Looking Ahead... September 21-25

Every other week I will be posting a "Looking Ahead" post. This is our version of the classroom newsletter, designed to keep you informed on what is happening in our classroom. 

Important Dates:

• September 23 - Picture Day
• September 23 - Book Orders Due
• September 25 - Walk-a-thon 9:55-10:40
• September 28 - 7 Habits T-shirt order due

Reading:

We began the year talking about what good readers do. We are focusing on choosing good fit books and developing good reading habits. Please have your child read each night. Minutes can be recorded on their "Learning Targets" page. 

Writing:

Our first writing unit begins by having the students write a personal narrative. We will talk about the good qualities of writing and focus on a detailed "seed" story. Students will learn how to write a good leads, middles and endings, as well as how to revise their stories to make them even better. 

Grammar/Spelling:

We will begin grammar and spelling this week. Today you will find a list of spelling words in your child's folder. We will spend all week focusing on different strategies that help us spell words. At the top of the paper, you will find a list of the areas we will focus on for the week. Please help your child study and practice these words. They will have a test every Friday. The paper they are bringing home does not need to come back to school, it is just another tool for practicing their words at home.

Math:

Last week we began our first math unit. We dove right into multiplication. I will be teaching division this week as well. We teach them both simultaneously. Please watch for a bright orange packet coming home this week. It is a practice sheet for your child at home. It will last the entire school year. Students are to have their facts memorized by the end of third grade. XtraMath is also up and running and a great way for your child to practice math facts.  

Social Studies:

We will start our first social studies unit this week - Michigan Geography. All of our social studies units involve learning about the awesome state we live in.  

Other News:

• Please be sure to subscribe to this blog to get email updates each time I post. 
• A HUGE thank you for all of the donations that have come in for our classroom. They are GREATLY appreciated!