This week, we will be widening our exploration of habitats by diving into
a study of the ocean! We will begin with a look at the different ocean zones.
Eric Carle will then lead us in a closer look at seahorses with his book
Mister Seahorse. Next, we will be learning interesting things about Weird
Sea Creatures using a nonfiction text.
Asking thoughtful questions before, during, and after our reading takes on a
bigger focus this week with a helpful animal friend Wondering Walrus.
Asking questions is a huge part of truly understanding what we hear. It leads
to deeper comprehension and critical thinking skills. If we can question, we
are more likely to make meaningful connections, read with purpose, and
reflect on what we have learned.
This week our project focus will be on diet. We are closing in on the
completion of our projects, which means it is time to MARK YOUR
CALENDAR!
Please plan on joining us at 1:30 on Thursday, March 29th.
Please enter through the front office and then come on down and join us.
Some students will be presenting in the classroom, while some students will
be set up in the hall right outside our classroom (in hopes of helping you to be
able to focus in on the child you are listening to). Please plan to listen to your
child’s presentation first and then visit a few other children’s presentations as
well. They will present their information as many times as needed. When
finished, your child will be able to leave with you, but please allow them to
share their presentation with others before you go. You will need to sign your
out at the office if you leave before 2:00. (There will be no after school session
this day). Also, there will be a very easy feedback form for you to fill out as
you listen to presentations. This allows me to share feedback with the students
later in class and it also helps students understand the importance of presenting
to an audience.
In math, we continue to compare numbers while reinforcing the 10 and some
more nature of teen numbers. We also focus in on the amount of difference
between two quantities by noting “how many more” and/or “how many fewer”.
HOMEWORK
Reading:
10 minutes each night. Reading can include reading stories, the poems in the
binder, sight words, and working on alphabet letter sound fluency.
Your child should ideally be spending time with familiar texts (such as the
printed books they bring home), as they help reinforce sight words in context
and using word solving strategies. However, these books are not real meaty
when it comes to comprehension, so they should also be spending time with
trade books (high quality children’s literature- like from the local library or
bookstore). These books lend themselves better to conversations. When you
read to them, you are also providing important modeling of a fluent reader
and a pleasant reading experience.
Math:
Remember, math should be done for 10 minutes each night.
This is a great time to play math games with your child. You can use
materials from Math Night, online or printable activities, or traditional
board/card games that have a math component.
Revisit any skill from the Comparing (G) section. We will be reinforcing
comparing smaller amounts for a couple of days, before moving into
comparing the teen numbers. IXL does not have objectives for comparing
items within 20, so this is where materials from Math Night or collections
of items from around the house can come in handy. If your child seems pretty
solid with comparing within 10, move on to comparing groups of real items up
to 20. Using terms, such as “more”, “less”, “fewer”, “the same”, and “equal”.
It is also great to practice “how many more/fewer”. For example if I have 12
crayons and 10 pencils, I could talk about how I have 2 more crayons or 2
fewer pencils. When making such comparisons, noting groups of 10 or how
far away from a group of 10 is valuable too (I have 7 gummy bears- that’s
just 3 away from a whole group of 10). When using real items you can
physically group them into 10s. You can also physically line them up item to
item to see how many more/fewer there are.
If it seems appropriate for your child, you may also spend some time revisiting
any D section skill.
