December 9-13

Hi Parents,

Reading

Research on penguins is continuing this week. We will look at a few more sources before gathering all of our information into one final product. Be on the lookout for a new and informative video by Ms. Hoveland’s Class of Penguin Experts! We will finish our research project by evaluating the goals we set in the beginning and thinking how we can improve for next time.    

Writing

This week we will be doing some fun writing that focuses on spreading the joy of the holiday season.  We will be reading “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas” by Dr. Suess and then thinking of ways to make the Grinch’s heart grow and to make him smile.  This writing will have us thinking about how we treat others and what is really important.  When we are done our hallway will be decorated with fun smiling Grinches that we would love for you to come by and see!

Spelling

This week we are working on words with y sounds such as try and bunny. Words will go home Monday and we will check our learning on Friday.  

Math

We will begin a new unit on patterns.  We’ll discuss patterns and tables and what those math words mean and how we read a table.  Students will suggest some patterns, such as weather, shapes, colors, counting by 2s, 3s, 5s, and 10s.  Uses of pattern blocks and other concrete objects will help students to create and extend repeating patterns and additive patterns.  Understanding patterns also means making predictions to solve problems after identifying the pattern.  Students will identify the rule for the relationship between the numbers, tables, charts, pattern sequences, and word problems.  We will use real life situations you could make a pair from for ex:  hands, arms, shoes, bicycle wheels, eyes.  We will make tables and discuss how can extend them.  

Social Studies:

We will share our research about a historical leader this week with a “living presentation”.  After those are complete we will switch back to science and start our rock unit.  We will classify rocks according to texture, size, color, and shape.  We will discuss examples and “non-examples” of these categories.  

Reminders:

• Book Fair is this week! Our class will visit during our normal library time, but students can also go other times during the week if they have money. The Book Fair will be open before and after school but students must be accompanied by an adult. It will be open until 7pm on Tuesday!
• Life journals are due on Friday.
• Library Day is Thursday.
• Holiday Party: December 19th from 1:45-2:45
• Last day of school: December 20th
• School resumes on January 7th