In reading this week the class reviewed how to write summaries of text. We also talked about our reading "identity" and what we look for when choosing books. I will be checking bookmarks every day next week. Please make sure your child is reading most evenings for 20 or more minutes. Initials on the bookmark are still not mandatory, however, if I see there are few pages recorded on the bookmark this may become a requirement for some children. As always, if you prefer to sign the bookmark, you are more than welcome to do so.
Writing
This week in writing, we reviewed when and where to elaborate in our stories. We had to back up a bit and draft one more realistic fiction story before we can begin Information writing.
We also talked a lot about complex sentences and ways to consolidate shorter sentences.
Math
Subtraction has been our focus this week as we reviewed all the strategies we have learned for both addition and subtraction. Many students were utilizing what they know about addition. This is a great connection to make, however, several were making errors. I think we cleared up the confusion this week. Here is one example:
Addition
Subtraction
Students also brought home a new game today, How Far From 100. Be sure to check it out this weekend. Digit cards can easily be made with scrap paper at home or a deck of cards can be used as well.
Conferences
Information for conference schedules came home today. Please review the document your child brought home and respond if necessary. I'm looking forward to reviewing your child's report card together and discussing progress and steps forward.
Feelin' Good Mileage Club is here! Don't forget to sign up your child for Mileage Club. The deadline to register is March 6, 2017.
Rising Writers Club only has a few spots left! Register today!
In case you still need the names of students in our class, here is a list below. Please note, we welcomed a new student this week! Welcome, Nathanyl. :)
Trent
Aliyah
Emmalee
Mason
Kendall
Maddison
Maddy Jane
Michael
Anthony
Logan
Kristen
Tristan
Sydney
Rayden
Nathanyl
Kendon
Owen
Maddie
Celina
Drew
Jordyn
Presten
Graci
As your child probably mentioned, we will be exchanging valentines next Tuesday and doing some fun activities in the afternoon. I will be providing a little treat and ask that you please refrain from sending in any candy (unless you provide the ingredients list--required). Also, please do not send in cupcakes, cookies or treats. As I have mentioned in the past, all the students in our classroom have special needs of one sort or the other and some of those include allergies. Please respect my request to not send in additional treats. You have all been amazing parents to work with on this so far this year and I appreciate your continuous support.
I have a lot of updates for you in this post. Please read all the way to the end! As always, if you have any questions send them my way. :)
Mileage Club
Feelin' Good Mileage Club is here! Don't forget to sign up your child for Mileage Club. The deadline to register is March 6, 2017. The opportunity to run/walk will be offered during recess and gym class from early April through May. Information is coming home today in your child's STAR Binder. You can also check out the info on their website and register your child online. Click here.
Book Fair
Book fair will be starting up on February 27th-March 10th. Family nights are Mon Feb 27th and March 7th from 5:30-8:00 in the FPE library.
Rising Writers Club
Your child has an opportunity to join the Rising Writers Club! We talked about some of the details today. If your child is interested in joining there is a lot in store. Take a look at the registration form (click here) and watch the video at the bottom of the electronic form as well as below. Paper registration forms were also sent home today! If you are unable to use the electronic version, please fill it out and return it early next week.
Donations/Food Drive
We will be collecting food donations next week for the Good Shepherd program. Below is the donation schedule. There was also a form sent home today in your child's STAR Binder.
Monday- Mac/Cheese Tuesday-Canned Pasta Wednesday-Canned Fruit/Veggie Thursday-Snacks (applesauce, granola bars, etc.) Friday-Peanut Butter and Jelly (Please send in plastic jars only)
Math
Students created a 1,000 chart this week and used it solve addition problems with two-three digit numbers. We have talked about several strategies for solving addition/subtraction problems using different tools and mental math. You should have received three games in the past three weeks. They are: Capture 5, Close to 100, and Go Collecting (Go Collecting was sent today). Continue to use websites like Greg Tang Math, Math Salamander, and TenMarks!
Reading
This week we spent time talking about point of view and perspective. The class learned that there are different things to look for when determining who is telling the story and that each narrator (inside or outside of the story) has their own perspective of a situation. We will begin talking about our own perspective in relationship to characters' perspectives next week. The purpose of lessons like this is to encourage students to think more deeply about text. Why did the author use that word? Why did that character say or do that? When we ask questions about character motives and the tone of a story we begin to understand the main idea as well as the theme or message of a book. These are complex ways of thinking and allow us, as readers, to better understand the story and it's parallels to life.
Writing
We also explored point of view and perspective in relationship to writing this week. Students each wrote short stories from the perspective of an object, animal, or person other than themselves. Below is an example of one student's story, written from the perspective of a pen.
Social Studies
This week and last we talked about French Explorers and their relationship with the Native Americans. Ask your child about the fur trade and what was the most popular item traded here in Michigan. Also, ask them what life as a voyageur was like long ago.
I hope you all have a great weekend! We accomplished a lot.
