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 9^th.  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 18^th.  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 1^st grade book buddies also on the 18^th 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