Phonics: This week we will focus on the y and its many sounds. We will look at y as in yes, y as in why, y as in many, and y as in gym. We will have a dictation test on Friday. Reading: This week in reading we will begin a study focused on visualizing. When we visualize we make pictures in our mind. This week we will read The Red, Ripe Strawberry and the Big, Hungry Bear to practice making pictures in our mind. We will also use this text to vocabulary guarding, disguised, and especially. We will also read the text Snow Day to practice making pictures in our mind. We will record the pictures we see at the beginning of the story and at the end. Our blue reader story for the week will be An Egg is an Egg. We will use this story to review predictions and to introduce comparing and contrasting. This strategy helps us to think about similarities and differences in ideas that we have read about. It helps us to be critical thinkers in all areas of life. Help your child by reading the story and talk about the differences and similarities within a community of bees and that of humans. Also, practice the words in the blue homework folder and work on the Family Times Packet. Spelling: Our words are: any, body, by, cry, fly, lucky, my, puppy, silly, and try. Our bonus is December. Writing: This week we will talk about story shapes by using our hands to tell the beginning, middle and ending parts of stories on our hands. Math: This week we will identify adding 2 to an even number and an odd number. We will also work with pattern blocks to create a design and record on a graph. Please check the homework folder and go over your child’s homework (side B) daily. Social Studies: This week we will continue our trip “around the world”. We will be leaving from the United States and “traveling” to the following countries: England, France and Italy. During our time in these countries we will be learning about how these cultures celebrate holidays. Conversation Corner: As you continue to think about this season of giving, think of ideas that you and your children can do to “give back” to the community. You could volunteer at food drives, shop for a family, cook for an elderly neighbor, visit an elderly neighbor and many other things. This demonstrates to your child that you recognize the value of giving. Announcements/Upcoming Events: *Spelling homework is to be completed in their spelling notebook and it can remain at home throughout the week and must be turned in with all of their homework completed on Friday. The list of words will be in the back pocket of their notebook and the directions in the front. December 7th-11th: Santa Shop: We will shop at our library time on Wednesday, Dec. 9th Santa Shop: The PTO has asked us to remind our parents that money is due as soon as possible for Santa Shop … December 18th: Christmas Party Homework: Monday: Reading: read An Egg is An Egg; book bags, practice sight words Math: side 58B Spelling: write words five times each Tuesday: Reading: read An Egg is An Egg, book bags, practice sight words Math: side 59B Spelling: choose 5 words to put in ABC order Wednesday: Reading: read An Egg is An Egg, book bags, practice sight words Math: side 60 B and review for math test Spelling: use the other 5 words in sentences Thursday: Reading: read Honey Bees, book bags, practice sight words Math: side 60B Spelling: take practice test