Dear Parents,

It was wonderful seeing all of you at Conference Time and at the play. The children did a wonderful job on their production of The First Thanksgiving!  I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday and enjoyed the long weekend!  It's December and the countdown to our next December holidays. The Thanksgiving play was a great way to learn about the Pilgrims and Indians, their different customs, and the importance of freedom and being thankful.

We have just finished Unit 2 in reading; and we are reviewing and testing for Unit 2 this week. There are no new spelling words this week.  We will begin Unit 3 next week. Please remember to send in their November reading log so I can distribute the pizza coupons. A December reading log is attached.

Unit 3 in math focuses on story problems using addition and subtraction. We are focusing on visualizing and different strategies we can use to figure out a word problem. The math facts that we will be tested on this month will be the near doubles.  These are also attached; and a test will be given on December 12th.

In writing this month we are practicing the second writing trait of organization. We are practicing how to organize a piece of writing with a bold beginning, mighty middle and excellent ending. I hope to complete our second piece of published writing within two weeks.

Our social studies unit this month is European customs. We will be "traveling" to Europe and visiting four countries--Spain, France, Italy and Germany. We will be back in time for our Holiday party. Our Room Mother will be contacting some of you for goodies and help.  While we are in Europe we will learn about the geography, culture, language and customs.  We will be "shopping" for souveniers and tasting the cuisine from each country. The children are very excited about our "trip"!

If I don't see you before the end of the month, I hope you all have a wonderful holiday and very happy and healthy new year!