20 January 2010
We've got the first week "under our belt" and will begin the Unit 3 Theme: CHANGES with our Reading Streets program this week. It begins with the story: AN EGG IS AN EGG. The skills covered in this Selection are:
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Comprehension Skill: Compare/Contrast
Comprehension Strategy: Predict
Study Skill: Alphabetical Order
Spelling/Phonics: Sounds of Y (long e and long i), CV (consonant, vowel)
Language/Vocabulary: Synonyms
Grammar: Action Verbs
Writing: Steps and How to directions
We will also begin our Unit 2 Benchmark test that has 40 questions dealing with Comprehension, Phonics, Grammar and Usage and High Frequency Words/Vocabulary. Sometimes it takes 2-3 sessions on the computer to complete this assessment because of the length. Some will be given the test in a small group. All in all, we're moving through the curriculum, and having a lot of fun learning how to read. We'll step up the fluency work, and you'll see a lot of their Fluency Folder for homework, since the passages are lengthier and full of new adventures in word work using all past phonics and high frequency words throughout. Please listen and assist appropriately, where necessary.
In math we're exploring geometry and spatial sense in addition to number sense with place value, fact families and strategies for addition and subtraction.
In problem solving last week, we added another strategy to our 'bank' of reasoning steps. Now we have three we're working with :
1. draw a picture
2. find a pattern
3. choose an operation (new last week)
We've also been working on writing equations for word problems and using our strategies to think through solutions. This includes everyone 'listening' to the word problem and responding by writing on their white board. They are becoming quite the mathematicians!
I have begun to record/publish progress on IXL Math and Reading Counts on a special board in the classroom. They earn points/awards through both of these programs. You can help by:
1. IXL Math: allowing your student to access this web-site from home from the homework links where they earn awards, and.....
2. Let them read their take home books at home in order to take the quizzes during the next day at school. We've changed from Early Intervention Take-Home books, to Guided Reading Books, where each book has a 10 question quiz that can be taken at school on the computers. Please encourage home reading, so your child can earn and add to their 'bank' of points.
Other Homework Links: Sampson's Classroom (spelling and sight words)
Remember that next Monday: 17 January, is a federal holiday and there is no school for students.
Thank you for your support.
Mrs. Petty
