Classroom News

     We're cruising through the year and quickly approaching the end of the 
first quarter. Please make sure students are taking the time to check over 
the homework and get it into school on time. It is also very important for 
students to have a quiet working area to complete their homework.  
     In Math, we finished up our unit on addition and subtraction and have 
begun the next unit of graphing. This week we will be learning how to make 
line graphs. In Language, we will be taking a quiz on nouns. This will cover 
identifying nouns, singular and plural, common and proper, and possessive 
nouns. We have been working on personal narratives in Writer's Workshop and 
have begun editing and publishing these writing pieces. In Science, we are 
continuing to learn the scientific method through experiments. The 
experiments focus on important behaviors scientist use such as: making 
observations, following procedures, and making predictions. In Social 
Studies, we completed the first chapter learning about the geography and 
resources of our state. 
     In Reading Workshop, the students have begun writing letters to the 
teacher about the books they are reading, as well as, completing "Think 
Marks". Think Marks are like book marks that students fill out while they are 
reading their book. They write down what they are thinking about while they 
read. For example, what they picture or visualize, predictions, questions 
they are wondering, things they are noticing about the characters, 
connections with the book, or anything they are figuring out along the way.  
The students use these to write a part of their letter and turn them into me. 
     As we get into the cooler weather, the students have been told to wear 
appropriate clothing to school, including coats for recess. We go outside for 
recess in the middle of the day, which has been very chilly.  Even on days 
when they call for a high of 70, it hasn't felt that warm.  I also reminded 
students to bring a light layer to school to have at their seat if they feel 
cold. 
     I will be sending home reminder notices for parent-teacher conferences 
in a little bit. Please be courteous to the other parents and arrive a few 
minutes early so we can stick to the schedule. If you need to cancel or make 
a change, please contact the main office. I look forward to seeing you all.
      
     Enjoy the fall weather and colors! Let's hope that winter doesn't come 
too early!