Newsletter12/7

We activated Book Talk Power in Reading Workshop this week!  Super Readers don't just read books, they talk about books, too!  We learned how to examine how the pages of a book go together.  Then, we can introduce the book to others before we read it!  Try this with your child at home.  A good model is: "This book is called_____, and on every page ____."   BUT, don't give away the ending!  We also practiced retelling stories across our fingers after we've read them.

We are working so hard to make our writing readable!  Super Reader himself can read our pieces (he comes to school in the evening sometimes and visits Mrs. Henry).  This week, we focused on using capitals to begin a sentence and using punctuation to end a sentence.

In math this week we worked with pairs.  What is a pair?  What pairs do we see in our lives?  Then, we turned a ten-frame on its side and used it "pair wise".  This helps us count by pairs.  We heard various stories about pairs and tried to figure out the total (i.e. "If Mrs. Henry has 3 pairs of mittens, how many mittens does she have?").  This was tough work!  

We read an amazing book this week called Nana in the City.  Check it out at the library if you can.  We noticed more and more as we re-read the story and it lead to very interesting conversations!

News and Notes:

• Scholastic orders for this month must be placed by 3:45 on Friday 12/8
• Book sleeves are due on Monday.
• Pajama Drive ends 12/15
• Please let me know if you would like another copy of our tradition candle to do with your child.
• Next Friday is POLAR EXPRESS DAY!  Celebrate this beloved book (and the end of the PJ drive) by wearing your favorite winter pajamas to school!  No slippers, please.  Also, bring in a small blankie or towel to curl up with as the book is read.
• Please let me know if your child will be leaving for the holiday vacation early