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
