Weekly Update: January 7th-11th

Lemme

Leopards

Hi Parents,

I finally have internet at my house and am able to get back to updating my blog. Thank you for being patient with me:)

On our short (2 day week) back, we spent some time sharing what we did (or a gift we got) over break. The students were excited to share with their class. I loved listening to all the exciting happenings that took place over the break. Sharing always seems to help up build our community and help us transition back into our learning a little bit easier. I shared with them about my move and how not much seemed to go right:) They had a lot of questions and were curious about what my boys thought about their new home.

We also made an academic goal for 2013, we spent time discussing goals that are challenging, but also attainable. We listed some examples together on the SmartBoard to help us brainstorm. I was impressed with their goal setting, choosing goals that were appropriate for them. They are posted in our classroom if you would like to take a peek.

Language Arts:

This past week students read the humorous fiction, A Mr. Rubbish Mood which is an excerpt from a chapter book by Megan McDonald titled Judy Moody Saves the World! . Students practiced the comprehension skill of determining author's purpose. We discussed the four main reasons authors write; to entertain, to persuade, to express feelings/thoughts, and to inform. Students spent time discussing the impact we have on our environment and what we can do to make our world a better place to live.

Grammar and Writing:

This week we continued our focus on adjectives. We have talked about adjectives that tell what kind, how many, and which one.

Adjectives that tell what kind: brave, tight, large, small, etc.
Adjectives that tell how many: many, two, several, etc.
Adjectives that tell which one: this and that
                      Ex. You should recycle that can.

Spelling:  This weeks spelling words focused on the /âr/ sound as in the words air and bear. Students also recognized that ear makes the /îr/ sound as well like in the word year. Students focused on the following spelling patterns; ear, air, and are. 

Math: Students will be taking their Unit 6 Math Progress Check on Tuesday, January 15th. Students should have brought home a review packet on this past Friday. Please help to remind your child to bring it back on Monday so we can go over the review together. Student should bring it back home again on Monday night. Thanks so much! 

Water: Students have completed their unit of study on Water. They should be bringing home their scored science test on Monday. Please sign their test and your child return these to me by Wednesday, January 16th.

 

Lots of Reminders:

Parent/Teacher Conferences: Please sign up for a spring conference time if you have not had a chance to do so. Also, for those of you that have signed up for a time, double check to make sure that time still works for you. If the times that are available do not work for you, please let me know so we can rearrange another date/time. Thanks!

 

Scholastic Book Orders: Scholastic book orders are due Wednesday, January 15th. I tried to change the order date online, but it was not cooperating. Feel free to order online using the website: www.scholastic.com/bookclubs

Our class activation code is: GP2R9

When ordering online, you get a $5 FREE Book Pick Coupon to use on your next online order! Feel free also to send in your book order making one check out to Scholastic Books.

 

Donations: We would love for all of the students in our class to have a 1" binder to replace their current Leopard Books. These binders hold the planners better as well as papers and folders. Please let me know if you are willing to donate some binders, we have eleven students that need them. Thanks so much!

 

Optimist Good Reader Program: Please encourage your child to read for the Optimist Good Reader Program. Your should have received a note describing the program. We teachers especially love this program because it asks for students to read different genres and step outside of their comfort zone.

 

Lemme Hat Day Fundraiser: Lemme Student Council is hosting the annual Hat Day Fundraiser on Friday, January 25th. They are raising money for the University of Iowa Children's Hospital. It's easy! Make a monetary donation and get to wear a hat in school. Your student will also get their name on a green star to be displayed in the hallway.