September 7, 2014


Readers' Workshop

In reading this week, the students talked about the many different ways in which readers choose books (previewing the front and back cover, book recommendations, authors we like, favorite genres, etc.).  They also learned what "reading is thinking" means after Mrs. Como modeled a think-aloud.  The class learned about making predictions, making connections, asking questions, determining important ideas and making reactions to the text while they are reading.  After the class watched Mrs. Como model her thinking with a picture book, the students helped Mrs. Como make predictions, ask questions, etc. with the rest of the book.  Then they practiced "thinking while reading" with their own independent reading books.  We will continue to practice these comprehension strategies throughout the remainder of the year during our Readers' Workshop.  Finally, we discussed and practiced how to effectively "buzz" about books with partners or in small groups.  At the end of every Readers' Workshop, there is time to share or "buzz" about the books we are reading and about our thinking.  

Math

In math this week the students completed an online beginning-of-the-year assessment, which will help Mrs. Como form flexible guided math groups.  They also learned how to use the Table of Contents, Glossary and Index of their Student Reference Book to help them find information.  Finally, they completed a lesson which helped them review telling time, measuring lengths, and drawing 2-dimensional shapes, and they had a chance to play Addition Top-It at the end of the week.

Words Their Way (WTW)

The students took a spelling inventory this week so that Mrs. Como could determine which spelling sort would challenge them to grow as a speller.  They also practiced various word work activities so that they could become familiar with the procedures come next week when they get their actual words.  The students will be switching classes for about 20 minutes on Tuesdays and will be getting their spelling lesson/words for the week.  Word work will be completed every morning throughout the rest of the week, and spelling tests will be the following Tuesday with their spelling teacher.  Note: these groups are flexible and may change throughout the year.

Science

The big idea this week was that the sun appears to travel through the sky in a predictable daily pattern.  The students had a discussion about where and when objects in the sky appear, and began to generate and express ideas about what makes daytime and nighttime. 

WEX (Writer's Express)

The students began Writer's Express lessons this week, and they learned about the WEX Writer's Mindset, the Rules for Sharing, and the Rules for Writing Time.  The students were also introduced to the first skill: focus.  They had a chance to write about various journal prompts and share/respond to each other’s writing.  All writing is kept in the WEX binder and will be sent home at the end of the unit.  It will be neat to see the progression in your child's writing! 

Grammar

The students have been reviewing the following:  what is a sentence/statement, what is a question, proofreading for capital letters and end marks.  The first test will be on Wednesday.

Important Information

Monday, September 8 is Picture Day!

Each month, the students will receive a month long genre project to do at home.  For the month of September, the genre will be fiction.  The project is called, "The Main Character's In Town!"  The students will be given instructions on what to do this Monday.  Feel free to help your child as needed, but this project should mostly be done by your child.

If your child does not have a library card, now's the time to drop by the Memorial Library and get one! Students can now use their library cards at school to access the Memorial Library's online resources. Stay tuned for the next steps in putting these library cards to use! 

Look for the Friday Folder to come home next Friday!