Phonics
The students learned about consonant digraphs. Consonant digraphs are two consonants that come together to make one new sound. The digraphs the students have been practicing reading and writing include sh (ship), ch (chin), th (thumb), wh (whistle), and ck (sock). To make digraph learning more fun and exciting, I introduced the students to the H brothers (Charles, Sherman, Whit, and Theo) and their friend (Rick). The students loved learning about the five characters and their silly personalities. Encourage your child to tell you more about these funny characters!
The students have also been practicing reading and writing words with bonus letters (also referred to as the floss rule). If /f/ /l/ /s/ (or /z/) is heard after a short vowel at the end of a one-syllable word, it is spelled with a double ff, ll, ss or zz. Examples include sniff, fill, mess, and buzz.
We are now learning about consonant blends. A consonant blend is 2 or 3 consonants side by side in a word. Consonant blends can come at the beginning of a word (brush) or at the end of a word (must). Each consonant in a consonant blend makes its own sound. For example, the word flip has four sounds (/f/ /l/ /i/ /p/). In the coming weeks the students will learn how to read and write words with initial and final s, l. and r blends.
We are now learning about consonant blends. A consonant blend is 2 or 3 consonants side by side in a word. Consonant blends can come at the beginning of a word (brush) or at the end of a word (must). Each consonant in a consonant blend makes its own sound. For example, the word flip has four sounds (/f/ /l/ /i/ /p/). In the coming weeks the students will learn how to read and write words with initial and final s, l. and r blends.
Reading Workshop
Word Detectives
In this unit the students are focusing on improving their word solving skills by being detectives who search for clues when they come to unknown words. We kicked off the unit by receiving a letter from the SSDA (Super-Secret Detective Agency) in which they asked us to help them complete various word detective missions in order to earn our word detective badges and officially join the team! The missions are as follows:
So far the students were able to complete missions 1-3 (please don't give away the next two missions!) We will continue to work on our word detective strategies for the next couple of weeks and then dive into our nonfiction unit!
Cross Checking
The students have also added to their repertoire of skills for reading words in a text by utilizing a strategy known as cross checking. Students must be able to check for meaning as they are reading. The students are learning to recognize when a word doesn't look right, sound right, or make sense. When this occurs, they need to pause and fix up the meaning. Cross checking is a strategy in which students ask themselves a series of questions including: Does it look right? (i.e. Does it match the picture? Does it match the letters?) Does it sound right? Does it make sense? This enables the students to check for understanding and self-correct when need be.
Writer's Workshop
In writer's workshop we have been learning about ways to bring our stories to life. The students discovered they can unfreeze their characters by making them move and talk as well as feel and think. They practiced telling their stories by taking small steps to give more specific details. In addition, the students learned some fun ways to begin their stories as well as ways to wrap it up for their readers. This week the students will focus on editing and preparing to publish one of their small moment stories!
Math
We are currently focusing on Topic 2: Understanding Subtraction. Students are learning how to see the many possible interpretations of a subtraction equation. This is achieved by using manipulatives like counters, cubes, and a part-part-whole model as well as through numerous hands-on lessons focused on interpreting an equation such as 8 - 5 = 3 in the following representations:
Students will later learn that addition and subtraction are inverse operations. The concept of inverse operations is used throughout mathematics in ways ranging from checking one’s answers to solving algebraic equations.
You may be interested in utilizing the following websites to help your child reinforce skills at home:
-http://www.coolmath4kids.com/
-http://www.mathplayground.com/games.html
-http://www.ixl.com
-http://www.funbrain.com/numbers.html
You may be interested in utilizing the following websites to help your child reinforce skills at home:
-http://www.coolmath4kids.com/
-http://www.mathplayground.com/games.html
-http://www.ixl.com
-http://www.funbrain.com/numbers.html
Science
The students completed an investigation related to our science unit focusing on air and weather. They thoroughly enjoyed our introductory lesson, "Air is There!" Each student was given a bag with a straw, balloon, cotton ball, styrofoam ball, piece of paper, and feather. They were given time to explore with the materials and to reflect on how air affected the movement of the objects. The big takeaways:
-Air is matter
-Air takes up space.
-Air interacts with objects.
-Air affects how things move.
-Air is all around objects.
-Air is matter
-Air takes up space.
-Air interacts with objects.
-Air affects how things move.
-Air is all around objects.
We also have been exploring our school yard to gather information about fall! We observed our "class tree" and compared it to our summer observation. The students quickly noticed the changing leaves and lack of leaves. In addition, we went on a nature hunt with Mrs. Scranton and used our senses as we explored up, down, and directly in front of us. Ask your child to tell you what he/she found!
Second Step
In Second Step the students are currently exploring and practicing skills for learning. The students will learn:
- Following listening rules helps everyone learn and your brain gets smarter every time it works hard.
- Focusing attention and following directions involves using your eyes, ears, and brain.
- The more you practice focusing your attention, the better you get at it.
- Listening and following directions are important skills for learning and repeating directions helps you remember them.
- Self-talk helps you focus and maintain attention.
- Assertive communication is the best way to ask for help.
Excellent Effort Award
Each day I look closely for students that are displaying excellent effort by working hard and trying their best, not giving up even when something is challenging, doing whole body listening, following the classroom rules, and being kind and helpful to others. At the end of each day, one or more students receive the excellent effort award. Our goal is for every student to aim for excellent effort every day!
Meet Winnie!
Our classroom mascot Winnie (as well as school mascot) has begun traveling home with her classmates! Throughout the school year, students will take turns spending the week with Winnie. She will go home with classmates on Monday and return to school on Friday. Winnie will be traveling in a sturdy bag along with her "Adventures Journal". The students will write and draw in the journal to record some fun things they did together. On Friday afternoon, Winnie's companion for the week will share their adventures with the class. Winnie is so excited to spend time with the students and families of room 102! Please click the link to see when you will be bringing Winnie home: Winnie Schedule |