Class Updates

Chinese

Ms. Ying, our classroom assistant teacher, will begin teaching 45 minute blocks entitled “Service Learning through Chinese Culture”. This week, students will focus on creating Chinese number trees as well as making lanterns. We will also discuss the Mid-Autumn Festival in China. Students will continue learning the song, “Wo de pengyou zai nali?” (Where is my friend?).

French

Ms. Buntin comes in every other day for 1.5 hours for French instruction. The students are learning the days of the week, months, numbers 1-30, colors, and phrases used in the classroom. 

Science

You may noticed that your child's clothes may have gotten a little dirty today. I apologize if this causes any inconvenience but it should come out in the laundry:) We began a science experiment by making "Oobleck". Oobleck is referenced in the book, "Bartholomew and the Oobleck" by Dr. Seuss. It also relates to our science unit on matter. We mixed cornstarch, water, and food coloring. If the oobleck is pushed with force, it is a solid. It it is picked up, it is a liquid. We ran out of time to reflect about our observations so we will finish that tomorrow. We will also finish the "Matter Books" that each student has worked on throughout the past few weeks. Thanks so much for helping your child bring in items for the classroom "Matter Museum". Once the blog is up and running, I will share a picture of the museum. 

Math

The class will finish up the MCC2.NBT 1-4 standards this week. Students will begin working on a culminating task and post test that will show your child's growth from the beginning of the year. 

 

Reading

Throughout the past few weeks I have pulled each child individually to begin assessing their reading levels. We will begin guided reading groups this week. Students will also receive a bag to use store all of their "Just Right" books. 

Writing

We are beginning informational writing. I have also administered a spelling inventory from "Words Their Way". "Words Their Way" is a word study approach to spelling. It allows for students to learn words at their individual level of instruction and teaches students how words work. Research studies show that the memorization of lists of spelling words does not help one spell any better. The Globe will not send home the traditional spelling words. Students are assessed throughout the year and placed into small groups based on their current spelling ability. Students move through weekly word study patterns and activities during the week. Students' lists will be on a word study pattern (example – all long a words, words with CH, CVCe words, or vowels in multi-syllable words). The quiz will be on the word PATTERN they have been studying, not necessarily on that set list of words.

Conferences

I would like to begin meeting with parents to discuss your child's academic and personal growth thus far at The Globe. I will send out a sign-up sheet in the next few days. 

Performance on Saturday, September 28th

Each class was invited to perform on the "Welcoming America" event September 28th. Ms. Ying and I thought that it would be a great idea for the class to perform a Chinese song that the children have learned. I have not received any details about the time but I will let you know as soon as I know!

THANK YOU again to everyone who has been able to donate items to the classroom. I really appreciate your generosity. Please feel free to email me if you have any questions!