This week we added reading groups to our readers workshop routine. While some students make independent choices (read to myself, read to someone, work on writing, word work) other small groups of students meet with me to work on similar reading skills. This week we learned the routines of how to come to group, what tools we use, what we do to warm up our reading muscles, and how to read books 2 times--once for word solving, then again for fluency (to make the reading sound smooth like talking). Our reading groups are working great!
Classroom Wishlist! There are a couple of things that we are in need of--please let me know if you can help! We would like someday to make slime as a class celebration. We have enough glue but need saline solution and baking soda so we can all make some.
In writing we worked on one last book all about ourselves. We made lists of things that make us us and drew pictures to match. We also read a few books on this topic together: The Smallest Girl in the Smallest Grade, Be Who You Are, ABC I Like ME!, and To Be a Kid.
In word study we continue to practice our letter-keyword-sound routines and practicing writing lowercase letters.
We also had a parent come in this week to lead us in some yoga and mindfulness practices! It was fun to practice this with someone new.
We had a class celebration this week for filling our heart jar again! On Tuesday we went out in the morning to have a bonus recess on the big playground. It was fun to use a different climber and have so many swings to use!
In math we continue to practicing addition and subtraction strategies. We also learned about a new kind of story problem: combinations. Here we try to figure out lots of ways to make a number. Some students noticed that if they use a pattern it helps them find ALL the combinations!
Next week is Halloween. Please do not send your child to school in a costume. We will be doing some Halloween related activities but we will not be dressing up at school. Thanks!
Today, Friday, there is also a note coming home in your child's folder about my upcoming maternity leave. Here's the same information just in case:
As you’ve probably heard from your child, or observed yourself, I am pregnant and due in mid December. My plan is to be in school and work until the baby is born--babies have a mind of their own about when to show up! I am writing to assure you that your children will continue to be in good hands during my maternity leave. We have hired a long-term substitute, Kate O’Brien (Ms. Kate) who will be filling in as the classroom teacher in room 25 from sometime in December until April. Ms. Kate has taught previously in Canada, California, China and Mexico. Most of her teaching background is within English Language Learning classrooms so she will fit in great at JFK supporting all the students in our room. She is so excited to be coming to teach at JFK!
Ms. Kate has already begun being a guest teacher here at JFK and whenever there is not a teacher out she will be helping in our room, getting to know our students and routines. In early December Ms. Kate and I will have some time to do more co-teaching to ease the transition for the children into having a new lead classroom teacher. She will also work closely with the first grade team to ensure that she is following the first grade curriculum we use at JFK.
Thank you for your support and I look forward to hearing about all the great things the students do and learn with Ms. Kate while I am out!
That's all the news for now. Enjoy the weekend!
Dates to Remember:
- No School, Friday 11/9
- 12:15 dismissal, Wednesday 11/14
- Family Conferences, 8am-8pm Monday 11/19 (more info to come!) (No School for students due to conferences all day)
- Thanksgiving Break - No School Tuesday 11/20 - Friday 11/23
- Monday 11/26, School resumes
Have a great weekend!
❤ Mrs. Fox
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