Week #2 News

I try to get the weekly classroom news out near the first of the week, but this week I'm a little behind. We have been working on getting the Directed Reading Assessments (DRAs) done for each student. These should be completed this week.

In math we are learning place value and the different forms of writing numbers (standard, word, & expanded form). If you get a chance, ask about the three bears.

Next week we'll be starting our regular reading and spelling groups. I realize that spelling may look a little different this year for your child. Make sure that they study their words twice each week as part of their spelling homework. We will still have spelling tests each Friday.

For reading homework, each student should be reading 30 minutes each school night. Reading is an accrued skill that takes regular practice. I tell them that they don't have to read every day; just on the days they eat. I know that many families have a shared reading time each day and this does count for their homework. Reading homework can take any one of the following forms:

• Read silently to self
• Read to someone else (parent, sibling, grandparent)
• Someone reads aloud to the student
• Shared reading where people take turns reading from the same book.

What should students read? I'm going to leave that up to you. I'll count magazines, newspapers, scriptures, fiction, and non-fiction. Interestingly, I have had some students ask if reading closed captions on the TV will count as homework. I'll have to say no, but this is a good way to get your child to read more. 

Looking Ahead

3 Sept — No School, Labor Day holiday

5 Sept — Room mothers' tea

20 Sept  — School pictures