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January 4, 2010
Dear Families,
Happy New Year!!!! I hope you all had a great 5 1/2 weeks off from school
and a wonderful holiday season. I had a wonderful and very relaxing
vacation. I traveled to California to see my family and friends as well as
had some visitors for the holidays here in NC. We traveled to Asheville for
a few days and did some sight seeing. So much fun!
I hope the kids (and all of you) are ready to go! We have a very exciting
and fun 9 weeks planned and I can't wait to get started. In Reading, we are
back to studying different genres of fiction. Specifically, the kids are
going to be reading fairy tales, fables, and myths and legends during
the next few weeks. They are even going to be writing their own in class as
an extra special treat. Along with the various genres, we are also going to
be focusing on the parts of a story: plot, characters, setting, conflict,
resolution as well as point of view and authors purpose. It will be lots of
fun!
In an effort to get your child involved with what they’re reading, I would
suggest asking them the following (not formally, but more like a “book talk”
conversation):
■ Why did you choose this story?
■ What do you predict about the story that makes you think it will be
interesting?
■ Have your child tell you what is happening with the characters of the
story while they are reading.
■ Where is the story taking place?
■ How do you visualize the setting?
■ Does it remind you of a place that you may have been?
■ As you were reading, where in the story was it confusing or difficult to
understand?
■ What strategies can you use to help you understand difficult or confusing
parts?
Please continue to check that your child is reading a book that is
appropriate for them. If your child has difficulty understanding the
questions above, they should reconsider their choice and choose a book on
their level (use the 5 finger rule). On the other hand, if the book is too
easy, they may have trouble answering some of the more analytical questions.
After their 20 minutes of reading, ask your child to retell what they’ve
read. Are they able to recall the main events in order? Are they able to
talk in depth about the characters (How do the characters feel? What do they
think?)
In math, we are continuing to explore multiplication and division for the
next 2 weeks. As a reminder, your child needs to memorize all of their facts
(0 - 12) by February. I am going to be working on them in class, but
focusing on them at home is critical as well. Following multiplication and
division, we are also going to be focusing on fractions which is a tough
unit! Word problems, unknown variables, and measurement will also be a focus
this quarter.
In writing, we will begin our personal narratives and work on these for the
remainder of the year. My goal is for your child to "show not tell" the
story they are writing about by using descriptive words and lots of
dialogue.
In science we are going to be studying the sun, moon, and stars. The kids
will be learning about the different phases of the moon and studying their
shadows. In Social Studies this quarter, we are going to be focusing on
Global and National Leaders and how technology influences our community.
As for all the fun things, don't worry there is plenty in this quarter too!
***On January 7th, we will be having our third in house field trip, "Cosmic
Capers" to help launch our science unit on the moon and stars.
***On Friday, February 5th, the kids will be putting on our Character ball
based on the story "Bad Case of Stripes" by David Shannon. You are all
invited to come and watch your amazing children adapt the book and turn it
into a play. This day is a lot of fun since the kids can dress up all day
long and we celebrate after the plays are finished.
***On February 11th, the students will be going on their field trip by bus to
the Planetarium in Chapel Hill. Please return the permission slips as soon
as possible.
***March 5th: Multiplication Sundae party for learning all their
multiplication facts. You are invited to this as well.
Well, that's it! I look forward to another great quarter with all your
children.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Drager
ldrager@wcpss.net
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