November News
Nov. 11 No School, Veteran's Day
Nov. 17 Picture Make-Ups
Nov. 20 Enrichment - Emily Boon (author & illustrator)
Nov. 24 Two Hour Delay - conferences
Nov. 25 No School - conferences
Nov. 26-28 Early Release & Thanksgiving Break
Curriculum Corner:
Language Arts - We are excited to continue our work with the Primary Comprehension Toolkit developed by Stephanie Harvey & Anee Goudvis. In our first lesson, we focused on monitoring comprehension as we read Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Vorst. We learned that listening and reading involve thinking and that nothing matters more than the thinking we do when we read and listen. As we read the story, we stopped periodically to “share our thinking” and turned and talked to our neighbors about our thoughts. It was wonderful to hear the text to self connections that students were able to make!
During our Daily 5 / CAFE work, students were introduced to the accuracy strategy of cross checking. When students come to a word that they don't know, it is important for them to slow down and cross check. Cross checking helps readers fix the meaning so that they do not just skip the word. Cross checking requires the reader to constantly think and monitor meaning. It is a strategy for ensuring the words and pictures read make sense and match the letters on a page. (Allison Behne)
When your child comes to a word they are unsure of, remind them to cross check.
Ask:
Math - Our class has enjoyed playing some new math games recently. During this time students are having fun and learning how to think strategically. Games reinforce mathematical skills and concepts and are an important part of Everyday Mathematics. Be sure to ask your child about Growing & Disappearing Trains, Teen Frame Games, Nine Holes and Shisima (one of our favorites)! You may also want to visit the Everyday Mathematics website. There you will find a variety of interactive games. Click on the "Everyday Math" link under the "Curriculum" section of our webpage and have fun!
Social Studies
Students learned that Veterans are special people who worked hard to make our country a safe place to live and play. They learned that on Veterans Day Americans show that they are thankful for these brave men and women. Later this month, we will learn about the first Thanksgiving and brainstorm some of the things we are thankful for. Students will also learn about persuasive writing as they try to persuade others not eat turkey for Thanksgiving dinner.
Winter Weather
The temperature is dropping and the snow will soon be falling. During snowy weather, please be sure to send snowpants, boots, hats and mittens to school with your child so that they can play outside during recess. (Students will not be allowed to play on the field unless they are dressed to play in the snow.) Fitting this all into their backpack can be tough. Please consider sending a separate bag to hold boots and snowpants. Also, please feel free to send in a pair of slippers for your child to leave here at school.
Nov. 17 Picture Make-Ups
Nov. 20 Enrichment - Emily Boon (author & illustrator)
Nov. 24 Two Hour Delay - conferences
Nov. 25 No School - conferences
Nov. 26-28 Early Release & Thanksgiving Break
Curriculum Corner:
Language Arts - We are excited to continue our work with the Primary Comprehension Toolkit developed by Stephanie Harvey & Anee Goudvis. In our first lesson, we focused on monitoring comprehension as we read Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Vorst. We learned that listening and reading involve thinking and that nothing matters more than the thinking we do when we read and listen. As we read the story, we stopped periodically to “share our thinking” and turned and talked to our neighbors about our thoughts. It was wonderful to hear the text to self connections that students were able to make!
During our Daily 5 / CAFE work, students were introduced to the accuracy strategy of cross checking. When students come to a word that they don't know, it is important for them to slow down and cross check. Cross checking helps readers fix the meaning so that they do not just skip the word. Cross checking requires the reader to constantly think and monitor meaning. It is a strategy for ensuring the words and pictures read make sense and match the letters on a page. (Allison Behne)
When your child comes to a word they are unsure of, remind them to cross check.
Ask:
- Does the word you are reading match the picture or letters written?
- Does it sound right?
- Does it make sense?
Math - Our class has enjoyed playing some new math games recently. During this time students are having fun and learning how to think strategically. Games reinforce mathematical skills and concepts and are an important part of Everyday Mathematics. Be sure to ask your child about Growing & Disappearing Trains, Teen Frame Games, Nine Holes and Shisima (one of our favorites)! You may also want to visit the Everyday Mathematics website. There you will find a variety of interactive games. Click on the "Everyday Math" link under the "Curriculum" section of our webpage and have fun!
Social Studies
Students learned that Veterans are special people who worked hard to make our country a safe place to live and play. They learned that on Veterans Day Americans show that they are thankful for these brave men and women. Later this month, we will learn about the first Thanksgiving and brainstorm some of the things we are thankful for. Students will also learn about persuasive writing as they try to persuade others not eat turkey for Thanksgiving dinner.
Winter Weather
The temperature is dropping and the snow will soon be falling. During snowy weather, please be sure to send snowpants, boots, hats and mittens to school with your child so that they can play outside during recess. (Students will not be allowed to play on the field unless they are dressed to play in the snow.) Fitting this all into their backpack can be tough. Please consider sending a separate bag to hold boots and snowpants. Also, please feel free to send in a pair of slippers for your child to leave here at school.