October 16, 2009

Hello Families,

This week...

During Fundations, I introduced the letters "I" and "G".  

During Guided Reading, the students practiced their "stuck in the mud" techniques.  I call words that are difficult to read "stuck in the mud" words.  I taught the students techniques they can use to get themselves out of the mud.  For instance, look at the picture and/or the first letter and sound of the unknown word.

During Writing, the students continued to practice writing stories as they stretch the sounds of the words.  

During Math, the students used their names to compare two lengths (or names) to see which is longer. Through several activities, the students were exposed to vocabulary words such as more, greater, equal, larger, smaller and many more.  

Also, the students were taught how to order quantities from least to most and vice versa.  

During Handwriting, the students practiced forming uppercase I and R.  Try it at home too!

We sang the B-L-U-E song.  Ask them to sing it or spell B-L-U-E for you!

We went on a leaf hunt, discussed varieties of leaves and graphed the collected leaves.  

We met our book buddies from Mr. Manuel's third grade class.  We will meet on a weekly basis.

We had our first fire drill.  There were no fears or tears!

During Open Circle, we discussed how our voice and words can be powerful.  We also discussed in what positive ways we can use our words.  Then, I opened the circle to any classroom or school concerns. As a group, we talked and tried to solve some problems, like bossiness, that we may encounter.  

Next week...

Early Release Wednesday is October 21st.  Please send back the blue form by Monday.

I will be at a math conference on Thursday, October 22nd.  

Lucy will crave the letters "I" and "R".  

Reminders...

The weather is surely (and sadly) colder.  Please send the children with appropriate outdoor wear.  We do go outside for two recesses every day.  

I check my voicemail once a day.  I check my email 3 times a day.  If it is something that you would like immediate feedback, please email me.  

If you need to check on a classroom event, on my website, you will find a classroom calendar.  Also, all past Friday letters are posted for your leisure reading!

Sincerely,

Jennifer Faber