Math: This week we will take our chapter 1 test on place value and rounding. Then we will start to work on adding 3 and 4 digit numbers with regrouping. Students will be learning the traditional regrouping method, but I will also be teaching a couple of alternative ways to add as not all students learn the same way. Students are encouraged to use the method that works best for them. My desire is that I give them all the tools they need to understand the concepts and have a strong number sense as well as being able to solve problems.
This week we will also be starting "Rocket Math". Rocket math is a systematic math fact memory program. Students are only given 3 new facts each week to learn as it has been proven that more than three overwhelm the brain. For example if your child starts in addition, the first week might include 0+1; 1+2; 3+1. The cool thing is the program uses the commutative property and switches the addends so really the kiddos have 6 basic facts that they will master with each level. Once a child passes the level they move up the rocket adding three new facts. I will be sending home a copy of the rocket math 1 minute test with information that you will want to understand. Each page will list the new facts, so when you are practicing at home you will know which new facts are being added.
I have tested the kiddos to see if they will start with addition, subtraction, or multiplication. The memorization of basic facts is so important as we learn more difficult concepts this year, it frees up the kiddos brain to concentrate on the new concepts. Students will do "Rocket Math" three days a week, the other two days we will practice facts in different ways.
Reading: This week we will be reading a story called Destiny's Gift. Our focus will be directed on analyzing characters, what they do and say, and making conclusions about their character traits. I teach that character traits are how a character is on the inside, not their physical features. In spelling and language we will be learning the functions of noun and verbs, and how the suffix -ing changes a words meaning.
At the end of last week we wrote rough drafts about our summer vacations. Students will finish editing those this week and spend some time learning how to create a word documents for their final copies. We will then start learning about writing paragraphs that compare and contrast two different topics.
Social Studies: This week we will be learning about different types of communities, natural resources, climates, and natural hazards of specific regions. The end of September we will be going on our walking field trip to downtown Tonganoxie. Be looking for a note that will be coming home soon detailing the day we will be going and how to prepare. We will be needing parents that can work and supervise small groups of kids for the afternoon during the trip.
Party Updates: Our classroom parties for Halloween and Valentines will be on the Friday prior to the actual holiday. So, the Halloween party will be observed on October 28th.
Benchmark Testing: I have started doing our benchmark testing that is done in the fall, winter, and spring. Students have taken the Aims Web testing and I will be finishing those up this week. The week of the 12th I will be doing their benchmark reading tests to see what grade level your child is reading and it also gives me an idea of strengths and areas where improvement is needed. I am excited to get started with small reading groups as soon as all testing if finished.
Have a great week! If you need to get a hold of me, feel free to call the school or email at [email protected].
Thanks!
Missy Miller