September 15-19

September 15-19

Writing

We will continue our spelling practice this week by using some hands-on activities with things such as playdoh, marker boards, and pompoms.  On Fridays we will assess how well they know the spelling pattern.  If you would like additional “at home” practice there are some links on the blog under “websites”.  We will also focus on writing about a small moment this week.  We’ll generate ideas by telling 5 finger stories and sketching out the story.  Our focus is on writing a clear beginning, middle, and end.

Reading

This week students will be introduced to how to read to someone. There are 3 ways that we can read to our partner. The first way is called “I read. You read.” This is when one student reads out loud a part of their book to their partner, and then their partner reads out loud a part in their book. Students will also learn how to “Choral” read. Students will share one book and read the words together. “Read One Book” is the last way to read to someone. This is when students read the same book and take turns reading. We will continue to read to self to build our reading stamina. Teachers will also be giving reading assessments this week.

Spelling

The spelling list will come home on Monday and we will assess knowledge of the skill on Friday.   

Math

We are finishing up with place value in the beginning of this week by practicing odd and even numbers. Then we are moving onto addition. This week is all about learning quick strategies for adding in our heads. No more counting on fingers! You can help your child by calling out math facts in the car or when you’re cleaning up dinner.

This week in the computer lab we will be getting our first program called Khan Academy set up! Expect homework from this program the week after. Until then, here are some links you can use:

http://www.fun4thebrain.com/addition/pirateAdd.swf

http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/mathgames/mathman/mathman_additon.swf

http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/mathgames/popup/popup_math_addition.swf

http://www.fun4thebrain.com/addition/luckyAdd.swf

http://flash.hoodamath.com/numbereaters.swf

Remember, math homework is 20 minutes per WEEK!

Science/Social Studies

Students will be presenting their historical figures research posters this week.  We will learn more about their important contributions from all of our classmate’s presentations.  I love seeing all of my students’ individual perceptions about the people we study, it’s so fun!  This week we are also celebrating “Freedom Week” and discussing what freedom means to us.  We will identify the functions of governments such as establishing order, providing security, and managing conflict.  Constitution Day is September 17th and students will compare the U.S. Constitution to rules and laws in their own life.  American symbols have important meanings and will will learn about them. Then we will draw what freedom means to each of us.  We will be introduced to fun patriotic songs and have fun singing along!

Reminders:

September 24th: Early Release Day at 12:45 (lunch is served)