Newsletter 7

Newsletter 7                                                                                                        1/14/2010

                                                                                               

 

Dear Families,

 

I hope the new year is going well. Things are off to a great start here.

Writing

We're beginning Valentines. We'll be using our writing time to make Valentine cards for each other. On Friday, February 12, we'll exchange the cards we've made for each other, and perhaps enjoy some treats (if anyone would like to send some in…☺).

This type of writing is perfect for beginning writers: They know the audience. They know the purpose. The form is standard. The variations are endless. There is ample opportunity to practice those things, as well as all the other things people notice, like spelling, punctuation, handwriting, capital letters, and spacing. Once learned, this form can be used and adapted for the rest of their lives. They'll have a tool for many occasions.

This means there is no need to spend money on the pre-printed, generic Valentine cards that kids (my own included) often exchange. One alternative is to spend that money on decorations we can use for the cards we make. Ideas include stamps, stickers, anything with hearts, tissue paper, etc.

Reading

We've been taking a closer look at non-fiction books. As we read, we're thinking about things we're learning, and questions we have. We're using sticky notes to mark those spots in books, and sharing with each other. This is a great thing to do when you're reading non-fiction to your children, too. Most have interests and understanding that extends beyond what they can read by themselves.

Math

Our newest math game gives the students equations that are missing the second addend, e.g. 3+ð=7. Students need to fill in the missing number. To practice these in a more meaningful way at home, you could ask them to solve problems like: Jill had 3 cars. She got some more. Now she has 7. How many more did she get? A trickier way to phrase this would be: Jill had 7 cars. 3 were blue. The rest were red. How many were red? The first way is easier because there is action for the students to model or imagine. I've found a lot of variation in how successful students are in these. We continue to practice using counters and pictures to help solve and check answers.

Chapter Book

Gooney Bird Greene by Lois Lowry.

Calendar

Monday, January 18—Josie's birthday

Monday, January 18—No school

                                                                                                                                                              

 

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Jeff

Newsletter 6

Newsletter 6                                                                                            1/14/2010

 

Dear Families,

 

Conferences and report cards are upon us. The students have learned continuously since day one. The report cards represent only a small part of that, and maybe not the most important parts. How does one measure love of learning, or confidence in solving problems, or the delight they bring to their classmates by being caring friends? We're working on district standards, but we're working on so much more. Every student has things he or she has done well. Please take the time to congratulate your child (and yourselves), no matter what the report card says.

Conferences and Report Cards

I have gotten confirmation slips back from many of you, telling me if you're available to come to conference at the time scheduled. If the time does not work, let's try to find an alternate time. If your slip didn't come back, I'm assuming your time was fine, and I'll see you then. Let me know if you need a reminder of the day and time.

As I said last time, please plan to bring the students to conferences. We'll share work, celebrate progress, and discuss next steps. They need to be here for both, and they deserve it.

My hope is for the conference to be a two-way exchange of information. I've had the students for one third of a school year, but you've had them for far longer. I'm eager to hear what is happening away from school, and how the things we're doing in school are supporting and enhancing your own (lifelong) efforts to help your children develop literacy and learning skills and attitudes. I'd appreciate any examples you could share, because that is one way I measure how effective this all is.

Please bring any questions you have, too. Conferences can be a great time for answers and clarification.

The conferences are scheduled every 30 minutes. I plan on each one lasting about 20 minutes, with a bit of time between each one, as needed. One thing I need to do is stay on time (which can be a challenge for me), not only to honor the time of everyone in our class, but so that I don't mess up other classrooms. The teachers met together to coordinate conference times for the sake of convenience of families attending. That means if I run late, other classrooms are affected, too. If you find there is more we need to discuss, I'd be happy to talk at a later time. Thanks for your help with this.

Chapter Book

Ramona the Brave by Beverly Cleary.

Calendar

Thursday, November 19—Half day, conferences

Friday, November 20—Half day, conferences

Monday, November 23—Half day, conferences

Tuesday, November 24—Half day, conferences

Wednesday, November 25—Half day

Thursday, November 26—No school

Friday, November 27—No school

 

 

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Jeff