Where we’ve been and where we’re going…

Reading

We have finished all of our beginning of the year assessments.  We will begin guided reading this week.  You may see your student bringing home one of these books for practice from time to time in place of a book of their choosing.  Most of the books your child brings home will continue to be self-selected.  If you feel their book is too easy or too hard, please review with them how books should feel.  We use this analogy.  Reading a book that is too hard is like riding a bike uphill.  You have to work really hard and it isn’t much fun.  Reading a book that is too easy is like riding a bike downhill.  You can go really fast but you aren’t having to work at all.  Reading a just right book is like riding a bike on level ground.  You have to pedal (work a little bit) but it’s still fun.

Writing

We are continuing to write pieces using the writing process.  Last week we completed stories about a magic wish.  This week we will begin working on a piece about a time we were scared.  Also, we have been talking about nouns, verbs and complete sentences.  We will also discuss keeping our pieces focused.

Math

We have completed our chapter on addition.  We will begin working on subtraction now.  Please continue to review math facts.

Social Studies

Last week we were discussing our community.  This week we are discussing how to be good citizens both in and out of the classroom.