FEBRUARY is a busy month at school!
Think of all the special topics to study.
They include: Groundhog's Day, Chinese New Year, President Lincoln's and President Washington's birthdays, The 100th Day of School, Black history month, dental health and healthy heart month, and Valentine's Day. Teachers usually wish that February had a few more days in it to be able to get all these important topics covered.
In writing workshop, we have been studying different forms of poetry such as haiku, cinquain, and concrete (shape) as well as poems that use personification and alliteration. The students submitted their winter haiku poems to the Times Union Newspaper's contest. We'll find out the outcome in the next two weeks. We'll make several class books of these different kinds of poems, too.
Also, the students are finishing up their biographies which required research and collaboration with a partner.
Another writing activity involves the students creating their own mini-newspapers based on one topic. Each newspaper will contain such text features as headings, bold print, captions, maps, diagrams, and/or drawings.
Editing and revising techniques continue to be practiced.
In reading workshop, the students continue to "shop" for books each week, build their stamina when reading independently, and respond to books. They are learning how to find words/meanings/synonyms in a dictionary and thesaurus. Asking and answering questions, understanding the main idea, learning new vocabulary, and summarizing are ongoing skills. Prefixes and suffixes are being taught as well as contractions this month.
In science, we are studying the three forms of matter - liquids, solids, and gases.
In social studies, beside the February topics mentioned previously in this newsletter, we are learning about one state each day. I did this in my class last year and it was a popular part of our morning/afternoon meeting time.
In math, we have learned two digit subtraction with regrouping and this will be reviewed and practiced. We are now focusing on numbers from 100 to 1,000. We are comparing them, looking for patterns, adding 10 more or 10 less and 100 more and 100 less, using advanced hundred charts and numberlines, and always problem solving. Each lesson includes a brief journal activity to reinforce how writing is an important part of math.
The students have been doing a wonderful job being "expert readers"!
Our Valentine's Day party will be on Tuesday, 2/14 at 2:00. The menu will be ice cream sundaes and sweet treats.
Valentine cards and boxes are due on Tuesday.
WISH LIST
Pencils, pencils, and more pencils are needed! They are quickly being sharpened away. We use a lot of pencils and our supply will soon be depleted. If you can spare some, send them our way! Thanks so much!
Make sure to check the school's lost and found for any missing clothing items that have not returned to your home via your child. It's in the hallway right past the main office and it's overflowing.
Happy vacation!
I hope that this little time away from school will banish all the germs and we'll all return healthy!
Please read everyday. Visit the library. Whenever your family travels, always bring books along. Growing up in NYC, I used to be able to walk to my public library. I still remember the thrill of being able to take out ten books on my library card!
Warm wishes,
Mrs. Fox
