Team Learning Update!

11 days of school... I can't believe it!  I am really enjoying getting to know these students.  Each one is special and brings so much to our class.  They are getting along so nicely and working together in groups cooperatively each day.  Our first class goal is to get 25 compliments and we are on our way having 12.  Thank you for helping your child to get into the binder routine.  I appreciate you signing and checking off that your child has studied math facts and read 20 minutes each night. 
Here is what we are busy learning this week...

Writing- We are learning how writers draw and use illustrations to help them write better stories.  The students are enjoying illustrating and writing details about their life.  We are also sharing our writing with friends as we listen carefully and say, I like __________ about your story.  This not only helps with writing confidence but also encourages listening skills. 

Reading- We all read 19 minutes today!  This is big news as we started a few days ago at only being able to read quietly for 4 minutes.  I am so proud!  Building our reading stamina helps us to become better readers both at school and at home.  We are also learning about what "real readers" do as they read.  Check out our anchor chart we made today on the blog.  We are also learning about different genres of books to spark our interest. 

Math- We are learning about place value.  Numbers can be shown in different ways.  We are playing games that help us practice writing numbers.  You can help your child practice this at home by saying or writing a number and asking them another way to show it.  24= 2 tens and 4 ones, 20 +4, and they can draw two groups of ten and four ones.  We are also up and running on xtra math.  I encourage using the sheet I sent home last Friday to help your child log on at home.  They love it and it is very motivating to keep getting those happy faces.  

Social Studies- We are learning about rural, suburb and urban communities.  The students are enjoying getting on google earth!  We are also making murals to show what we have learned.  We are also practicing map skills as we learn about a compass rose, directions, grid maps and map keys.

We only need 10 more Pringles cans for our time capsules.   Don't forget our first book order is due next Friday. 
Look for a September calendar in your child's binder next week. 
Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. 
Have a fun three day weekend!