September 19th-23

Fall is here and we are so excited! We look forward to watching the leaves change and temperatures drop.

Thematic Centers:

This week we studied a new fairy tale. We started reading Jack and the Beanstalk and reading all the different versions of that story. We noticed similarities and differences between the stories. We also compared it to Little Red Riding Hood. We rotated through 4 main centers.

1, Grow your very own beanstalk and discuss the stages of seed development. Label your coordinating science sheet.
2. Place the Jack and the Beanstalk words in ABC order.
3. Measure Jack's beanstalk using non-standard measurement tools (unifix cubes, paper clips etc,).
4. Glue the Jack and the Beanstalk poem into your day book and look for sight words!

Reader's Workshop:

Everyone read with an adult one on one and reviewed sight words with an adult in small groups! Sight words are based on need. Some students are working with two lettered sight words and others are working with 7 lettered sight words.Sight words are still being misspelled in writing. So, even if your child is reading them correctly, they still need to be reviewed until they are writing them correctly. Once your child masters the basic sight words, we are able to move on to more difficult words like: through, could, their vs there etc. We also got through two letters in our handwriting without tears books. We are still reminding students to use the correct pencil grip. Please  remind them at home too. Tell them to make their "A-OK grip" and they will fix it. Our word work table was so fun this week. Spin the paper clip spinner. Whatever word it lands on, you must trace that word using a highlighter. That yellow color really helps our brain remember the words! Return the word study binders to school tomorrow!

Writer's Workshop:

This week we reviewed correcting sight words that are misspelled in our books. We discussed the importance of using the word wall and our mini dictionaries to spell commonly misspelled sight words while writing, especially the ones we have been over numerous times.

Math Workshop:

We learned two new math games. Both of these games you can play at home.

1. Start With, Get To:

-Draw 2 number cards (you can use regular playing cards at home and remove the joker, king and queen). Place the lower number along the number line first and then place the higher number down on the number line second. Start counting from the lower number and stop counting when you get to your higher number. As a challenge, draw 4 cards. Add the first 2 together and add the second 2 together and play the same way. You can make your own number line at home by using sticky notes on the kitchen table and writing out the numbers or trying it with chalk on the driveway. Start with a 1-20 number at first and increase as needed.

2. Subtraction Smash (two ways to play):

-Roll a dot cube. Make that many mini play dough balls (only using 3 fingers to make the balls for extra fine motor skill practice).Smash one ball and state how many are left. State your subtraction sentence that you just made.
-Spin the spinner and roll that many playdough balls. Spin the spinner again and smash that many playdough balls. State how many are left. State your subtraction sentence.

Book Buddies:
We met with our book buddies this week to read and make a fall craft. What fun!

Announcements:

1. Names are coming off red folders, so we are going to fix that by adding a label instead!
2. Please return the fundraising packets and turn in your activity expenses! They are past due!
3. We are missing the leveled reader called "Dinosaur Day at School." Please return this if you have it! We were keeping track of who had what book but somehow got mixed up with that book. We are missing 1 copy!
4, Please sign up for the kickball tournament if you can. Our grade level is short parents!
5. Do not forget to work on those parade of fiction and fairytale ball costumes!

Have a great weekend!