The Important Things about....

...Our Classroom!!

I was so happy to see so many of you last night!!  I enjoyed sharing a little with you about our classroom, but there is so much I didn't have time to say...that's why it is important to read this blog at least once a week!!  I will always send a REMIND when I post on the blog, so you don't have to keep checking back to see if I've posted yet.  With three kids at home, I never know when my free moment is going to be, so I blog when I can!!  

Lots of parents were unable to see the two desktop computers last night where the "Important Thing About Me" slideshow was scrolling.  I guess I was just so very interesting and captivating, you forgot to look away!!  haha

Anyway...I have embedded each student's writing for you to see.  I had so much fun reading them, and I hope you do too!

We had a busy week full of learning...here's how it went down...

In Language Arts we focused on the text features found in informational text, as well as topic vs. main idea in an informational passage.  We will continue this work next week as we begin to identify details that prove we've found the correct main idea.  I have the kids grouped by their reading ability and all are being instructed above grade level.

In Writing we continue to write about "small moments"...lots of entries into our Writer's Notebooks.  We will reflect on some of this writing next week as we "step back and take a second look" using a narrative checklist.  

This week we also read The Important Book by Margaret Wise Brown and then we studied the author's craft discussing her style of writing.  We then used her craft as a model in our own writing as you have seen above.  The kids wrote first drafts in the classroom and wrote second drafts using Powerpoint. 

In Math we've continued working with large numbers, estimating using two strategies:  compatible numbers and rounding, and we've been problem solving...making a point to SHOW our thinking...this is not easy, but will prove to be so helpful down the line.  We will be heading into a new unit soon...stay tuned!

In Social Studies we are all about maps and globes, and today we explored the map of Maryland.  We had a political and physical map of Maryland, as well as a map of all of the counties in Maryland.  The kids answered questions using their maps to learn more about our great state!

MISCELLANEOUS!!

VOLUNTEERS:  First of all, I apologize for not sending the calendars home today...volunteers won't start until October, so its not that big of a deal, but I told you I would send them, and I forgot.  IMPORTANT:  If you plan to volunteer in our building or attend a field trip, you must complete the training on line on our UES website.  If you completed the volunteer training last year, you DO NOT need to complete it this year.  Everyone must have a form on file to volunteer.

NEXT WEEK:  The kids have off Friday next week for Fair Day.  I will be traveling to Georgia to meet my newest grandson!!  I will be out Monday, September 22, but will return on Tuesday.  I will leave detailed plans and the class will be in good hands.  Thank you for your understanding.  I cannot wait to get my hands on that sweet boy.  He was born August 28th, so he will be almost a month old before I see him!!

I hope you have a wonderful, safe weekend with your families.