Nov. 15-26

Writer's Workshop has begun!  I am thrilled with the "stuff" the kids are "making" during our cozy, quiet, comfortable, and creative Writer's Workshop time.  I have held on to most of the creations so we can share and inspire others in their writing.  Speaking of sharing, your children have been a wonderful audience when classmates are sharing!  Soon, your child will be bringing home lists, postcards, small label books, story retellings and so much more.  Please celebrate you child's success!  We will have Writer's Workshop at least four times a week.

Language Arts:
Our letter this week was "a" and our popcorn word was "am."  There will be no letter or sight word introduction next week due to the days off.  We focused on word families like -an, -at, -ap.  We read a non-fiction book about alligators and did a 4 square to show what we learned.  Next week we will read the story The Relatives Came and share who we like to have visit us.  We will touch upon Thanksgiving in books and writing.

Math:
Our math boxes (centers) in the morning are all about numeral writing.  Notice the papers that are coming home and help your child fix any reversals.  This is the time to practice writing the numbers correctly to form good habits.  We are creating simple number stories with pictures and retelling.  Out food plate showed patterns of fruit.  We also discussed things that are heavier and lighter than us.

Social Studies:
Our Cool Tool for the week was remembering to say "Thank you."  We discussed how we should always say thank you when someone gives us something, helps or warns us, or pays us a compliment.  Please continue to encourage thank yous at home.  This sure is the season for being thankful!

Science:  This week and next week we discuss nutrition.  We focused on the food pyramid with our snacks, non fiction books and videos.  We talked about choosing healthy foods for every meal.  We read a book called Eat Healthy, Feel Great!  which introduced the concept of green light foods (healthy choices that you can "go" ahead an eat any time,) yellow light foods (foods with some nutritional value but also ingredients that might "slow" you down....so we can "slow" down eating them,) and red light foods (foods with little or no nutritional value and added preservatives that we should "stop" eating all together.)  Don't be surprised if your child begins monitoring his, her, or YOUR food choices.:)

Art Awareness:
This week, Mrs. Nosek came for Art Awareness.  She shared with us the artist Grant Wood.  We heard interesting facts about his life, looked at and discussed his most famous piece American Gothic, and created our own PARODY (fancy word meaning silly copy) of the painting.  We even got to take a picture in the cut out of  American Gothic.  It was a wonderful experience.  Thank you, Mrs. Nosek.  Please know that volunteers are needed for the remainder of the year.  Check back with me or the PTA chairperson in charge of Art Awareness (found on the Watts website.)

Notes:
Remember that next week is short with Wed-Fri off of school.
We are in great need of glue sticks.  Feel free to pick up a pack to donate to our class.  It will be much appreciated!

Enjoy your time off!  Happy Thanksgiving!  I am thankful to have your child in my class!