In my class we work hard every day but we also have fun in the process!
Information About the Classroom
Math - We are using a series called Into Math. This is a new series, adopted this year. It requires a great deal of critical thinking, includes lots of hands on activities, and requires a lot of discussion. Foundational concepts are taught in many different ways. If your student has a math paper that says "please finish" or "correct", please make the changes and return the paperwork to school the next day. It is important to make the corrections as soon as possible because many of the lessons build on previous skills. In addition, we will be practicing simple addition and subtraction and we will continuously review previously taught materials.
Reading - Reading bags will be given to each student at the beginning of the year. The books should be sent back and forth to school each day and the monthly reading calendar should be signed nightly. All students are expected to spend about 15-20 minutes each evening reading. Students can read library books, personal books, or other reading materials to supplement the books that are given out. Your child will be reading books at his/her independent reading level. We will be working on using many different strategies to decode words. We will also be learning phonics skills, working on comprehension, fluency and accuracy
We will be using the Reading Wonders curriculum this year. Each week the focus on spelling words, vocabulary words, spelling patterns, comprehension skills, writing traits and vocabulary strategies will be directly linked to this series.
Spelling – Please look for weekly spelling words and review them frequently with your child. Each test will be given on Friday and will consist of 10 spelling words. There will be five bonus spelling words offered each week to meet the needs of students.
Social Studies and Science – We work on either Social Studies or Science one unit at a time. A few of these units require projects that your child will need assistance with.
Writing – Students will be involved in a writing program daily. We will focus on different writing skills each week and work on word choice, grammar, organizing ideas, using proper punctuation, etc. We will cover four main writing units: Narrative writing, Informational writing, Opinion writing, and Poetry
Log In Information If you need personal codes for dreambox, Epic, or Cleverbadge, please let me know. Cleverbadge will be a helpful tool at home and in the classroom.
Expectations and Beliefs * I will provide a positive, safe, and caring environment for your child. * I will do my best to build each child's self-esteem so he/she becomes more confident. * I will take each student to the highest academic level possible while working with each student at his independent level. * I will encourage each student to grow in their love of learning, work hard, and respect each other. * I expect each student to do their best every day and show up to school ready to learn.
Additional Info.
Birthdays - Our class will be celebrating each child’s birthday this year. You are welcome to send prewrapped snacks on our near your child's birthdate. Please let me know in advance though! Half year birthdays will also be celebrated for those students who have summer birthdays.... June in December, July in January and August in February.
Lunch Money - Lunch money should be paid online at http://www.ms.k12.il.us. If you choose to send in money, please put it in an envelope with your child’s name on it. You can pay a day, week, or month at a time if you wish. Your money goes onto your child’s account and each lunch is deducted for the days he/she eats hot lunch. Our lunch time is at 11:00 every day.
Book Clubs – Our class will belong to several book clubs. These flyers will be sent home periodically. You and your child may choose books to order. Purchase books only if you are interested and send in a check payable to Scholastic Book Club.