Weekly Update 1/4

Happy 2016!!  I am feeling rested and revived after our long winter break.  I look forward to seeing all the children on Monday morning and hearing about their exciting week off. 

We are kicking off a new year, a new math unit, a new writing unit, and a new social studies unit this week!!

The children have completed the first half of the Everyday Math program, so this week they will begin working in a new math journal.  We will start Unit 5, which reviews addition fact power (automaticity of math facts), as well as money and making change.  Please note that the concept of making change can be a difficult one, and we don’t expect mastery at this time.

Our term 2 writing time will be spent working on reviews/opinion writing.  This week we’ll discuss what people might review and what a good review should include.  We’ll start off by reviewing the Robinson School Cafeteria- a place we’re all familiar with!!

In Social Studies we’ll begin a mapping unit. The students will get a chance to review different kinds of maps and cardinal directions. We’ll also look at map keys.  These mapping skills will be a stepping stone into our very large unit of study- “Around the World”

I am excited to change up our reading groups this week by reading a variety of non-fiction texts.  Now that the students are very familiar with the features of non-fiction, we will use that knowledge to read and learn about some very interesting topics.

Have a great week!  I hope you’re finding my BLOG updates useful.  As always, please contact me with any questions or concerns.

One final note…

  Thanks to all who donated and/or volunteered at our Winter party before vacation.  These parties wouldn’t be successful without your support.  Erin Boylen did a great job heading up the snow globe craft and the kids seem to have a great time!