Circle Letter 10/24/14

October 24, 2014

Dear Families,

         Wow what a crazy and wet weather week it has been!  Curiously enough, we also have just started our Weather Unit for Theme work.

         In our math class we have been reviewing and practicing three digit addition and subtraction methods.  If you noticed your kiddo struggling on math home links, I suggest you make up a few math problems to practice for the next several days.  (ex: 654 – 499)  It will benefit them in the long run.  We have moved on to Unit 3, which focuses on linear measurement.  Good idea to have a ruler available with both inch and centimeter for upcoming math homework.  Another thing to practice could be measuring things to the nearest ½ in.  Thanks for the support.

         Our class is knee deep in the writing process. All students are drafting their second personal narrative.  They are developing leads, working with “showing not telling” and adding dialogue. In addition they have been sharing and getting feedback from their writing partners. Well done to our student writers.

         During our computer time on Thursday students were introduced to Type to Learn, which is an interactive typing program to help kids practice key boarding skills. Our character study in reading is now underway and we have the pleasure of reading Matilda by Roald Dahl together for our class character book study.  This author sure does entertain! J

         Our first round of conferences begins next week.  Please find your reminder slip if we are to meet next week.  And lastly, next Friday morning we are having our grade level Fall Festival. Thank you in advance for supporting this event by volunteering or contributing a small pumpkin or two.  Enjoy the weekend!

Circle Letter 10/17/14

October 17, 2014

               Dear Families,

Wow… two 4-day weeks back to back make the school days all the more busy trying squeeze it all in. This week in math we have focused on three digit addition and subtraction, with regrouping.  These are just plain hard concepts until they become mastered.  Thank you for the continued home support with checking math homework and understanding.

          We have just finished our first read aloud book, Poppy.  The conclusion was loaded with action and cleverly solved the problem.   Get the scoop from your child.  Read aloud offers great opportunity for whole class book discussions, predictions, wonderings, questioning ideas or character motives… all great skills that can be transferred to students’ own reading and books.  Monday we will begin our Character Unit Study.  I’d like to set up a few small book groups during this unit, where the readers read alone but discuss their books’ characters together.  If you are interested and can commit to 4 -5 Thursdays in a row at 1:30… please reach out!  Sophie’s Dad is already on board which is wonderful. Thanks in advance for considering this…

     Our Earth and Geography study is on its last bend withvour focus on map skills.  We have been looking at and designing maps in class and now each student is asked to do the same at home. The maps should be brought in on Monday. And we hope you like the enclosed Earth Simile poem!                                    Written and typed by your child!

     Lastly, our first round of parent/teacher conferences is coming up.  I’ll send home a reminder of your time.  We only have 15 minutes to talk so please come on time with your questions, observations and concerns.  Looking forward to it…                   In the meantime, enjoy the weekend

Circle Letter 10/01/2014

October 2, 2014

Dear Families,

        It has been a wonderful beginning to October and a fast week for us here at school.   We have had an interesting week of Earth and Geography Study.  This week, while we continue our continent research, we have also included a study of land formations.   A most interesting one we have come across is an “isthmus”… mostly because we like having it roll off our tongues.  Not sure what an isthmus is? … ask your kiddo!   We also will begin making the base for our Earth globes and are getting ready to paper mache next week.  We would love parent volunteers for this (messy!) activity.  Interested…?  Please send in a note!

    In Math we have moved on to Unit 2.  This unit builds upon addition and subtraction fact knowledge taught in second grade.  Being able to recall the basic facts correctly and quickly will serve each student well.  You could help at home with playing card games involving adding numbers.  The EveryDay Math site has some fun one as well. 

    We continue to build and talk about good reading habits during our Reading Workshop time.   Lots of thought into choosing books that interest us as readers, good discussion about why readers might abandon a book, and the importance of reading wide awake and alert.  Our read aloud, Poppy, continues to offer great opportunity to talk and share our thinking about the plot, character motives, problems and possible solutions.  The book talks continue to be lively and interesting. 

            Lastly, next week is Fire Prevention Week.  Our class will walk down to the fire station on Thursday afternoon for review of fire safety and to check out the fire trucks. Also just a reminder that next Friday is a Staff Development Day (no school for kids) and Monday is holiday! 

Enjoy the weekend~