Where do all the animals go for the winter? They can't all hang out at the Bluffs. Please have your child collect beautiful fall leaves this week. Press them in a book you don't love (not one of our class books!) and bring them in Friday for a craft. Hello there,
Sorry for the lack of posting last week. It was a crazy week that included Progress Report writing, Halloween, and a cold that left me in a zombie-like state for the best part of the week. Nevertheless, we did a lot of work in class. I'm hearing all kinds of wonderful feedback about how your children are adding and subtracting like there's no tomorrow. It's so nice when the light switches on and kids get it. Bravo to our twos who are tackling double digit numbers for the first time.
Here's what we're working on this week:
Reading: Guided Reading groups took the back burner last week. We will resume this week and I will be conducting running records to check in on where reading levels are currently at. We will be reading recipes and other forms of procedure writing to support our unit on procedure writing, which will begin as soon as students have completed their personal recounts.
Writing: 1. Students are at various stages in their recount writing. Some have completed their recounts, while others are still in the planning stage. I'm hoping that we'll all be done by the end of the week. Students who are done will be given other tasks to sharpen their writing skills. 2. Both grades will be working on printing the letters M and N. If you notice your child is reversing their letters and numbers, please take note and point it out to him or her. I'm seeing a lot of 5s and 7s printed backwards. 3. Spelling words this week look at the -og family and the 2s will be working on -own. I'm massively impressed with the results on the weekly spelling quiz.
Oral: Students will be reading lyrics by the awesome Bobs & Lolo - two spunky Canadian singers who sing about educational matters in funny, sweet ways. Dig!
Media: We will be completing our germ/handwashing posters this week.
Math: While we will be chugging along with addition and subtraction, as well as problem solving, we will begin our new unit on measurement.
Science: We will be looking at growth and change of plants and animals in the fall. What makes leaves turn such beautiful colours? Where do animals go when it gets cold outside?
Social Studies: We've had a very interesting time learning about Eid. Thanks to our Muslim students for sharing their celebrations and traditions. This week we will be learning more about Diwali, which continues into November. Grade 1s will be exploring the roles of community helpers in greater depth.
Homework: I have had some students ask for more homework, so there is a little more than usual this week. Please let me know if it is too much and I can allow for completion in class on Friday.
Don't forget to keep those reading logs rocking and studying for the spelling quiz. The full list of homework is in your child's homework bag, coming home on Monday.
Have a great week,
Erin Hawkins
