STORYLINE:
This past week at Biscayne National Park we had an incident that involved obnoxious tourist. On Monday, some tourist came to visit our park and they were very loud and left garbage all over the park and in the water. They even took some coral and the animals were no longer safe from all the garbage! We learned about "Leave No Trace" over the next few days. More tourist came back later in the week and this time the Junior Park Rangers were ready. They stopped the tourist and talked to them about the harmful effects of leaving garbage in the park and how it is important to respect nature and other people. They told the tourist to leave the park as if they had never been there. It was great to see the children respond to this incident. I can't wait to see what happens at our park next!
WRITING:
Last week we worked on our research papers. They are coming along wonderfully. We will finish them up this week as well as do some free writing.
MATH:
Last week we finished Unit 4 and have begun Unit 5. I sent home an overview of Unit 5 on Wednesday. I noticed that some children returned the overview on Thursday. If you do not have one and would like one, let me know.
Why is it important:
1. It reviews what we are covering in the unit.
2. Teaches you the language we are using at school. It is important for you to become familiar with the language of this math program so that you can more readily support your children in the years to come at Highland.
3. It has the answers to the Home Links!
READING:
We are making such wonderful progress in reading. I am very excited to see the children sitting and reading on their own at school. I know we are all busy, but I can not reinforce enough the importance of reading at home. The children should be reading at least 10 to 15 minutes 5 times a week. On the reading logs that are being returned, I can see that is not happening for some. Practicing at home will only increase your child's success at school. Reading at home will not only help your child become a better reader, it will help your child become a better writer.
JUST RIGHT BOOKS:
It is important that they children are reading "just write books". A "just right book" is one that they child struggles on 3 to 5 words on a page in a chapter book and 1 to 2 words on a page in shorter books. If they struggle more than that amount, they are reading a book that is too hard. If they are working on reading the words to often, they are not comprehending what they are reading and most likely are developing bad reading habits that will be hard to break. If your child really wants to read a book that is too hard, make sure you are there to support them.
SPECIALS:
We do not have any specials this week.
On another note, I will be in Portland on Thursday and Friday at a reading conference with Linda Gross and Michele Cross. Patty Neumann, who has been my substitute in the past will cover my class.
I hope you have all had a wonderful weekend!
See you tomorrow.
Becky
