December 21, 2012

Reading and Language Arts   After break,we will be reading A Trip to the Firehouse. It is a photo essay about a boy named David who visits a firehouse with his class. At the firehouse, they see different fire trucks and even help wash one!

Comprehension Strategies: Topic, Main Idea, and Supporting Details; Question
Vocabulary Words:  chief, dispatch, emergencies, fire engine, firefighters, gear, valves, 
High Frequency Words:  clothes, guess, order
Grammar Skills:  Proper Nouns
Phonics:  Vowel Pairs ai, ay; Compound Words

Reading Logs   Please continue to log minutes with your child for December. December reading logs are due Monday, Jan 7. A reading log for January went home today too!

Math  We took a test on Chapter 11, Probability, today. We will begin Chapter 11, Count Money, when we return from break. Students will find the total value of collections of half dollars, quarter, dimes, nickels and pennies, order coins in a collection by value to find the total value, and they will model the same amount using different combinations of coins.

Flash Cards  Students should be working hard to memorize their addition and subtraction facts. To check memorization of these facts, we are taking timed tests. Once your child passes a set of facts, they will move to the next level.  Look in your child's planner to find out what facts they should be working on at home. Here is a website you can try:  

http://www.harcourtschool.com/activity/thats_a_fact/english_K_3.html 

Science  We will begin a unit on Living Things. We will begin by describing  characteristics that distinguish living and nonliving things. We will sort objects to determine whether they are living or nonliving things. 

Important Dates & Announcements

Dec 21- Jan 6 - Winter Break
Jan 7 - Jan 12 - Map Testing
Mon, Jan 7 - December Reading Logs are due
Mon, Jan 21 - No School - Martin Luther King's Birthday
Wed, Jan 30 - Early Dismissal - School Improvement Day
Mon, Feb 18 - No School- President's Day
Tues, Feb 26 - Early Dismissal - School Improvement Day


*Thanks to Mrs. Bende, Mrs. Prpa, Mrs. Mertens and Mrs. Ying for planning a wonderful Holiday party.  A special thanks to all our parents, including Mrs. Adams, Mrs. Malatia, Mrs. O'Brien, and Mrs. O'Connell who sent in yummy treats, drinks and supplies for our party.  Fun was had by all! 

*After the holiday break we will be starting a math unit on money. Please send the following coins in a small container or ziploc bag clearly marked with your child's name:

20 pennies
10 nickels
10 dimes
7 quarters