will need if you lose the slip of paper with each week's words written on it).
Writing : Now that the students are experts about picking out small moment writing topics, we're starting to talk about adding details to their pieces. Each day we'll learn about a new way to add details. So far, we've talked about making sure to include who is in your story and where your story took place. (In class, we're making an ice cream cone display of all the ways to add details.)
Math : This is a big week in math! We'll learn how to add/subtract on the number line, how to tell time to the half hour, and how to solve frames and arrows problems. Frames and arrows can be a very tricky concept, so please don't be alarmed if your child hasn't quite mastered it by Thursday night's homework. We'll be working on this throughout the year.
Science : We'll start off this week discussing the differences between bats and birds, and then we'll move on to a mini social studies unit to learn a little about Thanksgiving and Colonial Times.
Odds and Ends : Report cards will be sent home on November 29th. Parent/teacher conferences are scheduled for November 30th and December 2nd. (Remember, these days are 12:45pm dismissal days.
Have a great week!