Reading: We started looking at our CAFE board. CAFE stands for comprehension, accuracy, fluency, and expand vocabulary. These are all skills a reader would need. Most of the students are working on the first 3 strategies in different ways. I have found an online reading website that I will try for a month with the students. I have asked a few students to try it at home this upcoming week and once we figure out some kinks that might occur, I will roll it out to the rest of the class. If the response is good and the students enjoy it, we will get it permanently for our classroom. Stay tuned!
Math: We have been practicing addition facts all week during math. We discussed the +0 and the +1 facts and also the double facts. The students should have those memorized by now. We also talked about turn around facts. If we know what 1+5 is, we also know what 5+1 is. The last shortcut we discussed was the +9 shortcut. We know what 5+10 is, so 5+9 is just one less. Please go over these shortcuts with your child so they become second nature. They will help in memorizing all their addition facts.
Science: We discussed the differences between the moth and butterfly. The kids should know at least 3-5 differences between the two. Moths: fly at night, are earth tone colors, lay their wings flat when resting, have a fat and furry body, have fuzzy antennae, form a cocoon, etc. See if your child can tell you any of the differences!
Writing: Our fiction unit is in full swing and the students were able to start writing their first fiction stories! We came up with a list of different characters, settings, and problems we could incorporate into our stories. Many have chosen to use our ideas, but many have decided to write their own ideas as well. It's an exciting time during our writers workshop! The kids are loving the unit!
Superstar of the Week: Next week will be Mitchell. We can't wait to learn more about him!
Upcoming Important Dates:
- Monday, September 3: NO SCHOOL (Labor Day)
- Thursday, September 6: Early Dismissal (11:05am)
- Thursday, September 12: Field trip (9:00am - 11:15am) to the U of I Pollinatarium