Feb. 5-9

Dear Parents,

    I am happy to report that we had a very successful week last week! We had many proud moments including filling our big bucket of fuzzies for the second time, analyzing another JGB story, and traveling to our second Field Trip to see Clifford the Big Red Dog. I have to say that I was most impressed by the way the students discussed our JGB story on Discussion Day this past Wednesday. Discussion Day is a time where I choose 4-5 open-ended questions for students to discuss in an academic manner, that pertain to our story. I typically pick one or more of the students’ questions that they return to school for homework on the previous day. We had much more participation this time and the students showed a great amount of patience and enthusiasm while responding and listening to others’ ideas.

     The students have also been working with partners to create a presentation on the Prometheum Board, which they have LOVED! It is a big deal to be able to work on my laptop and to see their research come to life. We will complete the rest of our presentations next week J

Here’s a look into the curriculum this week:

Reading: Reviewing last week’s skills with our new story “Meet Benjamin Franklin.” Discussing inventions throughout history and their importance to our daily lives.

Phonics: Reviewing the Vowel Valley and introducing beginning blends! Blends are two consonants that come together, but like a smoothie, keep their original sound or flavor.

Grammar: Reviewing contractions, compound words and present and past tense verbs.

Social Studies/Science: Reflecting upon our unit of study and completing our research projects on a polar animal.

Math: Understanding A.M. and P.M., telling time to the half hour and to the hour.

Writing: Writing an opinion piece on which of the other six continents would be the best home.

Important Announcements and Reminders:

§  We are in need of two Small Groups volunteers for Wednesday, February 6^th! Please check our Shutterfly website to sign up for these slots.

§  The last day of READ-A-THON is this upcoming Thursday. Please make sure to sign your child’s booklet every night that you read or that they read.

• The students voted on having a Pizza Party to celebrate having filled their big bucket of fuzzies! I will send information home regarding when this will be scheduled to ensure that you do not pack their lunch on this day.

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Thanks for your continued support!

Mrs. Peake