Crazy Week....

It's hard to build routines when we feel like ping pong balls in the classroom! But as usual, we were busy...read on to find out more...

Math
This week we began facts tests...the kids took addition and subtraction facts tests...100 problems in 6 minutes...and they scored their own. I will give these fact tests again in one month and their goal is to show improvement. There are many different websites that help with fact practice. Flash cards or worksheets work well, too! This is your child's responsibility...but its a good idea to remind them to practice!!

We also focused on estimation...using front end estimation and rounding...you would be surprised how many kids got this incorrect on the pretest!! We discussed which is a more accurate form of estimating...and the kids discovered that it is usually more accurate to round!

Social Studies
In Social Studies we discussed rights vs. responsibilities and people who contributed to the common good of our society. I am continually impressed with your kids...they work wonderfully independently and cooperatively...they are a teacher's dream!! We did an activity where the kids were the instructors today. Each group of five kids had to read about someone who has contributed to the common good of our society. Then each group had to decide how they would teach us about their person. What fun they had...they shared skits, songs, posters...and every child participated in one way or another! So instead of reading 8-10 pages of text...they each read 2-3 and then taught the rest of us! It was loads of fun...while learning...imagine that!? :-)

Language Arts
This week in Language Arts each child was given a novel to read. Using this novel we practiced many of the skills "good readers" use while reading. We identified "clunks" in our reading and then asked questions, made predictions, and listed new vocabulary. Each student was asked to decide whether or not he/she wanted to be best friends with the main character in their story and provide an example from the story to support their thinking. I loved reading their responses! We will continue to focus on "during reading" strategies next week as we move forward with our novels.


Important Information
Many papers were handed back today! Your child has a folder full of papers...graded papers, PTA and UES news, homework they have checked themselves, and the Behavior and Study Habits checklist. Please take time to go through the folder with your child. Discuss the grades, any comments, and the checklist. Please sign the orange checklist and return it to school with your child on Monday.


Also...school is closed Tuesday due to the primary elections. I am assigning homework for two nights...hope you don't mind...they will have to finish the three page packet (pages 2 and 3) and write meaningful sentences...5 each night (Monday and Tuesday).


And last...today the kids got 15 extra minutes of recess for their outstanding behavior these first three weeks...they deserved more, but our day is already shortened...can't spare the time!

Have a great weekend...email me with questions or concerns...and enjoy your families.