Word Study
We continued our focus on vowels by studying short and long i sounds and their corresponding patterns of VC/VCC and VCe. I assessed students on Thursday and introduced a new sort on short and long o sounds and patterns. Repeating these patterns for each common vowel reinforces student learning and application.
Reading Workshop
We continued our study of main idea and writing answers in complete sentences. I also introduced using Venn diagrams to compare and contrast, which research supports as a leading comprehension strategy. We also read Zen Tales by Jon Muth, a story which contains three well known Zen stories, to develop our understanding of the author's message.
Writing Workshop
Our focus this week was on quick writes. While students have learned the writing process of planning, drafting, revising, editing and publishing, the single greatest need for most students at the beginning of the year is to get them to produce. I presented students with choices ranging from the silly, Would you rather be able to fly or breathe under water?, to the more authentic, Which two specials would you keep if you had to eliminate one? I was VERY pleased with student progress. We will continue this and then begin to develop our paragraphs as we look forward to crafting pen pal letters next month.
Math
We are continuing to develop mastery of rounding to the nearest ten and hundred using empty number lines and by looking at the ones and tens place respectively. Students are developing their understanding of multiples of tens by writing expanded form in terms of place. Typically, expanded form would appear as: 735 = 700 + 30 + 5. We are writing it as (7 x 100) + (3 x 10) + (5 x 1). You may also hear your student use the language of "three groups of ten" rather than "three times ten," which I feel is helpful in developing their understanding of multiplication. Fact fluency strategies we should have mastered include 0 more, 1 more, 2 more, doubles, and near doubles.
Science
We started our science, social studies and technology rotation this week and I kicked off our life science study on plants as we prepare for our upcoming field trip. Students explored our campus and began using decision trees to identify trees as coniferous (needles or scales) or deciduous (simple or compound). We also looked at and described bark. Finally students were encouraged to observe the trees (e.g., seeds and fruits, sap, nests, soil under the tree, etc.). Your student should have brought their decision tree packet home to look at trees in your yard and neighborhood.
Constitution Day
We celebrated Constitution Day this week. Students learned about the process of writing this fundamental document.
Elise brought in her copy of the Constitution!
Guidance
Ms. O'Keefe visited us this week to talk about her job and how she can support students. She also led us in the Windermere Way pledge, "As a Windermere Hawk, I promise to practice the Windermere Way. I am respectful, responsible, and ready to learn."
Bella celebrated Rosh Hashanah with us by bringing a book as well as the traditional apples and honey as we hope for a sweet new year:)
I am still in need of volunteers for our upcoming field trip. Please let me know if you are able to volunteer.
Important Dates and Reminders
I will highlight new and changed dates on subsequent posts in red.
September 23 - Early Dismissal Professional Development 1pm
September 24 - Picture Day
September 29 - Thompson Park Tree Trek Field Trip
October 9 - Fall Family Night
October 16 - End of First Quarter
October 19 - No School Teacher Grading Day
October 25 - Scarecrow Display Contest
October 26 - Early Dismissal Professional Development 1pm
October 29 - UA Trick or Treat Night
November 2 - Early Dismissal at 11:05, NO LUNCH SERVICE
November 2 through 4 - Fall Conferences
You can sign up for Fall Conferences by clicking on this link:http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0a4fa5ac2ea64-fall3
November 3 - No School Election Day/Professional Development
November 5 - Picture Retakes
November 9 through 13 - Terra Nova3/InView
November 25 through 27 - Thanksgiving Break
December 1 through 2 - Ohio English Language Arts Assessment
December 21 through January 1 - Winter Break
January 8 - End of Second Quarter
January 11 - No School Teacher Grading Day
January 18 - No School Martin Luther King Day
January 21 - Conferences, Early Dismissal at 11:05, NO LUNCH SERVICE
January 27 - Early Dismissal Professional Development 1pm
February 1 through 16 - Ohio Wildlife Center donation drive
February 15 - No School Presidents' Day
February 16 - Ohio Wildlife Center Visit
March 2 - Early Dismissal Professional Development 1pm
March 18 - End of Third Quarter
March 21 through 25 - No School Spring Break
March 28 - No School Teacher Grading Day
April 6 - Early Dismissal Professional Development 1pm
April 12 and 13 - Ohio English Language Arts Assessment
April 20 and 21 - Ohio Mathematics Assessment
May 27 - Last Day of School for Students
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