February 24-28, 2014

Dear Friends and Families,

  It finally looks as though we are beginning to have some weather that will allow us to have regular, full school weeks and days. We accomplished so much during school hours last week.

  Please look on the wall in our hallway for the children's work. They have been going through the writing process with their "Small Moment" writings. Many of their completed pieces are already hanging in the hallway. Each day, at the end of our Writer's Workshop, a few of those who have completed their stories have the opportunity to sit in the "Author's Chair" and read their stories to their peers. It is such an exciting moment for each of them to sit in that chair and read aloud the story that they worked so hard to craft. They are very proud of their writings. Please encourage this at home! 

  Another exciting event that is quickly approaching is the 17th annual Read Across America Day, which on March 2nd. To share in this celebration of literacy, during Reading and Writing next week, we will be working on activities that center on learning more about Dr. Seuss. 

  While we are on the topic of celebrations, I am happy to inform you that our popcorn jar is nearly full!! That means that a popcorn party is right around the corner! Yay! In fact, I have told the children that they will be able to vote on whether or not the party will actually be popcorn and pajamas. We have already begun discussing possibilities! Who knows, we may decide to have pickles and poetry or some other creative way of celebrating their successes!

Math:  The Count On subtraction strategy is introduced in this unit. The primary strategy for subtraction is “Think Addition;” therefore, students need to have mastered the Count On addition facts prior to introducing the Count On subtraction strategy.  Count On Addition (5+1=6, count on one example) was introduced in the fall semester.  Students will be working on problem solving situations during this time as well.

Reading Workshop:  This week in Reading Workshop, we will talk about asking questions before, during and after reading.  We will learn why it is important to ask questions and what types of questions we might want to ask.  We will also talk about how sometimes our questions aren’t answered…and that’s okay!

Writing Workshop:   This week we will be thinking and writing about important events from our year so far for our class timeline.  We will be taking our writing all the way through the writing process.  We will revise, edit and finally publish our timelines, and finally present them in the hallway.

Science:  This week we will learn about the objects in the sky.  We will observe the sun during the morning, noon and afternoon and notice that how the position of the sun seems to change in the sky. We will learn about the moon and the stars and how the moon appears to change in the night sky.  This week we will be the super scientists who make careful observations and record their observations in their journal.

Habit #1:  Be Proactive.  I am responsible.  I am in charge of my actions.  I choose my actions, attitude, and mood. 

Reminders:

*Please remember to send a healthy snack every day.  Snack time is @ 9:30am.