December,
2015
Greetings
Team 3V Parents,
I hope that
you are continuing to enjoy this warm (?) December weather. Although it is warm, it can still be a bit
chilly on the playground. Please be sure
that your child has a jacket every day.
Here’s what
is happening in our classroom:
Science – We are continuing our study of
landforms. The students are finishing
their research and will start typing their brochure in the computer lab within
the next week. They will also be
constructing a diorama for their landform project. Shoeboxes with lids would be greatly
appreciated. Last week HMS was fortunate
to have the giant map of North America visit our school courtesy of National
Geographic. Before exploring on the map,
we practiced map skills in the classroom.
We learned about continents, the compass rose, directions (cardinal and
intermediate), map scale, and the map key.
They were then given an opportunity to explore on the giant map and find
where their landform is on the map. They
also did a scavenger hunt trying to find symbols on the map using a map
key. It was a great opportunity and
the students truly enjoyed this activity.
Phonics – Students have just finished closed
syllables and are now focusing on silent-e syllables (VCe).
They are reading and spelling two and three syllable words that contain
both closed syllables and a silent-e syllable. An example of this is invade (in is a closed
syllable and vade is a silent-e syllable).
Math- We are practicing our 6, 7, 8, and
9 tables. The students are learning
strategies for these facts, such as starting with facts they know, area models,
and arrays. Please continue to practice
facts at home. Homework is now using
MobyMax 4 times a week.
Reading – The students will be introduce to the
concept of cause and effect in stories.
They will be looking for key words in their reading to help them
identify the cause and effect to help build story comprehension.
Odds and Ends
-Report
cards will be sent home Wednesday, December 9th. The report card should stay with you, please
just sign the envelope the return ASAP.
-Our holiday
concert is this Thursday, December 10th at 1:45. Parents will be seated beginning at 1:35. Hope to see you there!
- 3V will
have a holiday party in the afternoon of December 18th. Julie Zapton has agreed to organize the food
and drinks for this and may be contacting some of you to help out.
-We will be
making gingerbread houses with our 1st grade book buddies also on
the 18th but in the morning. I
will be sending out a note letting you know what we will need for supplies if
you are able to donate.
As always,
thank you for your support,
Karen
