Happy Friday!

Here is an update on what we learned about this week:

Reading -
Our first unit in Reading focuses on building a reading life.  We have discussed different strategies to help us become better readers.  We talked about our best and worst reading times, as well as, what it means to read longer, stronger, and faster.  We discussed what it means to find a "just right" book to read, and how to awaken ourselves to the text.  Similar to a New Year's resolution, students made a reading resolution for the school year.  The students added these resolutions to their Data Notebook.

Math -
This week in Math, we set norms (rules) for Math Workshop.  We used our 5 senses to help us determine what our norms would be.  Since students will be working individually, in partners, and in groups, I thought it was important for us to set norms for all of these learning styles.  I introduced the term "accountable talk."  We discussed what this meant and how to use it everyday during Math.  Accountable talk will ensure that our conversations are focused on Math during work time.  Another main focus of this week was learning to play the games that go along with the curriculum.  Each day students will have the option of playing a game that corresponds to the lesson.  Students seemed to enjoy this part of the day!

Social Studies -
We covered an introductory unit in Social Studies.  It focused on Geography.  We discussed geography and what it is, types of maps (physical and political), what maps show (distance and location), and the difference between latitude and longitude.

We ended the week with a STAR Celebration!  Ask your child how they can earn this each week.

Next week, we will continue our Reading unit, and start our first units in Writing, Math, and Social Studies. 

Have a great weekend!  I can't wait to see the kiddos on Monday!