Parent Connection

Parent Connection

February 26, 2016

Math
This week we have been focusing on word problems. We are using the RDW strategy---Read, Draw, Write.
Students are becoming fluent with their adding and subtracting within 20.
Science
This week in science we started our Organisms Unit! The students thought about what they know about living things, especially plants and used that information to make pictures and charts. We will be examining different types of seeds, planting them, and observing them grow coming up. / Writing
It’s the Final Countdown! This was our last week of Informational Writing. Students finished up their stories, revised and edited them. If they had enough time they could create title pages and add color to the pictures. The next step is for students to choose their best piece from their collection to be graded. The remaining pieces will be sent home to share with families! We will work on evidence based claims for a week or two. Then we’ll begin a unit on OPINION WRITING! Woohoo!
Social Studies
Before February Recess we learned about RESPONSIBILITY, and this week it was CITIZENSHIP. The big takeaway this week is that you have responsibilities and rules to follow as a citizen of our school. We went over the PAWS (rules) and chose one to vote on as a class. Luckily the majority of the students voted to keep the rule! They also listened to The True Story of the Three Little Pigs and had to decide if they believed the Wolf or the Pigs. Students learned the following vocabulary words: vote, democracy, responsibilities, rights and citizenship. / Listening & Learning
We are continuing our unit on Astronomy. We have been learning about constellations and the moon. The students have been asking some great questions so please take some time to go out and look at the night sky.
See if you can find the big dipper or Orion’s belt.
Reminders/News
*We had our first nutrition class this week. Ask your child that he/she learned.
*The 1st grade classes will be piloting a new social/emotional curriculum called Second Step. Mrs. Goldberg attended training classes this week and is looking forward to starting the first lesson on Monday. The students will participate in one lesson per week, with 5-10 minute reinforcements each day. Be on the lookout for more information to follow. A family connection letter that will be sent home with your child next week.
*The Memorial Art Gallery experience will be starting soon. PLEASE PLEASEPLEASE fill out the MAG field trip permission note and return it with your child next week. Also, mark the dates on your calendars. / Reading
New groups started after February Recess.
The focus during guided reading is thinking beyond the text using nonfiction stories. Some of the specific skills the students are working on include: making predictions, building background knowledge and relating stories to personal experiences.
We continue to practice reading fluency.