Here is a little “blurb” on what we are doing in class.
• In Reading we are continuing to build our stamina during “Read to Self” and “Read to Someone”
• We are practicing retelling (Beginning/Middle/End) a story after we have read or listened to a book
• Learning the meaning of the word of the day. Students do NOT need to spell this word, just recognize the meaning within the context of a sentence
• Beginning writer’s workshops routines
• We completed our spelling inventory and we’ll be starting spelling this week.
• DRA testing began last week. They are pretty lengthy – so, it could take up to a month to complete all the assessments.
• Reading and analyzing graphs
• Place value and number sense- We are working on reviewing first grade number concepts through number of the day. They include: Even/Odd, Greater than/less than, number before/after, expanded notation, and writing the number in word form
• Reviewing math facts +1, +2, +0, -1, -2, -0
• Singapore Math Model Drawing problems
• We are learning about Rules and Laws. We read We the Kids and we’ll write a class constitution next week. We are also learning about the Pledge of Allegiance as many children were asking why we recite it each morning.
• We are reviewing Tribes Agreements- Attentive Listening, Mutual Respect, Appreciations/ No Put-downs, Right to Pass/Participate
• We are learning about Science Safety Rules.
• We are learning about Properties of matter and using our five senses.
Love & Logic Tip of the Week: Two Rules of Love & Logic
Taken from Love & Logic, by Jim Fay & David Funk
Adults set limits without anger, lectures, threats, or repeated warnings.
When we describe what we will do or allow, that is setting a limit. When we tell a child that he/she should or shouldn’t do, that is a possible fight.
o Adults remember that it is their job to set these limits.
o They also remember that it is the children’s job to test them.
o As a result, adults only set limits that they know are enforceable.
o Adults provide choices within limits to share healthy control and thinking.
When children cause or have problems, adults need to hand these problems back in loving ways.
We hand the problem back by replacing anger and lectures with a strong dose of empathy followed by logical consequences.
o Adults hope and pray that children make plenty of small, “affordable” mistakes.
o Adults provide strong doses of empathy before holding them accountable for the consequences of such mistakes.
o Adults delay consequences, when necessary, so that they can respond with wisdom and compassion.
o Children are given the gift of owning and solving their own problems.
• Reading and reviewing math facts should be a part of your child’s nightly routine. This week we will begin math sheets 2 nights a week and spelling homework. We are also encouraging our children to record what physical activity they do in the evenings.
• Please remember to send a healthy snack with your child each day.
• Keep your eyes out for Book Orders. I will be sending them home this week. This is a great way to build your home library.
• Open House is Tuesday, September 18th from 5:00 PM-6:00 PM.
• Karen Harrell shared this awesome deal free app for Microsoft Office Smart. It is usually $9.00! The deal is only good until tonight… Act fast! http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/smart-office-2/id504520620?mt=8