Hi Families,
This week, we started with a building challenge, using a variety of materials to create an object that that represented something important to us, or about us. Many students chose to represent hobbies, interests or what they wanted to be when they grew up. After building, students did a gallery walk to look at each others creations, and then presented them to the class. It was wonderful to see the students problem solve building challenges by talking about different choices they had in materials depending if they needed flexibility or strength.
We have begun our classroom Reading Jobs schedule. Each week, students rotate through 5 different jobs: Read with Teacher, Buddy Read, Read to Self, Word Work and Computers. In each of these jobs, students develop their literacy skills based on their personal ability, in both independent and cooperative activities. Our groupings right now are flexible, as I integrate assessment into the Read with Teacher component to identify where each child is at, and what their guided instruction needs to look like.
We also started exploring data by looking at our names, and the names of our peers. We have discovered that organizing data is very important, and have used both a t-chart and a table to organize our last two activities. Ask your child how many students in the classroom have the same first letter as them.
During our Opening Circle, we have been reviewing the letters of the alphabet and their corresponding sounds using the Animated Literacy program. This gives me an opportunity to embed additional assessment in everyday activities. Students who are already proficient with their letters and sounds are being introduced to concepts such as alliteration to create sentences.
Weather is becoming more like fall everyday, with cooler temperatures and rain this week already. We go outside in all weather, unless there is lightening, it is below -20 degrees, or other reasons that affect safety. Please ensure your child is dressed for the ever changing Calgary weather - layers are best!
In your child's mail folder so far this week:
- September Scholastic Book Orders. These are due back by Thursday, September 20th. Payment in available by cheque or online. If you are unfamiliar with online ordering, please refer to the instructions on one of the order forms.
- ADmazing Coupon Book Fundraiser. Please see the additional blog note for additional information.
Thank you everyone! Have a wonderful evening!
Ms. Thomas
