Parent Conferences
Parent conferences are scheduled for Monday, November 12th. I recently sent home a sign-up request form. Please indicate your top 3 choices and return the form as soon as possible. I will do my best to honor your request and will confirm your appointment via email. If none of the available times work for you, please do not hesitate to contact me and we can arrange and alternate time to meet. Students do not typically attend the fall conference.
Literacy
During Literacy, we have continued to work on building good reading habits and replacing "bad" habits. As a class, we named some of our "bad" habits. They include: tell me, daydreamer and page skipper. As your child reads at home, remind them to check the picture, look at the letters and think about what will make sense. If he/she comes to a difficult word it is still okay to tell the word. The tell me habit refers to asking for every word and/or not trying before asking.
In writing, we are working on writing small moment narrative stories. These stories have a beginning, middle and end. We are also working on orally rehearsing stories before writing them on paper.
Math
We are using a variety of math tools to solidify our understanding of numbers. We have used cubes, cuisenaire rods, dominoes, 10 frames, dominoes and cards. We begin most math classes by counting forward and backward by 1s and/or 10s. Most classes also include an opportunity to practice skills by playing a math game. Playing games is a wonderful way to practice math skills.
We are also working to strengthen our calendar skills. Every day we practice using the calendar to determine the date. The class has learned the months of the year and can perform the "month-arena" similar to the Macarena.
Any opportunities that you have to include math in your child's daily life is helpful. By helping them connect skills such as counting, measuring or problem solving to everyday activities, math becomes more meaningful.
ECO
Thursday morning was a cool one with temperatures that were lower than in past days. Many children came prepared with snow gear, hats and mittens. However, several children complained about having cold hands and/or feet. An important part of ECO is learning to be prepared for the weather. We will be going outside unless the weather is below zero. I would strongly suggest wool socks, waterproof mittens and a neck warmer in addition to the typical winter gear. Warm children are much happier outside than those that are cold. Please let me know if you need help obtaining warm layers for your child. If you have winter gear that no longer fits your child, we welcome donations to be used by students that have forgotten their gear or whose gear becomes wet.
Open House
It was a pleasure to welcome so many families into our classroom on Thursday evening. I enjoyed watching the students share their excitement and accomplishments. A copy of the math game we played that evening is posted on the blog under the math tab.
If you did not get to view your child's recorded interview in the library or if you wish to receive a copy of the video, please let me know. We will not be posting those videos on the school or classroom website but they are worth saving.
