It's been another busy week in our class! I continue to be impressed...this class is full of hard workers and great listeners! We continued our study of unlikely friendships, worked with addition fact strategies in math, and launched our Writer's Workshop. We also had our first Bobcat Buck class party! Students enjoyed lunch in the classroom, complete with a fun video. On Tuesday, the class will vote on which incentive we are working to earn next.
This week in Writer's Workshop, we studied the parts of a friendly letter and created some visuals for our wall of student and teacher expectations for the year. Next week, we will begin our first major writing unit. During this unit, students will learn how to write like scientists and will create several expository booklets. On Tuesday, your child will be taking a pre-unit writing assessment. Students will be asked to create a short writing piece about a scientific concept that they choose. Students are invited to bring in a science book from home to use as a resource, if they would like. This is not a requirement, as I have plenty of non-fiction books available in the classroom. I just want to give students the option in case they have something specific in mind and have a good book at home.
At Information Night, we talked about homework and how it is used in our classroom. Students have done an excellent job this week of completing assignments! Here are some things to keep in mind when completing homework:
* When your child completes blog homework on Tuesday nights, he or she is welcome to answer the posted question by simply commenting on my post containing the question, or by going to the menu at the top and selecting "new post". While either option is acceptable, blog posts will only appear on your child's individual blog if "new post" is selected. In addition, other students will only be able to comment when "new post" is clicked.
* Every single student in our class returned math homework yesterday. Thank you so much for your support at home! On mornings when math homework is due, students will do a "mix, pair, share" activity during which they will meet with a partner or small group and compare assignments. In doing this, I feel that students are more likely to learn from their mistakes and practice their communication skills. It was so wonderful yesterday morning, observing students re-solving tricky problems and helping their peers build understanding! We'll plan to continue using math homework in this way, as a valuable learning tool.
* Please look for your child's first spelling list to come home next Wednesday. Remember that Monday nights are for practicing spelling words in a fun way! Spellingcity.com is a good place to start...check it out!
Sometime next week, I will be e-mailing with information about volunteering and a list of supplies we will need for our bridge building projects. Thanks, as always, for all you do! Enjoy the long weekend!
Upcoming Dates...Mark Your Calendars!
September 1 - Labor Day - No School
September 5 - Grandparents' Day
September 15 - No School
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