This week we finished up our chapter 3 math unit on adding numbers to 10. The students did such a nice job on this chapter! We are now moving into chapter 4, which focuses on subtraction.
In writer's workshop, the students are continuing to learn how to make a small moment story. It is very important that the students are able to tell someone their story before they try to write it down. We have been working with a partner so we have someone to tell our story to and that can help us remember the details. It has been a little challenging for some students to come up with something that has happened to them, which is the topic for their story. I have shared many examples with them. Some of the examples I've shared are loosing a tooth, crossing a bridge and seeing an alligator, accidentally dropping markers on a student during a lesson, tapping the wrong dad at a store, and having a bird fly and hit my car. Please help your child come up with a list of small moments that have happened to them that they can write about for their stories. We have already done this and created a list, but it might help them if you discuss some things with them. The small moment should be the heart of the story. Some possible topics: a time they fell or got hurt, lost a tooth, hit a home run or made a goal, had something scary happen, were surprised by something, won an award or medal, etc. If you have pictures of any of these moments, feel free to send those in, as well. It might help them write their stories if they have a picture to remind them. Please send any pictures or lists of ideas as soon as you can. It will also help them to go through the story with you. They can tell the story across their fingers so they have a beginning, middle, and end. We've also been talking about writing a story in itsy bitsy steps to get in details of the moment (dialogue, feelings).
This week we started Team Literacy! The students are now meeting in small groups Tuesdays-Fridays. They are working on word wall words, spelling patterns, reading fluency, reading comprehension, and writing during this time. The students should be bringing home the book they've already read to reread and share with a family member. Please send the books back in their green book bags the next day so they can bring their next books home. They can not take home another book until the previous book has been brought back. Thanks!
We've now had a few weeks of word study. The students are in groups that seemed just right for them after their assessment. These groups are flexible and will be adjusted about every 6-8 weeks. The words come home at the beginning of each week. They can be cut, sorted, and practiced at home. The following week right before they get their new words, they are quizzed on 8 of the previous week's words. The quizzes show me if the students understood the spelling pattern or if they need more work with it. Please do not worry if I contact you about their scores. I am just contacting you because I don't send them home and want to make sure you know how your child is doing. You can assume if you don't hear from me, that their scores are fine. If there is something that seems unusual or they seem to not understand the patterns for a week or two, I will check in with you.
Since the beginning of the school year we have been learning lessons from our social emotional program Second Step. The program gives students and teachers a common language when problem solving, learning how to be good listeners, learning how to focus and self talk, removing themselves from distractions, and much more. We have finished the first part of the program and I will be sending home some home links to go over with your child. These do not have to be turned back in to me, but if you would like to send them back, I will take a look at them.
Things to ask your children about:
-What is a small moment story you can write? Can you tell me the story step by step?
-What was the story you saw at the bucket filling assembly?
-What book did you read during Team Literacy?
Things to remember:
-I sent home scholastic coupons this week. Thank you to everyone who has ordered so far. If you are planning to order, please get them in next week. I will submit the order at the end of the week over the weekend.
-We are going to Botanic Gardens on October 31 in the morning. Thank you to all my volunteers! I am so sorry to everyone else that wanted to go. If I find out the other teachers can not get enough volunteers, I will let you know. We will have a few other opportunities to come on trips later in the year.
-Halloween information will be coming out soon! There will be a parade and party the afternoon of the 31st that everyone is welcome to attend.
-Please remember to send the green bags back to school each day. They need to bring their Team Literacy books back to school the day after they bring them home to reread.
-Thanks to everyone who has already been in as a mystery reader! The kids love that special time. If anyone else is interested in being a mystery reader, just send me an email and we will find you a time.