The first few days sure did fly by. We have enjoyed getting to know each other, the new routines and expectations! Students have met all of their teachers and are really getting into the swing of things. Literacy: Students explored the classroom libraries and chose books to begin reading independently. In some cases we are just getting to know our new learners and are listening to them read and discuss their books with us. Students also have prepared their writing journals for the year. They will begin free writing a bit this week and we will work our way towards writing personal narratives shortly. It is an expectation that students read 20-30 minutes nightly. Some students have assigned books to be reading at home, while others will have these soon. Math: All grades have just begun to explore the new math concepts. Everyone began by creating essential agreements or rules that we will follow to help create a productive math class. Groups also took pre-assessments and will continue with Unit 1. To see the specific grade level overview (math concepts, strategies and vocabulary), click on the math links on the left side of the page. Classroom Economy: Our first integrated Social Studies unit of study is Economics. As part of this unit the 3rd-5th grade students will be participating in a classroom economy. Each student has applied for a classroom job. Students will switch jobs at regular intervals throughout the year. They will be paid a salary for their job and charged rent for their classroom work space. Through the classroom economy students will learn some of the following valuable life skills in an experiential way.
Homework: Homework will begin next week. Students can expect a math worksheet due on Wednesday and Friday as well as a spelling packet/language due Friday. (This will be worked on during school as well, so it should remain in student folders throughout the week). We also expect 20 minutes of nightly reading and will begin creating systems to ensure this is happening. Please allow students a few weeks to get in the swing of things with their homework routines. However, if after a couple weeks things are still seeming very difficult contact us so we can alter your learner's plan. Your Homework: We have included a link to a survey we would love for you to complete about your learner. We will send home a paper copy on Friday in case you prefer to complete it that way. Knowing a lot about your learner helps us to better meet their needs and you are the expert! docs.google.com/forms/d/1GcYOEvLfjxv4b4FPGFBhYhh38e0n-dtQ4k9_uwCq5pg/edit UPCOMING EVENTS:
Thursday (9/7): -FOSCS (Parent/Teacher) Meeting in the library at 5:30. Everyone welcome! Friday (9/8): -Year of the Book rollout with author/illustrator AShley Wolff and Summer Reading Bike raffle -BAND for returning members Saturday (9/9): -3:00-6:00 BACK TO SCHOOL BARBECUE and FUN GAMES Families with last names A-L are asked to bring a side dish and K-Z are asked to bring a dessert. The FOSCS group will provide hot dogs and Middlebury College volunteers will be running games. There will also be a book give away, 1 free book per student! Thursday, September 28th-OPEN HOUSE 5:30-6:30 The blog will soon include many photos of your learners throughout their school day. If there is any other information you would like included in these weekly updates please let us know! Thanks so much for helping us to get the year off to a great start! Lili Foster and Bethany Morrissey
1 Comment
Molly Andres
9/18/2017 06:09:40 am
thank you for all of the great information, updates, and photos!
Reply
Leave a Reply. |