Looking Ahead... October 19-29

Important Dates:

• October 23 - Pizza with Parents
• October 26 - Book Orders Due
• October 27 - Turkey Trot
• October 29 - Halloween Party 2:15-3:15
• October 30 - No School (Teacher Records Day)

Reading:

Our current read aloud is Because of Winn Dixie. We will be reading this book together as we make our way through the character unit. We are spending a lot of time focusing on the characters in our book. We pay close attention to how they act, how they feel, etc. This helps us better understand the book, when we can understand what the character is going through. We talk about it together, during read aloud, and then the kids practice these strategies in their own books. 

Writing:

We finished up our first personal narratives last week and have started our second ones. Students planned out their stories and are in the drafting process. We are going to spend a decent amount of time revising these stories to make them the best they can be. Our focus to so "show, not tell."

Grammar/Spelling:

We are continuing to roll along with grammar. Each week we focus on a new sentence. We label nouns, adjectives, verbs, etc. We also revise the sentences and write our own sentences using the mentor sentence as our guide.
Spelling list 5 is coming home today. This week we are focusing on long and short u words. There will be NO spelling next week due to the shortened week. 

Math:

We just assessed the first unit in math. I was extremely impressed with the outcome. These kids have been working so hard and it shows. We will begin unit 2 tomorrow. This unit continues right along with multiplication and division. Your child will be introduced to all his/her facts by next week. Please keep practicing these at home! 

Social Studies:

We are nearing the end of our Michigan geography unit. We have learned so much about our state including natural characteristics, human characteristics, natural resources, and so much more. We wrap up our unit by talking about how people change the environment, how we adapt to our environment and also movement throughout the state. Watch your child's learning target sheet for the exact date of the test. It's looking like it will be the end of next week. A study guide will come home closer to that date. 

Other News:

• Pizza with Parents - This Friday is our first pizza with parents. If you are planning on joining us, please arrive at 11:40. Pizza will be delivered from Jets at 11:45. Be prepared, it will be crowded in here. :) 
• Book Order - The October book order is coming home today. Please have orders placed by Monday, October 26. 
• Halloween Party - Our Halloween party is schedule for October 29 from 2:15 - 3:15. You are welcome to stop by for the fun. Thank you to the parents who are helping plan this fun afternoon for the kids.