Weekly Update 10/8

In math we have started chapter 2.  We have been using flashcards to practice basic addition and subtraction facts.  We have played games such as Around the World and Snake in order to become faster with basic facts.  Parts of this chapter focus on Mental Math strategies.  The students and I discussed how everyone's brain works differently and how people use different strategies to figure out problems.  While I teach the different mental math strategies, students are not forced to use this method when solving problems.  If your child is having difficulty with the mental math strategies, let them know that it is okay if they use paper and pencil to figure out a problem. 

In science we have been learning about simple machines.  We have watched videos, completed experiments, viewed powerpoints, and read books about how simple machines make work easier.  We will be visiting the computer lab next week to use the website edheads.com to do more practice with this unit.  We will be having a test on Simple Machines on Friday, October 15th.  Please remember that the Simple Machine project is due on Monday, October 18th.  I am looking forward to seeing all of the projects!

In writing, students are working on personal narratives.  They are really enjoying being able to share stories about their lives.  We have done some prewriting and planning this week.  Students will begin drafting their personal narratives next week!

In reading, we read the nonfiction book, Wild Baby Animals to discuss making predictions and learning about the author's purpose.  We also learned some fun facts about animals such as how a baby koala is only the size of a jellybean when it is born!  We have been working in our reading groups as well.

In Fundations we are practicing adding suffixes to words.  We have also learned how to write the lowercase cursive letters i, t, u, w.  To help students at home you can use the Fundations unit 2 packet that was sent home.  Also, have students practice the cursive letters that we have learned.

The students have been working very hard to earn a class reward.  Our class reached our first goal of getting enough marbles in the jar to fill it to the first line allowing them to get their reward this week!  The students voted and chose to get a homework pass as their reward. 

Besides all of the work we have been doing, we have also been having some fun too!  Mr. Steve from the Young Consumer program came to visit with the students.  Today, Mrs. Bambara's son, Trooper Jim came to talk with the students.  They were even able to get inside his trooper car! Check out some pictures from his visit!