My apologize for the tardiness of this update.
Reading
We are hearing, reading, and watching the Polar Express as I introduce the comprehension strategy of visualizing. Students are taught to make a movie in their head and use the adjectives of the book to create images in their head. This is a great strategy to practice when going to bed. Read aloud a story and have your child close their eyes and make a movie in their head.
Phonics
We are finishing up the rest of the sounds in the alphabet in preparation for spelling tests in the new year. This week we are briefly going over the sounds for Q, V, W, X, Y, and Z. I know this is a lot of sounds for a week but we are also reviewing sounds at the end of each day. The majority of students already know these sounds and those that don't will be given extra time with me to learn them. Please make sure your child is making the correct sounds for W and Y. These are two tricky sounds. The W sounds is the sound a ghost makes and the Y sound is phonetically /yee/.
Math
We are working through chapter five this week which focuses on size, order, and directional words (next to, behind, under, etc.)
Social Studies
We are discussing Winter holidays.
Writing
We are doing a brief author study on Jan Brett.
Science
Hibernation and migration (family projects)
Mr. E
Monday, December 14, 2015
Monday, December 7, 2015
December 7-11
Reading
We are reading an assortment of hibernation and migration books this week. We are continuing to make predictions before and during reading. The students are also learning about what makes a non-fiction book different from a fiction book. We are focusing on the structure of the text like headings, captions, table of contents, etc.
Math
We are learning the difficult math skill of finding how many more and less. The students can easily identify which has more given multiple towers or numbers. Deciphering how many MORE is the difficult part. New vocabulary is fewer, greater, and in all.
Writing
This week students will write about what they like/love about winter. Students are expected to start writing their own sentences with a capital and ending mark in the second quarter. Only a couple weeks in and many kids are already there!
Phonics
Letter Gg, Jj, Ee, and Uu are our letters we are learning this week. The reason we are doing four is to finish the alphabet by winter break. Students are continuing to blend and segment sounds.
Science
Hibernation and migration.
Social Studies
Cultures and holidays around the world.
Mr. E
We are reading an assortment of hibernation and migration books this week. We are continuing to make predictions before and during reading. The students are also learning about what makes a non-fiction book different from a fiction book. We are focusing on the structure of the text like headings, captions, table of contents, etc.
Math
We are learning the difficult math skill of finding how many more and less. The students can easily identify which has more given multiple towers or numbers. Deciphering how many MORE is the difficult part. New vocabulary is fewer, greater, and in all.
Writing
This week students will write about what they like/love about winter. Students are expected to start writing their own sentences with a capital and ending mark in the second quarter. Only a couple weeks in and many kids are already there!
Phonics
Letter Gg, Jj, Ee, and Uu are our letters we are learning this week. The reason we are doing four is to finish the alphabet by winter break. Students are continuing to blend and segment sounds.
Science
Hibernation and migration.
Social Studies
Cultures and holidays around the world.
Mr. E
Thursday, December 3, 2015
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
Tuesday, November 24, 2015
Sunday, November 22, 2015
Thanksgiving week
We will use this short week (2 days) to do some review of skills and individual assessing.
We will be discussing needs and wants too. Always lots of fun!
No school Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday.
I am looking for a battery donation to get our listening center going. If possible I could use rechargeable POWEREX batteries (I have a charger specific for this brand only). We could use about 8 AAA and 8 AA. I think Batteries Plus has this brand or online.
Thank you,
Mr. E
We will be discussing needs and wants too. Always lots of fun!
No school Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday.
I am looking for a battery donation to get our listening center going. If possible I could use rechargeable POWEREX batteries (I have a charger specific for this brand only). We could use about 8 AAA and 8 AA. I think Batteries Plus has this brand or online.
Thank you,
Mr. E
Monday, November 16, 2015
Nov. 16-20
Reading
Our book of the week is Max Takes the Train. We will be focusing on the skill of sequencing a story and our comprehension strategy will be introducing predictions.
Writing
We will read Freight Train and write about things that are interesting to us. Students will begin writing sentences on their own this quarter using sight words and sounding out words.
Math
We are learning how to compose and decompose numbers to 5 (3 and 2 is 5.) as well as understanding the concept of "one more".
Phonics
Letter Oo and blending phonemes.
Social Studies
Transportation.
Mr. E
Our book of the week is Max Takes the Train. We will be focusing on the skill of sequencing a story and our comprehension strategy will be introducing predictions.
Writing
We will read Freight Train and write about things that are interesting to us. Students will begin writing sentences on their own this quarter using sight words and sounding out words.
Math
We are learning how to compose and decompose numbers to 5 (3 and 2 is 5.) as well as understanding the concept of "one more".
Phonics
Letter Oo and blending phonemes.
Social Studies
Transportation.
Mr. E
Sunday, November 8, 2015
Nov. 9-13
New two week unit entitled Transportation
Reading
Our book of the week will be On the Move. We will focus on the non-fiction genre.
Phonics
We will learn the sound and how to write letters Kk and Ff. We will continue to work on blending sounds to read words.
Math
We will be learning about length and weight. SHAPES!
Social Studies
We will focus on how people go/move different ways.
Writing
Last week we did some non-fiction writing about colors and this week we will write about things that are different shapes. You will get a chance to see all our classroom books next Wednesday at conferences.
Check out my Youtube channel to see the community helper family project videos.
https://www.youtube.com/user/Blees2
Mr. E
Reading
Our book of the week will be On the Move. We will focus on the non-fiction genre.
Phonics
We will learn the sound and how to write letters Kk and Ff. We will continue to work on blending sounds to read words.
Math
We will be learning about length and weight. SHAPES!
Social Studies
We will focus on how people go/move different ways.
Writing
Last week we did some non-fiction writing about colors and this week we will write about things that are different shapes. You will get a chance to see all our classroom books next Wednesday at conferences.
Check out my Youtube channel to see the community helper family project videos.
https://www.youtube.com/user/Blees2
Mr. E
Friday, November 6, 2015
Wednesday, November 4, 2015
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
Thursday, October 29, 2015
Sunday, October 25, 2015
October 26-30
We have an extremely busy week in kindergarten this week. Some major events/activities we have this week are:
- Community Helper family project sharing (Tuesday-Friday) *If your child is scheduled to present their October family project on Monday it will be changed to Tuesday because I will not be in class tomorrow. Sorry for the inconvenience.
- ClassDojo Kindergarten monthly prize: On Wednesday, all students that have received their 40 point certificate for the month of October will be participating in the popcorn and pajama day. Those students are allowed to wear pajamas to school on Wednesday and students must bring their own popcorn to eat during a short movie at the end of the day.
- Field Trip to the Farm- Thursday is our field trip to the farm. Please dress warm as the high is only low 50s. Chaperones should be at school by 9am. We will leave shortly after that. Chaperones, do not plan to take your child home when we return around 1:30-2. You may pick them up at dismissal like normal.
- Halloween party- On Friday we will have a Halloween party in the afternoon. Students may wear costumes but NO MASKS ARE ALLOWED. Do not send candy/food with your child to pass out. This is not allowed. Thanks.
Due to all these activities we will be using this week as a review/assessment week for skills covered thus far. We will also be doing some fun Fall and Halloween themed activities and stories.
Mr. E
Sunday, October 18, 2015
October 19-23
Reading
Our book of the week is Abuela. We will be focusing on setting and making connections. We will also read other books about family members and families.
Phonics
We are learning letters Bb and Nn this week.
Writing
We are learning to label our illustrations this week. We will read a book about signs and discuss why signs/labels are important.
Math
We are learning all about number 9 and pairing items. Also, the students will be introduced to math vocab "one more" and "one less".
Social Studies
Community, community, community!!!
We have a walking field trip on Wednesday so please dress your child accordingly. Let me know if you can chaperone (chaperones should be at school by 10:15 on Wednesday).
This week is Healthy Week at LaSalle II! Thursday is a special breast cancer awareness $1 jeans day and Friday is the Track-a-thon. Friday after school is also the Healthy Family Fest on the playground.
Mr. E
Our book of the week is Abuela. We will be focusing on setting and making connections. We will also read other books about family members and families.
Phonics
We are learning letters Bb and Nn this week.
Writing
We are learning to label our illustrations this week. We will read a book about signs and discuss why signs/labels are important.
Math
We are learning all about number 9 and pairing items. Also, the students will be introduced to math vocab "one more" and "one less".
Social Studies
Community, community, community!!!
We have a walking field trip on Wednesday so please dress your child accordingly. Let me know if you can chaperone (chaperones should be at school by 10:15 on Wednesday).
This week is Healthy Week at LaSalle II! Thursday is a special breast cancer awareness $1 jeans day and Friday is the Track-a-thon. Friday after school is also the Healthy Family Fest on the playground.
Mr. E
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
Monday, October 12, 2015
October 13-16
Reading
Our book of the week is Miss Bindergarten Takes a Field Trip with Kindergarten. This will give the kids an idea of what our community field trip will look like next week. Our focus will be connecting illustrations to the text. We will also reading books about other community helpers. Students will characterize and classify and continue to work on the comprehension strategy of making connections to their life as well as connecting to other texts.
Phonics
Letter Ii is the focus this week. We will continue to do rhyming, initial sounds, and blending CVC words.
Writing
Student will hear the book When I Get Bigger and we will make a classroom book about what we want to do when we get bigger.
Math
All about numbers 8 and 9, sorting, calendar, and patterns.
Social Studies
Students will get to meet and hear from real community helpers and learn about what a community is.
Check out classdojo and this blog for pictures, videos, and updates during the week.
Mr. Edwards
Our book of the week is Miss Bindergarten Takes a Field Trip with Kindergarten. This will give the kids an idea of what our community field trip will look like next week. Our focus will be connecting illustrations to the text. We will also reading books about other community helpers. Students will characterize and classify and continue to work on the comprehension strategy of making connections to their life as well as connecting to other texts.
Phonics
Letter Ii is the focus this week. We will continue to do rhyming, initial sounds, and blending CVC words.
Writing
Student will hear the book When I Get Bigger and we will make a classroom book about what we want to do when we get bigger.
Math
All about numbers 8 and 9, sorting, calendar, and patterns.
Social Studies
Students will get to meet and hear from real community helpers and learn about what a community is.
Check out classdojo and this blog for pictures, videos, and updates during the week.
Mr. Edwards
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
Monday, October 5, 2015
October 5-9
Reading
We are reading stories about how children around the world get to school. Our reading skill this week will be to identify illustrations and tell how they support the text. We will be discussing author vs. illustrator too. Our comprehension strategies this week are drawing conclusions and making connections.
Math
We will continue to master numbers to ten as we focus on numbers six and seven this week. We will also continue using math vocab such as same, different, color words, and shape words.
Writing
Students will write about what they like to do with their family this week. The students will each publish a page and we will make another classroom book (that is why you aren't seeing their focus writing every week).
Phonics
Letters Ss and Cc is our focus this week. We will learn the sounds and do some sorting of items with their beginning sound. We will also continue to learn about rhymes and start blending sounds to read CVC words.
Science
Five senses and feeling fabrics. Pumpkins.
Social Studies
School around the world. Introducing talking and sharing during Second Step.
Mr. E
We are reading stories about how children around the world get to school. Our reading skill this week will be to identify illustrations and tell how they support the text. We will be discussing author vs. illustrator too. Our comprehension strategies this week are drawing conclusions and making connections.
Math
We will continue to master numbers to ten as we focus on numbers six and seven this week. We will also continue using math vocab such as same, different, color words, and shape words.
Writing
Students will write about what they like to do with their family this week. The students will each publish a page and we will make another classroom book (that is why you aren't seeing their focus writing every week).
Phonics
Letters Ss and Cc is our focus this week. We will learn the sounds and do some sorting of items with their beginning sound. We will also continue to learn about rhymes and start blending sounds to read CVC words.
Science
Five senses and feeling fabrics. Pumpkins.
Social Studies
School around the world. Introducing talking and sharing during Second Step.
Mr. E
Friday, October 2, 2015
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Thursday, September 24, 2015
Sept. 28-Oct. 2
Reading
We are reading It's Okay to be Different. We will be learning the about comparing and contrasting. Our comprehension skill this week is making connections. We will learn how to make connections to our the story.
Math
We will be learning numbers to five as well as continuing to explore the concept of same and different.
Writing
Students will continue to write in their journal. We will write about things we like about school and also make a class book entitled "It's okay to be different".
Phonics
Our letters of the week are A and P.
Social Studies
We will focus on how we are all individually different but all make up a classroom community.
Science
Five senses and Apples.
Mr. E
We are reading It's Okay to be Different. We will be learning the about comparing and contrasting. Our comprehension skill this week is making connections. We will learn how to make connections to our the story.
Math
We will be learning numbers to five as well as continuing to explore the concept of same and different.
Writing
Students will continue to write in their journal. We will write about things we like about school and also make a class book entitled "It's okay to be different".
Phonics
Our letters of the week are A and P.
Social Studies
We will focus on how we are all individually different but all make up a classroom community.
Science
Five senses and Apples.
Mr. E
Sunday, September 20, 2015
September 21-25
Hello parents and guardians,
This week is jammed packed full of great stuff in room 110. We have learned the rules most routines and procedures so this week we will start with our Unit 1 entitled "Connecting with Ourselves". Within this unit are three themes we will be focusing on. This week we will start the theme "From Me to We". This theme is designed to learn how each student is individual but that we all come together to form our own community. Here are some specifics of what we are learning about this week. FYI, your child may or may not bring home papers or worksheets displaying some of this weeks material. However, this blog is to inform you what your child is learning at school so you can continue the learning at home.
Reading
Our book of the week is The Little School Bus. It is a fictional, rhyming book about animals that take the school bus to school. I will be introducing "character" to the students as well as focusing on the features of text and reading (left to right, top to bottom, spaces between words, title, author, and illustrator, etc.). Students will continue to read to themselves for five plus minutes each day.
Phonics
All about letters Mm and Tt. Students will learn the name of the letters, sounds, and words that start with the sound. We will also discuss rhyming.
Writing
Students will be introduced to how our writing community works. They will all get journals this week and have 10-15 minutes of writing and sharing time.
Social Studies
We are starting our social emotional curriculum with the counselor Miss Sapieka on Tuesday!
Science
Introduction to the five senses and Apples!
Math
All about numbers 1-3. Finding matches. Same and not the same (different). Students will learn to work with a math partner.
P.S. I will be attending professional developments with some colleagues this year and will be absent from the class. Mrs. Blackwell will be the sub each time so the students are in good hands. This Friday I will be out so please give your child a heads up and go over expectations for the day. Thanks.
Mr. E
This week is jammed packed full of great stuff in room 110. We have learned the rules most routines and procedures so this week we will start with our Unit 1 entitled "Connecting with Ourselves". Within this unit are three themes we will be focusing on. This week we will start the theme "From Me to We". This theme is designed to learn how each student is individual but that we all come together to form our own community. Here are some specifics of what we are learning about this week. FYI, your child may or may not bring home papers or worksheets displaying some of this weeks material. However, this blog is to inform you what your child is learning at school so you can continue the learning at home.
Reading
Our book of the week is The Little School Bus. It is a fictional, rhyming book about animals that take the school bus to school. I will be introducing "character" to the students as well as focusing on the features of text and reading (left to right, top to bottom, spaces between words, title, author, and illustrator, etc.). Students will continue to read to themselves for five plus minutes each day.
Phonics
All about letters Mm and Tt. Students will learn the name of the letters, sounds, and words that start with the sound. We will also discuss rhyming.
Writing
Students will be introduced to how our writing community works. They will all get journals this week and have 10-15 minutes of writing and sharing time.
Social Studies
We are starting our social emotional curriculum with the counselor Miss Sapieka on Tuesday!
Science
Introduction to the five senses and Apples!
Math
All about numbers 1-3. Finding matches. Same and not the same (different). Students will learn to work with a math partner.
P.S. I will be attending professional developments with some colleagues this year and will be absent from the class. Mrs. Blackwell will be the sub each time so the students are in good hands. This Friday I will be out so please give your child a heads up and go over expectations for the day. Thanks.
Mr. E
Sunday, September 13, 2015
September 14-18
The second week of school will look a lot like the first. Reviewing rules, procedures, and expectations. Being introduced to new things in the classroom. Assessing. Learning names and making friends. After this week we will start some of our normal curriculum. Please continue to have your child do their homework on IXL and Raz-kids.
Tuesday, September 8, 2015
Fun first day!
Watch this fun story/song with your child. They'll love it!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RC7SWvxge30
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RC7SWvxge30
Monday, September 7, 2015
Sept. 8-11
Welcome to room 110 and Mr. Edwards' blog. I will be updating this blog before each week to let you all know what's happening during our school days. Also, check in periodically during the week to see some videos and pics from the classroom.
The first couple weeks of school are different than the rest of the year because the students are spending the majority of the time learning routines, procedures, and expectations. So the blog will look a little different in a couple weeks.
This week we will be learning:
Please remember to send these things to school with your child:
Mr. Edwards
The first couple weeks of school are different than the rest of the year because the students are spending the majority of the time learning routines, procedures, and expectations. So the blog will look a little different in a couple weeks.
This week we will be learning:
- the classroom/school rules
- each others names and playing "The Name Game"
- how to clean up properly
- lining up properly
- where everything is in the classroom and school
- etc.
Please remember to send these things to school with your child:
- completed locker tag
- completed walking field trip form
- completed media consent form
- completed student interest worksheet
- any school supplies
Mr. Edwards
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
Monday, June 15, 2015
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
Sunday, June 7, 2015
June 8-12
Reading
We are reading a variety of award winning and fun books that I have not gotten to this year. We are also still reading some non-fiction texts on habitats and animals.
Writing
We wrapped up writer's wrokshop last week. Over the next couple weeks I will be introducing poetry to the kids and they will bring home a poetry book next week.
Math
We will continue to reveiw math skills the rest of the year as well as finish up our math curriculum learning about coins and adding coins. Students started learning about coins last week as they have been earning coins instead of Dojo points. They have a chance to spend their coins at the end of each day at the classroom store. Please have your child practice counting coins at home. I am teaching them to add up the highest values first. Adding up quarters, dimes, and nickels is not a kindergarten skill but great practice for first grade.
Science
We are putting all our focus and energy into habitats and animals as we turn our room into a miniature zoo.
Mr. E
Thursday, June 4, 2015
Friday, May 29, 2015
Monday, May 25, 2015
May 26-29
Reading
We are reading Animal Babies in the Grassland this week. Students will continue to learn how to read non-fiction text and be introduced to new vocabulary.
Writing
Writers' workshop will continue as students continue to become better authors by learning to add detail using adjectives and how to make their illustrations more interesting.
Math
We will do some review games this week with the couple days of math we have. Students will take the end of the year math assessment on the computer Tuesday morning.
Science
Habitats and animals! The kids are really getting into this.
Social Studies
Still working on social and emotional skills with the Second Step curriculum and some fun read alouds.
We have our field trip to the zoo on Friday. More details to come mid-week!
Mr. E
We are reading Animal Babies in the Grassland this week. Students will continue to learn how to read non-fiction text and be introduced to new vocabulary.
Writing
Writers' workshop will continue as students continue to become better authors by learning to add detail using adjectives and how to make their illustrations more interesting.
Math
We will do some review games this week with the couple days of math we have. Students will take the end of the year math assessment on the computer Tuesday morning.
Science
Habitats and animals! The kids are really getting into this.
Social Studies
Still working on social and emotional skills with the Second Step curriculum and some fun read alouds.
We have our field trip to the zoo on Friday. More details to come mid-week!
Mr. E
Thursday, May 21, 2015
Saturday, May 9, 2015
May 11-15
Reading
We are reading Hide Clyde this week. It is a rhyming book about a chameleon. We will be going over plot and retelling a story. We will also read a non-fiction book about chameleons.
Writing
In writers workshop this week I will be using Mo Willems books to give students ideas for when they are making their own books. My teaching points will be focused on getting students to be creative with their words, illustrations, and covers when they publish their own book. The end goal is for their voice to come out in their writing.
Math
Comparing sets. Using subtraction to find the difference. Subtraction facts to AT LEAST 5.
Science
Chameleons. Camouflage. Jungle habitat.
Social Studies
Manners.
Mr. E
We are reading Hide Clyde this week. It is a rhyming book about a chameleon. We will be going over plot and retelling a story. We will also read a non-fiction book about chameleons.
Writing
In writers workshop this week I will be using Mo Willems books to give students ideas for when they are making their own books. My teaching points will be focused on getting students to be creative with their words, illustrations, and covers when they publish their own book. The end goal is for their voice to come out in their writing.
Math
Comparing sets. Using subtraction to find the difference. Subtraction facts to AT LEAST 5.
Science
Chameleons. Camouflage. Jungle habitat.
Social Studies
Manners.
Mr. E
Tuesday, May 5, 2015
Monday, May 4, 2015
Sunday, May 3, 2015
May 4-8
Reading
We are reading Marcel and Farfallina this week. This book is about a goose and butterfly that are friends and both go through changes but remain friends in the end. We will focus on the problem/resolution and also the changes that animals go through.
We will also be reading Diary of a Worm. We have two worm compost bins in our room so the students are interested in worms.
Writing
Students will continue making books during writers' workshop. Most students should be finishing their first book this week and bringing it home. Students are receiving specific instruction to work on writing skills they need to develop during writers' workshop.
Students will be making their own "diary of a worm" during literacy centers.
Math
We will be wrapping up sorting and classifying on Monday. Students should be able to sort random items by one or two attributes. The rest of the week we will be doing addition and subtraction word problems. By Friday students should be able to answer, solve and write math problems up to 10.
Science
We will be discussing animal changes, continuing our plant observations, and continuing to learn about the environment.
Mr. E
We are reading Marcel and Farfallina this week. This book is about a goose and butterfly that are friends and both go through changes but remain friends in the end. We will focus on the problem/resolution and also the changes that animals go through.
We will also be reading Diary of a Worm. We have two worm compost bins in our room so the students are interested in worms.
Writing
Students will continue making books during writers' workshop. Most students should be finishing their first book this week and bringing it home. Students are receiving specific instruction to work on writing skills they need to develop during writers' workshop.
Students will be making their own "diary of a worm" during literacy centers.
Math
We will be wrapping up sorting and classifying on Monday. Students should be able to sort random items by one or two attributes. The rest of the week we will be doing addition and subtraction word problems. By Friday students should be able to answer, solve and write math problems up to 10.
Science
We will be discussing animal changes, continuing our plant observations, and continuing to learn about the environment.
Mr. E
Friday, May 1, 2015
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
Sunday, April 26, 2015
April 27 - May 1
Reading
This week I will be reading The Lorax by: Dr. Seuss. This book goes along with our
caring for the environment" unit. We will be discussing main idea a bit and learning what a main idea of a book is. The students will also watch the Lorax and we will compare and contrast of the two. Students are also continuing to read to self and to someone for 10 minutes each daily. I can really see the growth in the reading during this time. Check out the video below to see read to self time in the classroom. Students are getting instructional small group reading instruction with me weekly too. They are learning to read fluent, attack difficult words, and monitor their comprehension.
Please help students learn to monitor and clarify at home. This is the most important early comprehension skill a child can learn (according to my DePaul professor). Students should monitor and clarify as they read to make sure they are comprehending what they are reading. When a child reads a sentence incorrectly and it makes no sense the child should stop (monitor) and realize that what they read didn't make sense. They should then go back and reread (clarify) and figure out what they missed and fix it for understanding. This can be done when listening to stories too. Have your child stop you when they don't understand something (a word, an idea, the plot) and clarify it's meaning.
Phonics
Students will be doing some word sorts at their level during language time.
Math
We will continue with (measurement) length and height. Then move to sorting and classifying. Please review (with your child) the math book that was sent home. Your child should be able to explain what we learned/did on each page and finish any undone pages. Keep the book at home.
Science
We are continuing to make observations on our growing plants. We are learning about the environment and how we can take care of it. Students will also be introduced to decomposition this week.
Social Studies
We will continue to talk about being caring friends and preparing to be first graders in general. As the weather (and classroom) heats up and we get closer to summer break students behavior can get a bit rambunctious. Please continue to encourage your child to earn the class dojo points by following all the school and classroom rules.
Class Dojo
This Thursday students that receive their class dojo certificate for April (40 points) will enjoy a picnic lunch outside!
Mr. E
This week I will be reading The Lorax by: Dr. Seuss. This book goes along with our
caring for the environment" unit. We will be discussing main idea a bit and learning what a main idea of a book is. The students will also watch the Lorax and we will compare and contrast of the two. Students are also continuing to read to self and to someone for 10 minutes each daily. I can really see the growth in the reading during this time. Check out the video below to see read to self time in the classroom. Students are getting instructional small group reading instruction with me weekly too. They are learning to read fluent, attack difficult words, and monitor their comprehension.
Please help students learn to monitor and clarify at home. This is the most important early comprehension skill a child can learn (according to my DePaul professor). Students should monitor and clarify as they read to make sure they are comprehending what they are reading. When a child reads a sentence incorrectly and it makes no sense the child should stop (monitor) and realize that what they read didn't make sense. They should then go back and reread (clarify) and figure out what they missed and fix it for understanding. This can be done when listening to stories too. Have your child stop you when they don't understand something (a word, an idea, the plot) and clarify it's meaning.
Phonics
Students will be doing some word sorts at their level during language time.
Math
We will continue with (measurement) length and height. Then move to sorting and classifying. Please review (with your child) the math book that was sent home. Your child should be able to explain what we learned/did on each page and finish any undone pages. Keep the book at home.
Science
We are continuing to make observations on our growing plants. We are learning about the environment and how we can take care of it. Students will also be introduced to decomposition this week.
Social Studies
We will continue to talk about being caring friends and preparing to be first graders in general. As the weather (and classroom) heats up and we get closer to summer break students behavior can get a bit rambunctious. Please continue to encourage your child to earn the class dojo points by following all the school and classroom rules.
Class Dojo
This Thursday students that receive their class dojo certificate for April (40 points) will enjoy a picnic lunch outside!
Mr. E
Thursday, April 23, 2015
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
Monday, April 20, 2015
Friday, April 17, 2015
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Monday, April 13, 2015
April 13-17
Reading
Over the next couple weeks the students will be learning about reading fluency. This knowledge will help them prepare for their read aloud over the next couple months (see assignment sent home today). Our new book for the week is Seeds.
Writing
Students will be introduced to writer's workshop where they will get to make their own books. We will be doing this for the rest of the year. Please complete the family project "writing ideas page" for writer's workshop.
Math
This week we are learning number facts to ten. Students will learn to use the language of "10 is 7 and 3." and "7 and 3 makes 10."
Science
It is the start of our final unit entitled Connecting with our Environment. Students will be learning about seeds, plants, life cycles, and caring for our environment.
Social Studies
Students will be sharing their Flat Stanley adventures during Spring break.
Mr. E
Over the next couple weeks the students will be learning about reading fluency. This knowledge will help them prepare for their read aloud over the next couple months (see assignment sent home today). Our new book for the week is Seeds.
Writing
Students will be introduced to writer's workshop where they will get to make their own books. We will be doing this for the rest of the year. Please complete the family project "writing ideas page" for writer's workshop.
Math
This week we are learning number facts to ten. Students will learn to use the language of "10 is 7 and 3." and "7 and 3 makes 10."
Science
It is the start of our final unit entitled Connecting with our Environment. Students will be learning about seeds, plants, life cycles, and caring for our environment.
Social Studies
Students will be sharing their Flat Stanley adventures during Spring break.
Mr. E
Monday, March 30, 2015
Friday, March 27, 2015
Thursday, March 26, 2015
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Sunday, March 22, 2015
March 23-27
Reading
Our book of the week is See How We Grow. It is a story about two twin girls and how they change as they grow. The students will be bringing home a timeline of their life on Friday so you can be talking with them this week about important events that have happened in their life. We will be reading Flat Stanley and practicing our comprehension strategies during read to someone time.
Phonics
We will be learning consonant blends this week and students should bring home a blends book they will make. Here are a few examples of consonant blends (sp, br, cl).
Writing
Students have been learning to write non-fiction stories. We have made classroom books about a place we know and about our classmates. This week the students will write about a healthy food. Students will be asked to use adjectives to describe (tell more) about the food they write about.
Math
We are starting chapter 12 entitled "Counting on and Counting back" this week. Students will learn to add by putting one number in their head and counting on to find an answer (6+__=10). I will take a video of this process so you are aware how it is taught. Also, students will count back on their fingers from 10 to find an answer (10-3=__).
Social Studies
Being a caring friends to each other.
Science
How we change and grow.
Mr. E
Our book of the week is See How We Grow. It is a story about two twin girls and how they change as they grow. The students will be bringing home a timeline of their life on Friday so you can be talking with them this week about important events that have happened in their life. We will be reading Flat Stanley and practicing our comprehension strategies during read to someone time.
Phonics
We will be learning consonant blends this week and students should bring home a blends book they will make. Here are a few examples of consonant blends (sp, br, cl).
Writing
Students have been learning to write non-fiction stories. We have made classroom books about a place we know and about our classmates. This week the students will write about a healthy food. Students will be asked to use adjectives to describe (tell more) about the food they write about.
Math
We are starting chapter 12 entitled "Counting on and Counting back" this week. Students will learn to add by putting one number in their head and counting on to find an answer (6+__=10). I will take a video of this process so you are aware how it is taught. Also, students will count back on their fingers from 10 to find an answer (10-3=__).
Social Studies
Being a caring friends to each other.
Science
How we change and grow.
Mr. E
Friday, March 20, 2015
Thursday, March 19, 2015
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Friday, March 13, 2015
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
Monday, March 9, 2015
Friday, March 6, 2015
Thursday, March 5, 2015
Sunday, March 1, 2015
March 2-6
Reading
We will be reading some non-fiction texts about weather this week. We will be practicing our comprehension strategy "inferring" while reading the non-fiction text. Our story of the week is Mayday! Mayday! It is about a coast guard rescue during a storm.
Phonics
We will learn/sort words by vowel sound (short and long). We will learn some consonant blends and keep reviewing the consonant digraphs /sh/, /ch/, /th/, and /wh/.
Math
We are learning to compare numbers to 20. New math vocabulary this week is fewest, fewer, more, and most.
Social Studies
We are going to do a special lesson on teasing since that has been an issue in the class a bit of late. Please have a discussion with your child about if they are teased and why it is not okay.
Science
Weather!
Lee Edwards
We will be reading some non-fiction texts about weather this week. We will be practicing our comprehension strategy "inferring" while reading the non-fiction text. Our story of the week is Mayday! Mayday! It is about a coast guard rescue during a storm.
Phonics
We will learn/sort words by vowel sound (short and long). We will learn some consonant blends and keep reviewing the consonant digraphs /sh/, /ch/, /th/, and /wh/.
Math
We are learning to compare numbers to 20. New math vocabulary this week is fewest, fewer, more, and most.
Social Studies
We are going to do a special lesson on teasing since that has been an issue in the class a bit of late. Please have a discussion with your child about if they are teased and why it is not okay.
Science
Weather!
Lee Edwards
Friday, February 27, 2015
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Sunday, February 22, 2015
Feb. 23-27
Reading
We are focusing on thinking during reading this week for comprehension. Students already do this but I want them to learn to be aware what they are thinking about when they are reading. Our story of the week is The Night Worker. It is about a boy that goes to work with his father at night on a construction site.
Writing
We are continuing to work on capitalization, ending marks, and adding more. Students should also be writing their sight words correctly in their writing (i.e. like, my not lik, mi).
Phonics
Students will continue to sort short and long vowel sounds and we will do a "H-brother" review on Friday (sh, th, ch, wh).
Math
We are finishing numbers to 100 and working with the 100 chart. Students will do an assessment using the 100 chart on Wednesday. If your child is still struggling with their numbers to 100 I will send some math stuff home for extra practice at the end of the week. This week we will learn new math vocabulary: greater, least, more, less, fewer. We will start introducing comparing sets on Thursday.
Social Studies
We will continue with our social/emotional curriculum with Miss Sapieka on Monday.
Science
Since our book of the week is about night time, I will be reading about nocturnal animals.
Updates
This is the last week for your child to get Dojo points for the February prize (double recess and no homework for a week!). Please encourage your child to do their best at school. Students will bring home a certificate this week if they have gotten the 50 points.
This is also the last week for the IXL and Raz-kids February challenges. Encourage your child to work on these websites for a chance at a book set or a pizza party.
Mr. E
We are focusing on thinking during reading this week for comprehension. Students already do this but I want them to learn to be aware what they are thinking about when they are reading. Our story of the week is The Night Worker. It is about a boy that goes to work with his father at night on a construction site.
Writing
We are continuing to work on capitalization, ending marks, and adding more. Students should also be writing their sight words correctly in their writing (i.e. like, my not lik, mi).
Phonics
Students will continue to sort short and long vowel sounds and we will do a "H-brother" review on Friday (sh, th, ch, wh).
Math
We are finishing numbers to 100 and working with the 100 chart. Students will do an assessment using the 100 chart on Wednesday. If your child is still struggling with their numbers to 100 I will send some math stuff home for extra practice at the end of the week. This week we will learn new math vocabulary: greater, least, more, less, fewer. We will start introducing comparing sets on Thursday.
Social Studies
We will continue with our social/emotional curriculum with Miss Sapieka on Monday.
Science
Since our book of the week is about night time, I will be reading about nocturnal animals.
Updates
This is the last week for your child to get Dojo points for the February prize (double recess and no homework for a week!). Please encourage your child to do their best at school. Students will bring home a certificate this week if they have gotten the 50 points.
This is also the last week for the IXL and Raz-kids February challenges. Encourage your child to work on these websites for a chance at a book set or a pizza party.
Mr. E
Friday, February 20, 2015
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
Tuesday, February 17, 2015
Monday, February 16, 2015
Feb. 17-20
Reading
We will be reading some President books and 100th day books this week. We will also be focusing on asking questions while reading for our comprehension strategy.
Phonics
Students will be given phonics instruction based on their need in small groups throughout the day. Students are learning that vowels have two sounds and identifying words that have the different sounds.
Writing
Students will be writing about what they will be like when they are 100 years old. Students will also be writing about what they think the world will be like in 100 years. We are continuing to work on adding more to our writing, organizing our writing using writing webs, and using spaces, capitalization, and ending marks.
Social Studies
Presidents.
Math
We are learning numbers 80-100 this week. Students should be able to count to 100 by ones and tens. They should be able to identify and write numbers to 100. We will also be using/studying a 100 chart a lot this week. The 100th day of school is Thursday so we will be doing a lot of 100 activities. Students should bring their 100 items to school before Thursday.
Spelling
Students will be bringing home a baggy with cut out letters home tomorrow to work on spelling their spelling words. Use them when studying by building the words letter by letter.
Mr. E
We will be reading some President books and 100th day books this week. We will also be focusing on asking questions while reading for our comprehension strategy.
Phonics
Students will be given phonics instruction based on their need in small groups throughout the day. Students are learning that vowels have two sounds and identifying words that have the different sounds.
Writing
Students will be writing about what they will be like when they are 100 years old. Students will also be writing about what they think the world will be like in 100 years. We are continuing to work on adding more to our writing, organizing our writing using writing webs, and using spaces, capitalization, and ending marks.
Social Studies
Presidents.
Math
We are learning numbers 80-100 this week. Students should be able to count to 100 by ones and tens. They should be able to identify and write numbers to 100. We will also be using/studying a 100 chart a lot this week. The 100th day of school is Thursday so we will be doing a lot of 100 activities. Students should bring their 100 items to school before Thursday.
Spelling
Students will be bringing home a baggy with cut out letters home tomorrow to work on spelling their spelling words. Use them when studying by building the words letter by letter.
Mr. E
Thursday, February 12, 2015
Monday, February 9, 2015
Sunday, February 8, 2015
Feb. 9-13
Reading
During our comprehension time this week I will be modeling think-alouds and then the students will get a chance to practice the strategy. Basically students are asked to "think-aloud" while they read. So they might stop reading and make a connection aloud, or ask a question, or make a prediction. These are all strategies we have been learning but with young readers doing it aloud it more developmentally appropriate then having them think in their heads. I encourage you to think-aloud when reading books to your child at home. They learn by seeing and copying so have fun with it. We will also be reading valentine books and discussing how we can show love to each other (not the romance kind but the caring friend kind). Students will be writing valentines to each other and reviewing how we can be caring friends to everyone.
With that being said, I wanted to say this. At this point in the year students have become comfortable with each other and are starting to find who they really connect with. While friendships are great and I encourage friendship development I am also trying to teach the students to be a caring "friend" to everyone. I have started to see some students becoming "attached" to each other and protective over each other. Please have a discussion with your child about being a caring friend to everyone, even if they are different or your not really "friends" with them. Thanks.
Social Studies
We are focusing on our social skills and being caring friends and loving others. (see above)
Writing
Students will be using a writing web for the first time this week. They will use it to organize their ideas before writing. This will be in addition to our regular writing curriculum.
I feel like the students need extra writing instruction now until the end of the year to improve writing. We will be moving to writer's workshop in a month or so and the students need to become independent writers. Please help your child remember capitalization, spacing, and an ending mark when they are writing.
Phonics
Students will be given focused phonics instruction based on their needs. Some students are still working on sounding out Consonant Vowel Consonant (CVC) words while others are learning different spellings for long vowel words (rain). All students will be bringing home a baggy filled with letters that can be put together to make their spelling words. This is a more engaging way for them to practice their words although they should still work on writing them too.
Math
We are learning number up to 79 this week and students are continuing to learn using "ten towers" and "cubes" to make up numbers. They are also being introduced to place value and should soon be able to explain that the number 53 is made up of five "towers" and 3 "cubes" or ones. All students should be able to identify, count and order numbers 1-100 by the end of February.
Family Project
I will be sending home the February family project tomorrow. Students are asked to bring in a collection of 100 things for the 100th day (which is next week). Students should work on counting out their 100 items by making ten groups of ten. Please send the 100 items to school SOMETIME during the week of Feb.17th-20th.
Valentines Party
We will be celebrating valentine's day on Friday, Feb. 13th with an afternoon party. Student may bring in valentines BUT NO FOOD/CANDY/TREATS please. Email Jen Vojticek if you are able to volunteer for the party 1:15-2:45.
Thanks,
Mr. Edwards
During our comprehension time this week I will be modeling think-alouds and then the students will get a chance to practice the strategy. Basically students are asked to "think-aloud" while they read. So they might stop reading and make a connection aloud, or ask a question, or make a prediction. These are all strategies we have been learning but with young readers doing it aloud it more developmentally appropriate then having them think in their heads. I encourage you to think-aloud when reading books to your child at home. They learn by seeing and copying so have fun with it. We will also be reading valentine books and discussing how we can show love to each other (not the romance kind but the caring friend kind). Students will be writing valentines to each other and reviewing how we can be caring friends to everyone.
With that being said, I wanted to say this. At this point in the year students have become comfortable with each other and are starting to find who they really connect with. While friendships are great and I encourage friendship development I am also trying to teach the students to be a caring "friend" to everyone. I have started to see some students becoming "attached" to each other and protective over each other. Please have a discussion with your child about being a caring friend to everyone, even if they are different or your not really "friends" with them. Thanks.
Social Studies
We are focusing on our social skills and being caring friends and loving others. (see above)
Writing
Students will be using a writing web for the first time this week. They will use it to organize their ideas before writing. This will be in addition to our regular writing curriculum.
I feel like the students need extra writing instruction now until the end of the year to improve writing. We will be moving to writer's workshop in a month or so and the students need to become independent writers. Please help your child remember capitalization, spacing, and an ending mark when they are writing.
Phonics
Students will be given focused phonics instruction based on their needs. Some students are still working on sounding out Consonant Vowel Consonant (CVC) words while others are learning different spellings for long vowel words (rain). All students will be bringing home a baggy filled with letters that can be put together to make their spelling words. This is a more engaging way for them to practice their words although they should still work on writing them too.
Math
We are learning number up to 79 this week and students are continuing to learn using "ten towers" and "cubes" to make up numbers. They are also being introduced to place value and should soon be able to explain that the number 53 is made up of five "towers" and 3 "cubes" or ones. All students should be able to identify, count and order numbers 1-100 by the end of February.
Family Project
I will be sending home the February family project tomorrow. Students are asked to bring in a collection of 100 things for the 100th day (which is next week). Students should work on counting out their 100 items by making ten groups of ten. Please send the 100 items to school SOMETIME during the week of Feb.17th-20th.
Valentines Party
We will be celebrating valentine's day on Friday, Feb. 13th with an afternoon party. Student may bring in valentines BUT NO FOOD/CANDY/TREATS please. Email Jen Vojticek if you are able to volunteer for the party 1:15-2:45.
Thanks,
Mr. Edwards
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
Saturday, January 31, 2015
February 2-6
Reading
We will be changing our reading block a bit to have more of a focus on comprehension strategies. Students will hear a variety of different books during our 8-9 comprehension block and then focus on different comprehension strategies during read to self time. This weeks comprehension strategy is inferring (using prior knowledge and the text to form new ideas/knowledge). Our "book of the week" time will move to 11:45-12. We will focus on one or a pair (fiction and non-fiction) of books per week and dig into the social studies and science aspects of the book. This week we will be reading Dig, Dig, Digging and a childhood favorite of mine Mike Mulligan and Maryanne. We will be focusing on machines that help community workers over the next month or so. We will also sprinkle in some Black History Month books as well as 100th Day books.
Phonics
I am working on changing our phonics instruction to focus more on small group needs. Students will be grouped based on phonics needs. Groups will be reviewing/learning short and long vowel sounds, consonant blends like bl, fr, spl, and word attack strategies like chunking (wonderful is won/der/ful).
Writing
We will be writing stories about different feelings this week. Students are expected to write a story about a time they felt a feeling like sad, mad, frustrated, happy, bored... They should be able to write 3-4 sentences. We are still working on the abstract idea of "What is a sentence?" and when do you put an end mark.
Math
We will be learning numbers 21-79 this week. Students will learn how these numbers are represented by tens and ones like in 51 (5 tens and 1 one). Students will work on ordering numbers 21-79 too.
Social Studies
Machines that construction workers use.
February Challenges
IXL- pizza party after school with a friend
Raz-Kids- a brand new book
Students will "hopefully" be bringing home a baggie of letters on Monday. These letters can be sorted to form their spelling words. That is what all the index cards were for. Students can practice their spelling words by dumping out the letters and then making their spelling words from them. I will show them how to do it Monday so they will know.
I restarted the Dojo points and we have already started earning February Dojo points. As stated in the email yesterday, students getting more than 50 points will be able to use their extra points to buy things from the classroom store.
Happy "Super" weekend,
Mr. E
We will be changing our reading block a bit to have more of a focus on comprehension strategies. Students will hear a variety of different books during our 8-9 comprehension block and then focus on different comprehension strategies during read to self time. This weeks comprehension strategy is inferring (using prior knowledge and the text to form new ideas/knowledge). Our "book of the week" time will move to 11:45-12. We will focus on one or a pair (fiction and non-fiction) of books per week and dig into the social studies and science aspects of the book. This week we will be reading Dig, Dig, Digging and a childhood favorite of mine Mike Mulligan and Maryanne. We will be focusing on machines that help community workers over the next month or so. We will also sprinkle in some Black History Month books as well as 100th Day books.
Phonics
I am working on changing our phonics instruction to focus more on small group needs. Students will be grouped based on phonics needs. Groups will be reviewing/learning short and long vowel sounds, consonant blends like bl, fr, spl, and word attack strategies like chunking (wonderful is won/der/ful).
Writing
We will be writing stories about different feelings this week. Students are expected to write a story about a time they felt a feeling like sad, mad, frustrated, happy, bored... They should be able to write 3-4 sentences. We are still working on the abstract idea of "What is a sentence?" and when do you put an end mark.
Math
We will be learning numbers 21-79 this week. Students will learn how these numbers are represented by tens and ones like in 51 (5 tens and 1 one). Students will work on ordering numbers 21-79 too.
Social Studies
Machines that construction workers use.
February Challenges
IXL- pizza party after school with a friend
Raz-Kids- a brand new book
Students will "hopefully" be bringing home a baggie of letters on Monday. These letters can be sorted to form their spelling words. That is what all the index cards were for. Students can practice their spelling words by dumping out the letters and then making their spelling words from them. I will show them how to do it Monday so they will know.
I restarted the Dojo points and we have already started earning February Dojo points. As stated in the email yesterday, students getting more than 50 points will be able to use their extra points to buy things from the classroom store.
Happy "Super" weekend,
Mr. E
Thursday, January 29, 2015
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