ENGLISH-LANGUAGE ARTS:

These are the sight words your child should be able to read automatically as of November 13th (in addition to the kindergartern sight words we reviewed in early September) They are: give, like, one, this, on, they, what, your, does, her, look, there, be, could, down, see, look, this, what, no, out, ride, small, saw, too, very, want, away, good, into, put, about, again, around, use

Also, as of November 13th, all short vowel keys have been introduced and will be reviewed over the next few weeks along with digraphs (th, sh, ck) and some of the blends (fl, sl, fr, sm, sn).

We will introduce new short vowel keys, blends, and sight words.
We begin spelling tests this month; pretest on Mondays and post-test on Fridays. We continue to practice handwriting skills, too. In grammar, we will learn about plural nouns and proper nouns. Proper nouns always begin with a capital letter. Remind your child not to put capital letters in the middle of words.

Our reading workshop "centers" have been very successful. The students rotate among three activities - reading with the teacher; reading by self or responding to books in a journal or conferencing with the teacher; and doing a special reading/writing project. We have also, had time for "partner reading" on Fridays. Some projects have been: flap books of hibernating animals, maps of a Pilgrim village, and a Pilgrim picture story. We will do bear activities, too.

Comprehension strategies continue to be emphasized. Reading is thinking and the children are encouraged to make predictions and connections, ask questions, and remember that "it has to make sense". Taking time to discuss new vocabulary words is important so we "check for understanding" as we read along. When your child doesn't know how to read a word, remind him/her to look at the first sound, look for chunks (keys or small words) he/she knows, and use the picture clue, and the other words in the sentence to help. We are also discussing the setting (time/place), characters, and events of stories.

In writing workshop, we will begin a new kind of writing called: "How-To" stories. These non-fiction writing pieces give directions in a sequence using transition words suchs as: first, next, then, last. We'll read the big book about the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory that teaches us how teddy bears are made and then make our own mini-books to match.We will write a class how-to book and then each child will write his/her own. We will also celebrate our successful two months of "small moment" story writing with a popcorn party on Friday.

MATH:

We will finish our chapter on data and graphing this week. Our next chapter is about addition strategies. We will learn about counting on, doubles, and doubles plus one facts. PLEASE help your child practice doubles at home! We learned about "doubles plus one", too! More information will be in the weekly homework. Then, the next chapter will be on subtraction strategies.

SOCIAL STUDIES:

This month, the focus is on the Pilgrims, Native Americans, and the first Thanksgiving. Ms. Andros, our student teacher, will lead some lessons on this subject. There are many interesting facts, stories, and activities to share. We will learn some Native American folktales and legends, too. One of my favorites is: The Legend of the Indian Paintbrush.

Towards the end of November, we'll learn some Native American games to play. I hope your child will share them at home! 

SCIENCE:

Our focus this month is on animal homes/habitats and what animals do in the winter - migrate, hibernate, or adapt.

COMPUTER LAB:

The class did an awesome job learning to log on efficiently to Bell Top's website and then, using the library's data base to go on a fantastic animal website called: Pebble Go! It was really exciting!  Thanks to Mrs. Martin for helping us!

REMINDERS:

Please look in your child's bookbag each night! Ask her/him to share the school papers and stories that come home. Practice reading the poems, stories, and more that your child has learned. Also, remember to return the homework each Friday in the plastic bag. Return the "Take-home" book in its bag each Monday. Thanks!

Cuddle up with a good book on a cold November night!

Our "Experts of the Day" are doing a great job!
The November "expert" calendar has already been sent home.

Warm Wishes,

Janis Fox