Week of Jan. 7th - Jan. 11th

Week of Dec. 17th - Dec. 21st

What an exciting week! Thursday the students loved watching the Polar Express and comparing and contrasting the movie and the book by Chris Van Allsburg. We also discussed and wrote about our favorite Author of the Month book and they are hanging in our displays to be read in the classroom. Today the students finished a special project and can't wait to give it to you when they get home! Our holiday party was such a blast! Thanks again to our room mom, Courtney Moy, for making the party such a success, as well as our three parent volunteers, Cindy Stewart, Christine Steffgen, and Jen McCarthy.

Looking Ahead - Week of Jan. 7th - Jan. 11th

Reading Strategies

Monitoring/Clarifying

Cause and Effect

Phonics

Jolly Phonics - Review of vowels - "i_e" (magic "e")

Writing Strategies/Grammar

Conjugating Verbs

Spelling Words

six

pad

smell

bike

time

smile

prize

like

have

bridesmaid

The test on these words will be on Friday, January 11th.

 

*If I talked to you at conferences about modifying your child's spelling test - then please have them study the first 7 words only.

Math

This week we took our Chapter 8 & 9 test on graphs and reading data! When we come back from break we will be starting on Chapter 10, place value to 100. We will continue to work on counting by 1's, 5's, and 10's. Last week we started doing timed math tests on addition. This is not for a grade, but I am using it to see how well each student knows their facts. Please work on addition and subtraction over break with your child. Using flash cards and going over them each day for only 10 minutes is beneficial!

Reading logs

Please continue to record your child's reading throughout the month of Decemeber and over break. December calendars will be due the week that we return from winter break (January 7th). Students will bring home their new January so that it is available to you during the first week of January. If you have any questions please let me know!

Author of the Month
Our new author of the month for January is Jan Brett. Her books are known for their colorful, and very detailed pictures.  The books consist of a wide variety of animals and different cultures ranging from Scandinavia to Africa.

Sight Words (Just a reminder)

Last week a list of sight words were sent home with each student. By the end of the 2nd Quarter - students need to know all of list one. I will continue to work with each student in the classroom on their sight words, but it is important that they practice at home and become fluent when reading them. I have attached all three list for you to keep at home in a safe place. Have your child read list 1 and if they have gotten them all right - move to list 2. I will be re-testing each student and if your child is not meeting I will be sending an email to let you know which ones to work on!

Scholastic Books!
I have created a link on my blog to Scholastic book orders! If you are interested in ordering any books for friends, relatives, or for your student, feel free to place an order online and use the code - LVB2T. When you order online, you can shop all Book Club flyers, enter your online orders, and pay with a credit or debit card. Every time you place your order online, you earn a FREE Book Pick and I earn a $3 coupon for our classroom! I will be receiving flyers that I will send home within the next few weeks if you don't want to do it online. If you have an questions please let me know!

Important Dates

• December 24th - January 6th - No School – Winter Break
• Monday, January 7th - School Resumes
• Friday, January 11th - Movie Night
• Friday, January 18th - End of 2nd Quarter
• Tuesday, January 22nd - Report cards go home for Quarter 2 grades
• Friday, January 25th - Pajama Day
• Wednesday, January 30th - Early Dismissal @ 12:00pm 

Reminders

• Please remember that recess will be outside if the wind chill is 20 degrees or warmer - students will NOT be allowed to stay inside for recess unless they have a note from your family doctor.
• Please bring in BOX TOPS :)

Thank you! Have a wonderful holiday and a very RELAXING break :)