May 6, 2011 Update!

Hello Parents,

We've had another amazing week in school!  Boy, have we been busy.  We are trying to  make sure we stay focused and keep in mind that our learning is most important, even at this time of the year.  First, I want to thank all the moms for taking time out of your busy lives to come to school this morning.  The kids love seeing you and showing you the special things we've been doing.  I have two CD's of the slideshow left and I only made 21, so if you forgot to get one, shoot me an email and I'll make sure it gets home to you.

Phonics/Grammar: This week, we learned all about words that contain short vowels followed by a consonant and how the spelling changes when adding certain suffixes.  We also continued to practice our HOMERUN sentences, adding lots of detail when we write. 

Writing:  We completed our Haiku poems for our moms.  We also wrote two more Response to Lit papers.  The children have learned and should know that this type of paper must include a main idea, a summary of at least three sentences using transition words, and a connection or opinion about the book.  Check out those writing samples that are coming home!

Reading:  We took the SRI assessment for the third time this year to see what improvements we made with our reading comprehension and fluency.  We also worked individually with Mrs. W to show the best we can do with reading and story retelling (DRA's given).  We completed our chapter books, took the AR test on it, and began our new chapter books. 

Math:  This week, we learned how to make arrays using manipulatives to represent and solve multiplication problems.  We worked in small groups as well as individually to practice this skill.  We also reviewed solving more complex word problems.

Science:  This week we learned about animals and their habitats.  We watched an educational video about these habitats.  We created a flip book with our book buddies all about deserts, wetlands, grasslands, and forests and the animals who reside there.

Class News and Reminders...

Congratulations to Philip Jouanet for being chosen as this week's Teacher's Helper!  Way to go, Philip!

All Boostherthon donations are due no later than next Friday! Please help us out by collecting and returning these donations ASAP!

As the year comes to a close, if you are interested in meeting with me to discuss your child's progress over the course of the school year, I would be more than happy to set up a conference with you.  Just email me and we'll set up a time to meet.

Lil' Dude is going to spend a relaxing weekend in his cage at school!  I think he's had enough fun for one week and is in time out, so no one will be taking him home this weekend! (If you don't know why he's in time out, ask your child!)

Our persuasive writing activity is Wednesday, May 18th. You will need to write a note that day if your child is participating in the after school activity to determine Lil' Dude's permanent owner. I'll send a reminder that week as well.

Field Day is Monday!  Please send your child wearing sunscreen, comfortable shoes and clothing, and a hat!  Also, I've heard the kids get VERY wet. Please send a complete change of clothes in a plastic sack.  The sack will be used to store their wet clothes on the bus ride home!  We will be eating sack lunches from the cafeteria in the room unless your child brings a lunch from home.