News You Can Use!

Literacy

This week, the children worked with words containing r-blends (cr, gr, tr). We read books about storms this week. Before reading the book, Thunder Cake, the children made a prediction about what thunder cake is. After reading, the children wrote about what thunder cake actually is and if their prediction was correct. On our second reading of Thunder Cake, the children worked with rich vocabulary from the text. As I was reading, they identified the rich vocabulary words and we recorded them on our vocabulary organizer. The children then worked to define the word and use a key at the bottom to show how they figured out the meaning of the word.  

This week, we also worked on determining the authors purpose. Why did they write their story? Was it inform, persuade, or entertain? The children learned that it’s as easy as PIE to determine the authors purpose. After reading, the children looked back in the text for evidence and came up with the authors purpose. 

Grammar Packets:

The children continued to work with sentence structure in our grammar packets this week. They worked with question and exclamation sentences. They are working really hard on beginning their sentences with capitals and ending them with either periods, questions marks, or exclamation mark.  

Guided Reading:

We will be taking a short break from guided reading groups next week. I will be meeting with the children one on one to do a second round of running records. Reassessing allows me to make sure that each child is receiving reading instruction that best fits their instructional reading level. 

Writing

This week, the 1-1 authors published their narrative writing pieces. They worked extremely hard at rewriting their story in their best handwriting and adding careful, colorful, and detailed illustrations to support their writing. The children also added an opening an closing sentence to complete their small moment piece. These will be on display in the hallway at conference time so you can enjoy them!  

Math 

In Math, the children worked with their number grids to describe and compare number patterns. They looked at number patterns for counts of 2s, 5s, and 10s. They also worked with the number line. They found skip counting patterns and practiced counting by 2s, 3s, 5s, and 10s. The children used the number line to find the answers for addition and subtraction number stories. On their white boards, they practiced writing the number model that represented each addition or subtraction number story. Remembering to use the correct number symbols: +, -,  and = to complete each number model. 

Science

This week, the scientists continued their exploration of Weather. They learned that air is all around us and that the air that covers the earth is called the atmosphere. The scientists learned that the atmosphere is where weather happens. They did an experiment where they dropped objects into water. While observing, they noted that air bubbles were escaping from the objects. 

The scientists also went outside and observed the direction of the wind by looking at the trees, flag, and grass. The scientists learned that wind direction is the direction the wind blows from. Tomorrow, they will create their own wind tool, a windsock. Next week, the scientists will use their windsock to determine the strength and speed of the wind. 


Pumpkin Math and Pumpkin Carving

The children had a great time on their pumpkin fun Wednesday. In the morning, they enjoyed a trip to the Dryden Pumpkin Patch to select their very own pumpkin. Then, they became a pumpkin investigator as they used their pumpkin to complete a pumpkin math packet. The investigators began by estimating the height, weight, measurement, and number of lines on their pumpkin. Then using their investigative tools they found out the correct height, weight, measurement, and number of lines on their pumpkin. They also drew a picture of what they wanted their carved pumpkin to look like.  

In the afternoon, the children loved having a family member or volunteer come in to help them carve their pumpkin. What a sight it was to see the children and volunteers hard at work carving so many pumpkins. Thank you to everyone for coming and making this an enjoyable event for the children. The pumpkins looked great! Enjoy a slide show below of the day’s activities. 

                                              

Star Student

Jackelynn was our star student this week. Thanks Jackelynn for sharing all about you!

Happy Birthday

Today, we celebrated Mia's birthday. Happy Birthday Mia!

Note:

-Thursday, October 31st: The Halloween Parade will start at about 1:15. We will parade out the front doors and head north on  Dryden to Fairview, west on Fairview to Bristol, south on Bristol to Rockwell, east on Rockwell to Lincoln, returning to the school  playground area. Following the parade, the students will have a brief recess period, then return to our classroom for some fun  activities. For more information on Halloween lunch procedures and costume questions read this weeks Dolphin Splash. 

Have a great weekend!