Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Yikes! School is going so fast and we have been doing so many things. It has been hard to fit in writing our class blog. So far this week, we have been working on writing numbers in different forms - using base ten blocks, expanded form, and word form. In reading, we have been talking about choosing a good fit book, using several reading strategies (Check for Understanding, Cross Checking, Backup and Reread, and Tune in to Interesting Words). We have begun Read to Self (one element of the Daily 5) and have been working on building our stamina. We (as a class) have been able to read for about 15 minutes. Our goal is to be able to read at least 30 minutes at a time. We have been reading to Mrs. Benedict and other reading teachers to help determine our reading levels. On the computers we have taken two inventories to help determine what type of learners we are. We have used our iPads to go on Tumblebooks and to explore other apps that Mrs. Benedict downloaded for us. This morning, in remembrance of 9/11 and anticipation of the upcoming election, we each made a square for a quilt about the United States. We also wrote thank you letters to some of the heroes that we have in the United States. This afternoon we read a book about maps. We created our own heart maps in our writing notebooks. A heart map shows things that are important to each of us. We can use our heart maps when we are looking for a topic to write about during "Work on Writing", another element of Daily 5.

MAP Testing:
We are starting MAP testing this week! Tomorrow (9/12) we will be taking our Math test, on Thursday (9/13) we will be taking our Reading test. Please encourage your child to do his/her best. We will be using this data to make decisions regarding instructional goals for each child.

Homework Update:
Students will NOT be bringing home worksheets. As part of our commitment to Next Generation Learning, students will be given more choices regarding homework. Rather than worksheets, homework is to read, practice math (facts or skills), and practice spelling. In the back of each student's homework folder is a bright yellow (for September, anyways) calendar. Students (or parents) should write down what is done for homework that night. There are several options at the bottom of the calendar. If you are choosing an online option, more options will be sent home as we come across them, and there are many resources on the Jefferson School (or other schools in the district) webpage and here on our class blog. I had hoped to do a practice spelling sort this week, but with all that we are trying to accomplish getting the school year setup, I think that next week will offer us more time to begin.

Tomorrow is TEAM spirit day! Team Brilliance is wearing our team color, RED!!! Please wear a red shirt or a shirt with red on it!