Newsletter 8/26 - 8/30

I hope you had a wonderful weekend! Here is our plan for this week:

Bell Work: When the students arrive each day, they have a half page of Language Arts and a half page of Math to complete. If the time is wasted, the Bell Work scores on the progress report will reflect it.  If it becomes a chronic problem, I will be notifying you and a plan will be set up.

Math: We are still working on Chapter 1 in our Go Math program. The topic is "Addition & Subtraction".  Rounding and Place Value are topics also included in this chapter. Thank you for your help on the homework.  It will be so beneficial for the students to review the skills we learned in class each evening.
Times Tables:  We will begin times table pass-offs next week.  The students need to be studying their 0's, 1's, 2's and 5's.  Here is the order we will be teaching the times tables: After 5's will be 10's, 11's, 12's, 9's, 3's, 4's, 6's, 7's and end with 8's.  I know that this seems crazy, but there is a method to my madness. Let me know if you would like me to explain the process.

Language Arts/Literacy- "Framing Your Thoughts"- This program focuses on developing solid sentences.  Right now, the focus is on subjects and predicates.  Soon we will move onto predicate enhancers and predicate mobility.  Our Daily 5 system will be introduced this week and will include Read-to-Self, Read-to-Someone, Word Work(Spelling Packets), Writing and Listening. In a few weeks we will begin Mountain Language and mini lessons on the parts of speech.

Spelling: List number one will be sent home today.  Test will be on Friday.

Unit Study-  Our unit studies throughout the year will consist of Social Studies lessons and Science lessons.  Right now, we are learning about heat and light.  The students will be rotating through all the 3rd grade teachers classes during all of our unit studies. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

Cursive- We have finished 6 lowercase letters and will continue working through our books. After all of the lowercase are finished, we will start the uppercase.  If the students are having a hard time finishing the work in class, I will be sending it home.

Homework: Please review and sign your child's homework.  I don't have time enough to check all of the homework everyday, so it is very helpful if I know you've already gone over it.  The students will get a small reward periodically when they bring back their folder and signed homework.  Also, it is crucial that the students bring their folders back and forth everyday.  If they have lost their school folder, any folder will work as a substitute.

Art: The students attended art class for the first time last Friday.  Mrs. Petersen has created art lessons that go along with our heat and light unit.  The students will love making shadow puppets and performing plays based on the book Fables!

Music: The students go to music on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.  We now have two "Mrs. Leavitts"! Melissa Leavitt's daughter-in-law is teaching half of the music classes during the week, while Melissa is working on the formation of the new childrens' community choir.  They will be receiving the same excellent instruction as usual.

Thank you for your help!  I have a wonderful bunch of students and I look forward to seeing them in class everyday!

August 19th- 23rd

We made it through our first few days of school! The students have transitioned very well and are already working hard.  Here are the items we have worked on so far:
Cursive- We have already finished learning to write cursive letter "i" and "t".
Times tables- Working on 0, 1, & 2.  Flashcards will be coming home this week.  Please spend 10 - 15 minutes a night on the times tables. Next week, I will start passing off each childs' times tables.
Reading- Reading charts are being sent home today in folders.  Please have your child read 25 minutes every school night.  Charts need to be handed in on Sep. 2.
Spelling- I've decided to hold off another week before sending spelling home.  I don't want to overwhelm the students!
Homework will begin next week.  Watch for a homework packet next Monday.

A heartfelt thank you for the donations made to our class.  It makes a big difference!

Here is our schedule of special classes throughout the year:

Tuesdays- 10:30 - Music
Wednesdays- 10:00 - Music
Thursdays - 12:30 - Library
Fridays- 10:00 - P.E. & 1:15- Art

Parents volunteers will begin the first of October.  Most information will be sent as the time draws closer.