Sept. 12th Newsletter

This week we finished creating our classroom expectations or our “Class Rules.”  We had several great discussions on what we all need to do in order for us to have a safe, respectful, and responsible year together.  These expectations are now posted in the front of our room.

          In Math class we have continued our review of place value, focusing on whole numbers through the millions.  The favorite activity was “Building Numbers with M & M’s.”  I assigned a value for each color of these yummy candies (i.e. red = thousands).  Students were given 10 M and M’s and asked to find the value of their candies.  They then practiced writing the number in standard form as well as expanded form.  We also reviewed >, <, and =.  Next week we will begin to explore decimals.

          In addition to the above skills, we have started the year with a focus on strengthening our math fact fluency.  “Knowing” math facts are an important foundation skill for students to have in order to improve their mathematical thinking. Math facts are similar to “sight words” in reading. When one is automatic with reading sight words, the focus can be on understanding what is read. When one is automatic with math facts, the focus can be on understanding math.  This means the student is able to give the answer in 2 seconds or less orally, or 3 seconds or less in writing.  We will spend ten minutes each day during math class working on becoming more fluent with the basic facts.  Students should also plan to spend at least five minutes each night at home working to improve these skills.   

          In our Reading block we will be working on a variety of meaningful tasks such as reading to self, reading to someone, working on writing, and word work.  Throughout the year you may hear your child refer to the acronym “CAFÉ.”  CAFÉ stands for

          C  -  Comprehension (understanding what you read)

          A -  Accuracy (reading the words correctly)

          F -   Fluency (reading accurately with expression)

          E -   Expand Vocabulary (knowing, finding, and using interesting

 words)

We will be using the CAFE menu to learn reading strategies based on the Common Core standards that will help us become better readers.  In addition to working on Check for Understanding this week we also began discussing Making Text to Self Connections.  On Wednesday,  students wrote a connection about something that scared them after reading a book about scary things. 

          Have a wonderful weekend!