October 2, 2009

A Look Back and Ahead

In Language Arts this week we worked with the story Julius. We reviewed real and fantasy by making a “T” sheet and writing two examples of each, worked on cause an effect by completing a cut-n-paste, worked on plot by filling in an event map sheet, and worked on our problem-solving strategies by answering questions from the story. Next week we will be working on our problem-solving strategies while completing a theme test. I will send a note home about how I do the theme test with them when we complete the test.

I am still reading with the children to get them into guided reading groups…

In Math we worked on solving number grid puzzles, place value, and counting bills. We will take our unit 1 review next week and start unit 2. I will be reading each problem to the children and giving them time to complete each problem where appropriate.

Please help remind your child to study their flashcards 2-4 times per week (as needed) so he/she can move to the next level. Kathy Zajac or Kathy Cook will try to test each student at least once a week. When they have their facts memorized, they will be asked to move to the next level.

We worked on learning about communities this week. I read “City Green” to the children and we charted the things in the community in the book. Then we added the things we have in our community, including banks, schools, fire departments, and many more “things”. We started a book where the children are illustrating the things (generic names of things) we have in our community. We will continue learning about different communities in the next few weeks.

We added more words to our spelling dictionaries this week. We now have enough to start having tests! I will put their assignments on the homework for you to know when their test and study times are. Please note that I give them at least two opportunities here at school to study and at least one study night at home.

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