We now have access to our Math Program online! It provides the text book, assignment (when I assign them online), and etools for the kids. It is a wonderful resource for both the students and parents! Make sure to check it out! I have sent home a letter with your child's username and password.

Click here: enVision Math

A Glimpse of what we are working on:

Spelling:  Unit 14: Please visit the Spelling link on the left column. There is a link that is provided that will take you to the new words for the week. Please note that words are pulled from previous lists. Please Note: There will be no spelling the week of 11/24.

Reading:  Our story this week is "Centerfield Ballhawk". Please visit the Story of the Week link on the left for fun activities and websites. Please Note: We will not be reading a Harcourt Story the week of 11/24.

Writing:  We will continue our focus on how to use Thinking Maps to help organize our thoughts and ideas in writing. We are finishing up our plan for the prompt about a time we made a friend. We have our thoughts organized and are beginning our rough drafts.

Math:  We are continuing multiplication (topic 5)! We are learning what multiplication is. (3 x 2 = 6 is 3 "groups of" 2 = 6) Our vocabulary words are factors, products, multiples and arrays. We figured out that we can solve multiplication problems by skip counting, pictures, patterns and with repeated addition.

Social Studies: We are discussing citizenship and what makes a good citizen. Our chapter focuses on the duties, rights and how to be a good citizen.

Science:  We will begin our Sound Unit soon.

Library: Library is scheduled for the following days: Wed 11/19; Tues 11/25

Upcoming Events and Reminders:

• November 27 & 28: No School! Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
• December 3: Early Release Wednesday (11:35)
• December 19: No School! Winger Break Begins!

Mrs. Tutrone (our wonderful, new librarian) and I have been talking with the kids about the importance of chosing a good book for their independent read time. Mrs. Tutrone gave them this wonderful reminder (BLIPA):

B - Read the Blurb.

L - Look at the Length and Size of the Print.

I - Read a few pages to see if it Interests you.

P - Look at the Pictures or Illustrations.

A - Ask a friend, your teacher, your librarian, or your parent.  

When children read independently for practice, it is essential that they choose a book that does not frustrate them while they are reading. I have taught them the "5-Finger" test. When chosing a book, they should read one page, for each word that they do not understand, they put up a finger. If they get to five fingers, the book is too difficult and they should not read it alone. They should also be able to sum up the page to make sure they understand what they are reading.

If you are reading it with them, then having a challenging book is ok, because you will be discussing it as you read it. :)

         ~ Mrs. Curran