As the new quarter begins we are moving into time and elapsed time in
math. The concept of elapsed time is very difficult to master as we have to
count hours, then count on minutes, move from AM to PM times, and conserve
lots of ideas about time while we work. Your support will mean a great deal
to your child as we work on these concepts. Talk to your child about telling
time, and about how long things take. Look at the clock as you begin an
activity and after the activity ends. Count on the hours and the minutes to
find the elapsed time. Practice is one of the primary ways to master this
challenging material.
This week we are using our reading block to read from History for Kids
and the British museum's website about Greek culture. These are excellent
resources with great reading connections that the children are enjoying. We
are combining historical fiction stories with nonfiction companion books in
reading groups. The children are reading and responding to the different
forms of text. They're enjoying their reading activities very much. Creative
projects accompanying our studies of Greece are providing fun extensions of
the learning and the students are excited about these projects.
In writing, we are working on writing with specific details to enhance
descriptive and creative expression. The idea of painting a picture with
words is a focus of our work during this time. We are also working on thank
you letters for our new dictionaries.
We will be working on geography and plants during November as we wrap up
Greek studies. The students are doing experiments with matter in the science
lab and we will also do some mini labs to highlight what they are learning.
We were fitted with our outfits for the feast and appreciate your help in
making sure these are pressed, hung on hangers and made ready for wearing to
the banquet.
