In math, we are continuing to work on our understanding and application of place value. Place value is an important foundation concept that is essential for success in later years (for example: subtraction with borrowing). Many students are quickly able to recognize the pattern of tens and ones in numbers but don't fully understand the significance of the values. We will be working to learn how to use place value to in a variety of ways to strengthen problem solving and mental computation. I will post some of our newest math games to the blog in the next few weeks. As always and practice that increases automatic recall of basic facts is also helpful.
In literacy, we have wrapped up our non-fiction reading and writing units and have launched new units. In reading, we are working on the "big jobs" that readers have and "being the boss of your reading". Basically this means, students are learning to take control of their reading strategies and to make decisions about their reading. If there is a problem when they are reading, if something doesn't make sense or it doesn't sound right, they need to stop and do something about it. The questions, "Does it look right? Does it sound right? and Does it make sense?" are ones they are now asking themselves without reminders (most of the time). We will also be working on comprehending longer passages of text and remember what has happened in chapter books from day to day. I encourage you to continue to read to and with your child on a daily basis. Many of the class has transitioned to reading early chapter books but all children benefit from being read to on a regular basis. Our newest writing unit is writing Opinion pieces. Fortunately our class has many opinions and I'm confident there will be no shortage of topics for this unit. One the main goals of this unit is to teach students to support their opinions/ideas with evidence. I'm encouraging them to really think about reasons that are detailed and specific. Instead of saying "I like the green one best", I'm asking them to say something like "I like the green one best because it reminds me of spring and I have fun in the spring." If your child states an opinion or an idea, encourage them to give you a reason. As I'm sure you've told your child many times, "because, is not a reason".
Parent Conferences
Parent conferences are Friday, March 31st. These are student led parent conferences. This means the students will be presenting what they are proud of as well as areas that they want to improve. It is an opportunity for them to show off a bit as they all have many things to be proud of. At the end of the conference, they will leave the room and I will have a few private minutes with you. If you have concerns or questions you would like to discuss without your child present and feel those will take more than 3-5 minutes, please let me know and we can create a time for that. In addition to these conferences, a progress report will be sent home before April break.
If you haven't scheduled a parent conference, please do so as soon as you can. If the times Thursday night or Friday don't work for you, let me know and we can arrange another time.
Book Orders
Book orders were sent home in folders on Friday. Attached to each order is a coupon for a few book with a purchase. Our class earned these coupons by ordering so many books this year. If your child wishes to use the free coupon but you are not placing an order, please contact me. I almost always order books for the classroom and I depending on the numbers, I may be able to work something out. I greatly enjoy how excited the class gets when we receive new books and I like to spread that joy. Book orders are due April 3rd.
Mud Bash
Thank you to all the families that supported the Mud Bash Fundraiser for ECO on Saturday night. I understand how difficult it is to take time out of your busy weekend to attend. It was great to see families at the dance and seemed like all of the children in attendance had a wonderful time. Also a big thank you to families that donated items to the raffle and to the snack table. We really appreciated your donations.ECO
We will have ECO Tuesday. Please help your child remember to bring clothing for the weather. Extra clothes and snacks are always a good idea on ECO days. If the weather permits and the sap is running we will be tapping a tree and learning a bit about maple trees.
