Week 13 - December 1, 2017

Curriculum

Reading

This week and next week, our reading focus is on reading fluently.  This week we discussed how fluent readers read accurately and at a good pace (not too fast or too slow).  In addition, students learned to read/write words with the h brother digraphs (sh, ch, ph, wh, gh, th).

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. 

Writing
Next week in writing, we will begin our How To writing unit.  Students will explore mentor texts to decide what they will need to include in their own how to book.  Then we will generate some ideas on how to topics.

Math
We began unit 4 this week.  Students learned about measurement.  Students have been practicing measuring with non-standard units.  For example, they measured items around the room using pencils and paper clips.  How many pencils long is...? Next week we will learn to add three numbers together.  Students will focus on using making 10 and doubles to help them add three numbers.

Unit 4 Skills
o I can add three numbers using different strategies (make 10 or doubles).
o I can use strategies to solve facts within 10.
o I can put objects in order by length.
o I can measure the length of an object using nonstandard units.
o I can answer questions about data in a tally chart or bar graph.
o I can represent number stories using a number model.
o I can add and subtract 10 from any number.

Unit 4 Study Guide - You may use this to guide you in helping your child study for this Unit 3 Assessment.

Unit 4 IXL Skills - If you would like to, students may use IXL to help them practice these skills.

Social Studies
Students began exploring what a family is this week.  We will continue to discuss what makes a family over the next few weeks.  We will learn about the traditions of families, roles/responsibilities of different family members and who the members of a family are.

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

December 21 - Holiday Party (9:30-10:15) - More information to come
December 25 - Winter Break Begins
December 25-January 7 - No School - Winter Break
January 8 - School Resumes