Week 9 - November 3, 2017

Curriculum

Reading

This week we learned to decode unknown words using the Eagle Eye and Lips the Fish strategies. Next week, we will learn to use Stretchy Snake and Chunky Monkey.  Stretchy Snake says to stretch out each sound and then blend them together to figure out unknown words.  Chunky Monkey says to look for chunks in the word that you know to help you decode the word.  In addition to decoding strategies, students will begin to explore words with blends.  We will learn to read and write words with the l blend (ie. blend, blue, black, clue, clam, flight, fly, flag, etc.)

Book Baggies:
Students have 6 books in their bag (two below their reading level to help them work on fluency, two at their level to focus on good reading skills, and two above level to continue to push and grow as readers).  These bags will stay at home all week for students to practice reading.  It is good to encourage reading and rereading of these books!  We will exchange books on Fridays, so please have students return these books next Friday.  (Just FYI, Library books are sent in on Thursday.)  If a student forgets or is absent one week, they will need to return them the following Friday.  If anyone is available to help with exchanging book baggies on Fridays at about 3:15, I'd love some help!

Writing
Next week, students will begin a new personal narrative.  We will start with the planning phase of the writing process.

Math
This week we worked on solving number stories using different strategies.  Students also explored how to compare numbers.  Next week, we will continue to solve number stories and also work more on missing addends but using a number line to solve them.

Unit 3 Skills
o I can compare two numbers within 20 using >, <, =.
o I can solve parts-and-total number stories within 10 (word problems).
o I can solve frames and arrows problems with addition (skip counting).
o I can solve number stories using a number line.
o I can find the unknown number of hops between two numbers.
o I can use a number line to skip count.

Unit 3 Study Guide - You may use this to guide you in helping your child study for this Unit 3 Assessment.

Unit 3 IXL Skills - If you would like to, students may use IXL to help them practice these skills.

Science
Students learned to sort objects by different characteristics (color, shape, size, texture, etc).  We also explored sinking and floating with objects and learned why some objects float and some sink.  Next week, we continue to work on sorting objects by their properties and, if time allows, begin exploring magnets.

Purposeful Play
Students are really enjoying the opportunity to be creative and use their imagination.  I enjoy seeing the problem solving and collaboration that happens. Ask your child what he or she created!

Please see the Purposeful Play tab on the blog to learn more about our weekly Play Time and donation items we could use for it!

Homework

• Read every night
• Work on a math skill (i.e. adding and subtracting to 20 - play a board game for this, telling time, counting coins, measuring - length and volume -  have your child cook with you to practice this, talk about shapes - 2D and 3D - find items around your house, etc.) 
• November Homework - This is all "Play based" to encourage the students build fine/gross motor skills, creativity and imaginative skills.

Important Dates

November 7 - No School
November 14 - Conferences (Please sign up if you haven't already:http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0a44a4a92ea5fe3-2017)
November 22 - 1/2 Day (12:30 dismissal - no lunch) - Thanksgiving break begins
November 23-24 - No School (Thanksgiving Break)
November 27 - School Resumes