We are making transitions across subjects this week and we'll start with an update on Reader's. At the beginning of the year, we told your children that they would be growing like beanstalks in their reading lives, and indeed they are! Because of this, it's time for us to amp up reading in both book length and stamina during independent reading. We have begun keeping a reading log at school, just as you do at home, in order to encourage more consistency in our reading. We are setting weekly goals in terms of pages read and having your children bring home their just-right book each night. Your children have been doing a wonderful job remembering to bring their books to and fro, and we thank you for helping them develop this habit. In addition to amping up our reading, we are practicing different skills to enhance fluency. Most recently, we've worked on "scooping" -- ask your kids to "scoop" words up for you as you read together!
In Writer's, we have entered the drafting phase. All of the in depth research we did over the past two weeks is now paying off, and we are beginning to organize our notes into logical, organized paragraphs. While we have been working in partnerships up until now, the remainder of our writing work will be independent so that each child is able to publish their own research book on their animal.
In Math Workshop, we are wrapping up Unit 4 and will have our final assessment this week. We have been impressed with the work being done in the classroom -- data collection and analysis is always fun, and we look forward to seeing your children share their learning on their assessment this week. Our next unit will focus on patterns and number functions. Be on the lookout for an Investigations letter home for more information. We hope you all received the XtraMath letter and PIN that was sent home last week. We encourage you to use this website as a way to practice combinations at home. Please check your child's communication folder if this isn't ringing a bell!
Reminders for the Upcoming Weeks:
- On Thursday, February 4th, we will be walking to the Children's Theater to see The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, a personal childhood favorite, and we look forward to a fun morning together. Students will read this story in Third Grade.
- Next Tuesday, February 9th, we will take a trip to Discovery Place to participate in "Under the Sea" -- a program all about coral reefs! We hope this program will enhance our understanding of what happens in the world of the animals we've been studying.
- We have had a few inquires about Valentine's Day and what our classroom plan will be. We will have a card exchange on Friday, February 12th. If your child plans on giving out Valentine's, please be sure they have one for every student in the class. No sweets, please!
- Mark your calendars for President's Day Weekend. We will have a half day on Friday, February 12th with an early dismissal at 11:30 and school will be closed for students the following Monday and Tuesday, February 15-16th.
- Room Parents (thank you!) will be reaching out soon to find volunteers for our coral reef painting later this month. Please stay tuned for this information and thank you in advance for your help!
Lastly, and most importantly, we want to say how very proud we are of the incredible work your children did last Friday with Willy Wonka. What a wonderful production! And fun celebration afterwards. Thank you for all of your support and for making sure this class feels so celebrated and loved. In case you missed it, or in case your children want to see the play themselves, click THIS LINK for the full video. Thank you, Margit Lanze, for filming!
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