Newsletter 8 2/8/2010
Dear Families,
Our days are busy, and productive. I hope you are able to use one of the three links at the top of this newsletter:
http://swift.enumclaw.wednet.edu/bde/jkurtz/index.php
to follow what we're doing in class. All three have our daily tweets, which are written by the kids. The students take the photographs, too, and it's been fun helping them learn about using the camera (in the midst of all the other stuff going on.)
Writing
We are well along in writing Valentines for each classmate. They are beginning to memorize some of the words they write each day, and are learning to use multiple sources to help them spell other words they don't know. This is a perfect way to work on adding periods to the ends of sentences. Most cards only have one or two sentences, but you might be surprised how often I have to remind them to go back and add periods to cards they thought were "done". This is also a perfect place to practice using capital letters on things like beginning of sentences, names, and the word "I".
Due to students being absent, etc. some of them may be a bit behind on getting cards done. The goal is to have written on for each classmate by our party on Feb. 12. I'll be helping students go through lists, and you may see some cards coming home if anyone needs extra time. They also have some time before school and during recess.
On Friday, February 12, from 11:30-12:30, we'll exchange the cards we've made for each other, and enjoy some treats. I've had a couple of people volunteer to send some things in. We welcome any contributions, and whatever we don't eat, we can save for snacks.
One drawback I've found in doing these every year is that families often don't get to see some of the best work their own children have done. If you'd like to see the cards before they get passed out, you're always welcome to stop by at writing time (11:30-12:30) or any time. You're also welcome to join us for the Valentine Party, as long as you bring valentines for everyone. (Just kidding, of course. Please just come to hang out, if you can.)
Reading
We have done a lot of thinking about "connections". Connections are things we're reminded of when we read. Connections are what make the reading meaningful. If a reader makes no connections, the text is meaningless, even if he knows all the words.
Text-to-self connections mean the story reminds you of something you've done. Text-to-text connections mean the story reminds you of something else you've read. Text-to-world connections remind you of something you know about in some other way.
Connections come from the things in our lives. Students who lead rich lives, full of variety, have more background to connect to. When you take them places, talk to them, and read to them, you're building knowledge and experience that serve to anchor them and provide meaning when they are reading.
Math
Wednesday, February 12 will be the 100th day of school. I've asked students to collect 100 small things to share with the class. This should be something easy for the kids to talk about, share, transport, etc.
Chapter Book
Magic Tree House #1: Dinosaurs Before Dark by Mary Pope Osborn.
Calendar
Wednesday, February 10—100th Day
Thursday, February 11—Izek's birthday
Friday, February 12—Valentine party
Wednesday, February 17—Emily's birthday
February 15-19—No school
