October 24th Newsletter

Dear Parents and Guardians,

During our literacy block, one very important time of our day is called Community Writing.  During this time, we do some writing together as a whole group, that relates back to a book we read or an experience we had.  For example, after a big book we read called, "In a Dark, Dark Wood," we wrote our own version called "In a Dark, Dark School!"  It was so much fun to share ideas and write the story together.  We work on composing a message, listening for the sounds in the word, spelling word wall words (sight words) correctly, and letter formation.  One goal is to keep the purpose of the writing very authentic, so we also wrote a letter to Mrs. Rocky's class (by vote) and asked them if they'd like to read our book, and the original story.  It was very exciting to have a real audience for our writing!  The kindergarteners read our story and even wrote back to us!   Today we completed a mural that focused on our field trip to Shalom Wildlife Sanctuary and you can find it hanging in the hall by our hooks! 

 

We are really growing as writers, this week we'll focus on telling a story part by part, so that we understand how to include a beginning a middle and an end.  See what authentic ways you can get your child writing at home!  They could help with the grocery list, or write a letter to a family member, or keep a diary/journal.  Seeing parents write at home is also very supportive!  

We will be starting a new unit in math this week.  The Unit 3 parent letter was sent home last week with information about this new unit.  This week we will be working on pattering skills, odd and even numbers, and reviewing basic number line concepts.  Your child should be able to add and subtract using a number line.  Look for Home Links 3.2, 3.3, and 3.4.  Please continue practicing skip counting by 2's, 5's and 10's, counting combinations of nickels and pennies, and memorizing addition and subtraction facts. 

We will be continuing our Land and Water unit in Science.  The students will learn about the ocean, the need for water, and fast and slow changes that happen to Earth's land.

THANK YOU in advance to everyone who will be donating items or volunteering to help at the party this Friday.  The kids are already looking forward to it!

Special Points of Interest

• Remember to bring in your pumpkin for Pumpkin Days!
• Halloween parties will be on Friday afternoon, please send your child's costume in a bag.  The children will be changing right before the party.
• No school next Friday, November 4th.  It is teacher progress report writing day.