October 8, 2009
Hello Families,
This week...
During Guided Reading, we started our differentiated reading groups. This week's focus was one to one correspondence, initial letter sound identification and helpful reading strategies.
During Fundations, I introduced the letters "C" and "A".
We sang the G-R-E-E-N song. The children created their own mini "What is Green?" books.
During Handwriting, the students learned how to correctly form the letters "C" and "A". We listened to handwriting songs while they practiced. One favorite is "Where do we start the letters?". Ask your child if they know the answer!
During Science, we discussed the life cycle of an apple through the seasons. They created their own life cycle books. Also, we made delicious apple pizzas. Check the clear folder for your own recipe. Many thanks to Mrs. Folz, Mrs. Greenblatt, Mrs. Hochberg and Mrs. Klein for volunteering to help make the pizzas. Thanks to Mrs. Neale for donating the biscuits.
We watched a movie "Alexander the Elephant who can't eat peanuts goes to school". Ask your child about the movie!
During Math, the children had repeated experiences to learn how to compare two quantities to determine which is more. They were introduced to new vocabulary words used for comparing quantities (more, greater, larger, least, same and equal). The students learned a new classroom favorite game- COMPARE. It is a card game for two players where each child has a pile of equally divided cards. Each player shows their top card, in order for, the partners to compare their displayed numbers. They love it!
During writing workshop, the students began writing stories and/or drawing pictures. They were taught to stretch out the sounds they hear in words. If you stretch out a word slowly, you can hear each sound. I used bubble gum as a visual aid to help them understand how one can stretch a word. Now, they each have imaginary pieces of gum in their pockets when they write to help them stretch out the sounds.
Next week...
No School on Monday, October 12th.
We will be leaf printing! Your children will be bring home a notice explaining that they must bring leaves to school. Be on the look out!
Lucy will be craving the letters "C" and "A".
Have a restful, long weekend!
Sincerely,
Jennifer Faber