January 27, 2016

We continue to find our groove in reading, writing, and math.

Reading:  We are spending a lot of time "sounding out words" by saying the sounds and then smoothing the sounds together to make a word.  The kids are also working hard on learning the sight words.  Keep practicing these at home.  

Writing:  We are working on on "chopping words" so we can hear all the sounds in them.  (It's the opposite of what we do for reading!)  The kids also set new writing goals.

Math:  Our class really knows the numbers that go together to make 10!  It is awesome!  We will be spending a lot of time and +1 and -1 facts in the next two weeks.  This is one of the many reasons it is important to count to 100 every night!  A secure knowledge of the numbers to 100 is crucial for further development in operations and algebraic thinking.  

Snack:  If your child does not bring snack every day, please consider sending in a box of goldfish.  I've gone through quite a few boxes since winter break.  Thanks!

Upcoming Events:

Hearts and Hundreds- February 10

Please consider signing up to help! We need a few more people to help with stations to make this a success.  This is the day we have been waiting for all year!

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b054da5ab28a57-hearts

Conferences- February 8-12

If you have not already signed up for conferences.

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b054da5ab28a57-spring

Fun Fair- February 20

January 15

I hope you are enjoying a long weekend with your child.

Reading:  This week we continued to practice retelling stories using The Snowy Day.  This is a classic book and the words and pictures are so calming.  The students did a great job telling about the beginning, middle and end of the story.

Writing:  This week we worked on the last of our straight-line capital letters in handwriting.  We continued to work on telling more details when we write stories. Next week we will begin working on opinion writing.

Math:  We are getting very serious about counting to 100 every day.  Please listen to your child count to 100 every night!  We continue to practice making 10 and naming the teen numbers.  We will work on addition a lot for the next month as we get our facts to 5 fluent.

Thank you for your generous donations on our hearts and hundreds sign up.  I still need a few more volunteers to help make this party a success.  Here is the link.

Thank you, also for practicing with the winter gear! I can see a difference.  Keep practicing!

Upcoming Dates:
January 18: MLK day no School 
February 10: 100th day of Kindergarten Celebration 
February 11-12: Half days parent teacher conferences. 
February 15:  Presidents Day No School 
February 20: Irving Fun Fair 

Winter's Here!

I had a GREAT week with the kids!  Just as I suspected-they came back ready to learn and work!  I saw some amazing writing, awesome math thinking, and all around super behavior.   They are all becoming good little readers.  What a joy to see that happen.

Reading:  We are reviewing retelling stories using a fun book called Tacky the Penguin.  The kids love it!

Math:  The kids learned about Number Bonds this week.  This is a way to think about decomposing numbers.  You'll see a number bond on our calendar sheets that come home.  We'll start filling them in next week.

We are also practicing counting to 100 every day in anticipation of our 100th day of school.  Any child who can count to 100 without errors for me will put their picture on our giant 100 in our classroom.  We hope to have everyone's picture on there by February 11!  This is a big celebration and I'll send out an information sheet about it soon.

Announcements:

• Keep working on Lexia at home if you can.
• Please help your child become an independent dresser.  Practice the zippers-up and down!
• Practice the boots-on and off!  Remind your child to put mittens, hats, and scarves in a safe place.  
•  Please send your child in boots and snow pants when there is snow on the ground.  
• Institute Day on Friday, January 15th means no school.  MLK day is Monday, January 18th.

• Swap, Shop and Read is a FABULOUS opportunity to fill out your home library or clean out books your child no longer reads. Thursday, January 21st.   Please see the flyer!