I cannot believe we area already two weeks into the school year!!!  Time is really flying here in the classroom.  It was another amazing week with the kids that saw curriculum night on Tuesday, a fire drill on Thursday and a host of other adventures throughout the week.  The kids began work in their math journals and science notebooks, which was a real treat.  I also sent home school folders, complete with phonics homework for the weekend.  Please send that folder back to school EVERYDAY to ensure a steady stream of communication from the classroom.  Let's see what else we were up to this week...ONTO THE HIGHLIGHTS!!!

Math:

In math this week we investigated the number line in more detail.  The kids played several games utilizing the number line as well.  We also began work with dry erase slates (please send in dry erase markers for your child) to answer math questions quickly and quietly.  On Thursday the kids practiced the game, Top-It.  I have sent home directions for this game if you wish to play it with your child over the weekend.  We will play and adapt this game a lot over the course of the school year.  We also had our first open response lesson in math.  These lessons give the class an opportunity to share and learn from their classmates in an interesting and dynamic way.  Finally, we spent Friday catching up on the week and playing some fun math games.  

Phonics:

We practiced stretching out and writing words this week, which works nicely with our writing curriculum.  The class also worked with syllables and did several activities clapping out friends’ names (see homework).  We will continue to work with these beginning concepts as we move throughout the beginning of the year.  While some concepts may seem a bit elementary (no pun intended), it is important for all students to be proficient in these skills as we move throughout the curriculum.  

Science/Social Studies and Health:

The class had a ball filling in their weather journals this week.  These lessons can be a bit tricky as it is important for everyone to stay together; otherwise the calendar is filled with errors.  In social studies we practiced working with partners and how we can work together to accomplish tasks.  In health we went over different feelings and how we can feel healthy in a mental way. 

We got to a lot but there is more to do!  I cannot wait to see everyone back on Monday, with the school folders.  Thank you and have a fabulous weekend.