November News

Reading:
We started a New Unit: Readers have Big Jobs to Do.   This unit focuses on 4 strategies: First, stop as soon as they encounter difficulty. Second,  try a strategy, Third, check to see if they got it right, (does it look right?, does it sound right? does it make sense?) Fourth, practice fluency or read it so it sounds smooth. In order to grow as readers the students read to read, read, read. Make sure they are bringing books home to read that are "just-right" and they are reading every night for about 20 minutes.

Writing: We are writing nonfiction reports. The students are able to write all about a topic and include many features of nonfiction books. They included captions on pictures, a table of contents and a glossary. Students then share their writing with their partner to make sure it was readable.
In January, we will learn about  Persuasive writing. The students will bring in collections and will learn to explain why their collections are the best.   (more info. will be forthcoming) We have been working on spelling words that are "no-excuses". This list is on the back of your child's red writing folder. The students will get a new list after winter break.
  We continue to learn about spelling patterns and how words work. We have finished the short vowels and are  reviewing the sounds. Next up will be: Ch, Sh, Th, Wh.

Math:  We Started Ch. 8- Addition and Subtraction to 20. We will many strategies to add to 20. They include:
1. putting the two numbers together. 7+5= 12
2. Making a 10 and then adding. 9+4 is the same as 10+3
3. Adding on starting with the bigger number. 12 +3. Say 12 and count on 3 more to get 15.
4. Knowing Doubles, 3+3
5. Knowing Neighbors, since 3+3 = 6 then 3+4 = 7
These are just strategies to help them know their math facts fluently. The goal is be able to add and subtract up to 20 in their head. Being able to see the numbers in their head and manipulate them to get the answer they need will help them later with word problems. Computer math sites that reinforce these skills are:
www.abcya.com, grade 1
www.gregtangmath.com

Social Studies: We spent time before Thanksgiving learning about the Pilgrims. We learned that 100 Pilgrims came to America, but only 40 survived the winter. Most of these were children. We talked about why people immigrate to another country like the Pilgrims. Many of our activities focused on how hard the Pilgrims had coming to this country and we tied it to how hard immigrants have coming to a new place. Currently we are learning about Maps and Globes. So far...students know: map key, compass rose and how to make and read a map. We will focus on globes next.
Looking Ahead:

Winter Holiday Sing: Tuesday, December 19 at 2 p.m.

Winter Holiday Party: December 20, Wednesday starting at 2:30 p.m., parents welcome
                                       Kids wear PJs to school, bring a blanket and pillow.
                                      All school Read-in. starting at 9:30 a.m
 Winter Break- No School- Dec 21 through January 3rd. School Resumes January 4th.