Autumn

      Our classroom is really beginning to run smoothly! We are working hard, following directions, listening carefully, and having fun.

This week...

Reader's Workshop
    We will make reading goals, track our reading, and begin to talk about comprehension. Thank you for reinforcing the importance of reading at home. We have learned about choosing a just right book. Ask your child what he/she thinks about the book he/she has chosen to read at home. Is it just right?

Writer's Workshop
    One of the big roadblocks in the classroom when it comes to writing is coming up with a topic. This week we will brainstorm lists of small moments spent with people we care about, and in places we enjoy. We will be writing off of this list all week. Any conversation you can have at home about memorable moments that students could use to write would be very helpful. I may even send home our writer's notebooks this week for students to gather ideas with your assistance.

Math
   We have reached the end of our first unit (Place Value). We will be taking our first chapter test tomorrow. This test covers each topic in the unit and will be graded. The students have as much time as they need to finish the test. It will come home for a parent signature, and for students to correct their mistakes. Please be on the look out for this toward the end of the week.
    Also, please continue to practice math facts at home. We will be taking the first addition/subtraction timed test on Friday.
    On Wednesday we will begin our second unit on Addition and Subtraction. This unit moves very quickly from basic addition/subtraction rules to rounding, estimation, and regrouping.

Science
    We have begun our unit on Plant Growth and Development. This week we will dissect a lima bean seed, go on a nature walk to look for living vs. nonliving things in the wild, and plant our seeds. The seeds we are using for this unit are called Wisconsin Fast Plants. They have been genetically engineered to grow at a very fast rate for the purpose of classroom and laboratory use.
    Tomorrow I will send home a "Seed Search" sheet. This is NOT a homework assignment. It is just for fun. I would love to display any sheet that is returned.

If you are interested in learning more click the link below.
http://www.fastplants.org/

Other
    Our first spelling quiz is on Thursday. We will also continue to learn how to use the dictionary.

Thank you to our Mystery Reader, Mrs. King.

Second Full Week of School

   As we enter our second full week of school I would like to thank you for the support you have shown by signing steno pads, reading calendars, and attending Open House. If you were unable to attend Open House and you would like to come in and be a Mystery Reader please email me to arrange a date.

   We will be working very hard this week. In addition to our subject area learning we will continue to practice classroom routines, and work on being active listeners. As always I will stress putting forth our best effort during the day.

This week...

Reader's Workshop
     We will continue to work on routines while we build our stamina for reading. We are discussing what we can do to build our reading lives, and how we know that a book is just right for us.

Writer's Workshop
     Our first unit in writing is a personal narrative unit. This week we will work on gathering ideas, and writing off of our brainstormed lists. We will discuss how to write small moments that are full of detail.

Math
    This week we will continue to review place value. We will work on number lines, comparing numbers, and ordering numbers. Please be on the lookout for some important information regarding addition and subtraction fact practice, as well as, a preliminary assessment of your child's fact retention.

Social Studies
    We are learning about reading maps and globes. This week we will begin to use atlases and map grids to locate specific places on a map.

Spelling
    On Friday your child will bring home his/her first spelling list. This list will be 5 words that your child does not know how to spell (all of the words were pretested). Each list is individualized to meet the needs of your child. Please practice the words, and writing the words in a sentence (a good rule for sentences is at least 6 word). The spelling quiz will be given on Thursday, September 28th.

Word Work
    The students are reviewing nouns and verbs. We also be working on writing complete sentences, and the different type of sentences this week. Finally, we are learning about the dictionary, and how to find words.

Creating classroom guidelines to have a successful year...

Making our globes...

Thank you to our first Mystery Reader of the year, Mrs. Mash!