I am sitting in my house right now listening to the wind blow and hoping that you are all safe and sound!
This week we will be starting our apple unit. We will be talking about apple tree seasons and look at the parts of apples. I really enjoy this unit because we can do so much with apples! Next week we will learn about Johnny Appleseed (and learn about map skills). Then we will learn about states of matter and fractions while making lovely apple treats. We will also be "bees" and pollinate "apple blossoms."
In math, we are learning more math games. I will be sending home directions on how to play the math games we have learned sometime this week. This way you can play some of the games at home.
We will be learning a new part of our Daily Five reading stations. We have gotten to 10 minutes of Reading to Self. This week we will be learning how to Read to Others. The children are doing a great job of reading their books.
By the way, the children and I have discussed 3 ways of reading a book. They are:
1. look and discuss the pictures
2. read the words
3. retell a story previously read
I would encourage you to help you child do one or more of these ways at home when you are doing your nightly reading time.
I will be administering the AIMSWeb Fall assessment with each individual with each child over the next week. It's one more way we gather information about your child's knowledge and growth in the area of reading.
I will be out of the classroom Tuesday morning for a math workshop. I will be back in the afternoon and I know that your child will have a wonderful educational experience with the substitute.
Finally I hope to start parent volunteers the week of September 22. If you want to volunteer in my class, please let me know the best time and day for you, if you haven't already (Some parents signed up at Open House.)