Newsletter 8

2005-2006                            Room 302—Newsletter 8              http://room302.blogspot.com

October 20, 2005

Dear Families,

Here’s what’s going on…..
In reading….
Every time I read a book out loud, I always start with the title and author (and often the illustrator).  This means that I end up mentioning the chapter book author a lot.  Inevitably someone asks “Why do you say that every time?”  Here is my answer:  I want them to be aware of what we’re reading each day, and who wrote it.  I want them to be aware of authors, and to have favorites, and to perhaps look for more books by the same author when they are choosing books for themselves.  And when someone asks them the title and author of the current chapter book, I don’t want their answer to be “I don’t know.”  I encourage you to mention title, author, and illustrators when you’re reading aloud each night.
In writing….
We continue to use our shared writing each day (usually) as a way to take ideas from the entire class and work them into one coherent (I hope) story.  This means choosing from a range of topics, and then thinking about the piece from beginning to end.  Here is a great place for us to work on exciting beginnings, appropriate endings, details that will create pictures in the minds of our readers, and a host of other things that writers worry about.  Some have asked again for the address of the site where I publish those each time, so I’ve added it to the top of the newsletter.  As always, we appreciate your feedback: it’s encouraging to know that there is an audience out there reading our work.
In math….
We’re finishing up the first unit, and getting ready for the next one.  We’re also learning a new game that helps teach number combinations, called Cross Out.  After we’ve played awhile, I’ll send a copy home, for those that would like to play there.
Field Trip…
We’re set to visit the post office tomorrow.  If you have filled out your paperwork, please feel free to join us (even if you haven’t heard back yet).  We’ll probably leave as soon as we can, but by 9:15 at the latest.
Volunteers…
Speaking of volunteering, the process is longer than one might think.  If you’ve gotten a letter of clearance from the district, that’s the first step.  The next step is for staff here to check references, and that is proceeding as rapidly as possible.  A letter will come home when you’ve been confirmed, and I’ll give you a call so we can get you in here with us as soon as possible.  We appreciate your patience in this.
Fall Party…
This will begin around 1:45 on October 31.  Savannah’s mom, Kim has graciously volunteered to coordinate this, so I am forwarding offers of help to her.  If you can contribute, please call her.
Current Chapter Book Read Aloud…
Winnie the Pooh
by A. A. Milne
Calendar…
Friday, October 21—Cameron’s birthday
Friday, October 28—Early Release Day
Monday, October 31—Fall party (afternoon)
Friday, November 4—Science Fair, Western Dance


Sincerely,


Jeff