This week we are working on the 'ch' digraph at both the beginning and end of words. We are learning about sequencing, how the order in which things happen is important and we are learning about the life cycle of a butterfly. We will be sequencing classic stories and writing a "how to" piece as well.
We are also finishing up a new oral reading fluency assessment - basically how many words per minute your child can read and how well they can retell the story. I am looking for 40 words correct per minute with 2 or fewer errors and at least a one sentence retelling for an MP. An EP is 80+ words correct per minute with no errors and a multi-sentence retelling. An NP is 20 - 29 wcpm with 5 or fewer errors and no retelling. A BP is 19 or less. Remember, an MP is good! It means that your child is achieving at grade level. We will be doing a fluency assessment every other week or so and the cutoffs will be going up for the next two marking periods. The readings get harder as we go along so it is imperative that your child reads every night. They can bring books home from school or go to the Harcourt website and read the decodable books or any other book in the online library. The weeks we do not have a fluency assessment we will be taking a comprehension assessment. The test we have taken so far have been listening comprehension tests where I read the passage and the questions to the students. Soon, your child will be responsible for reading the entire test except for the directions. Assessments in Math, Science and Social Studies will still be read to your child.
In Math we are still working on addition and subtraction and number sense. Can your child write all the numbers from 1-30 with no mistakes (and no reversals)?
When working on subtraction with numbers under 20, please draw the number of tally marks or circles that is the first number and then cross out how many you are subtracting. The number of marks or circles you have left is the answer. Then write your number sentence.
Did you know that 10=5+5 is a valid number sentence? Your child should understand that 10=5+5 and 5+5=10 are both correct. If you ask them is 10-2=7? They should say no and be able to correct your mistake. By the way this is called error analysis and is a great way for students to show what they know (and will supposedly be a big part of the new standardized tests that your child will take in later grades.)
At least Science is fun! We have been learning about solids -which is matter that retains it shape unless acted upon. What's (the) matter? Matter is solids, liquids and gas and the defining characteristic of all matter is that it takes up space. We will be building with solids and then moving on to study the properties of liquids.
Conferences will be coming up at the end of the month. If your child has a BP or NP in Reading or Math I will need to see you. If they have an NP in Writing I would like to see you. If you would like to meet with me, regardless of your child's grade, you can of course sign up when I send home the info sheet in the near future.
Finally, Barnes and Noble has a fundraiser book sale for us on Wednesday night at the Mall. See your child's folder for details.
We are also finishing up a new oral reading fluency assessment - basically how many words per minute your child can read and how well they can retell the story. I am looking for 40 words correct per minute with 2 or fewer errors and at least a one sentence retelling for an MP. An EP is 80+ words correct per minute with no errors and a multi-sentence retelling. An NP is 20 - 29 wcpm with 5 or fewer errors and no retelling. A BP is 19 or less. Remember, an MP is good! It means that your child is achieving at grade level. We will be doing a fluency assessment every other week or so and the cutoffs will be going up for the next two marking periods. The readings get harder as we go along so it is imperative that your child reads every night. They can bring books home from school or go to the Harcourt website and read the decodable books or any other book in the online library. The weeks we do not have a fluency assessment we will be taking a comprehension assessment. The test we have taken so far have been listening comprehension tests where I read the passage and the questions to the students. Soon, your child will be responsible for reading the entire test except for the directions. Assessments in Math, Science and Social Studies will still be read to your child.
In Math we are still working on addition and subtraction and number sense. Can your child write all the numbers from 1-30 with no mistakes (and no reversals)?
When working on subtraction with numbers under 20, please draw the number of tally marks or circles that is the first number and then cross out how many you are subtracting. The number of marks or circles you have left is the answer. Then write your number sentence.
Did you know that 10=5+5 is a valid number sentence? Your child should understand that 10=5+5 and 5+5=10 are both correct. If you ask them is 10-2=7? They should say no and be able to correct your mistake. By the way this is called error analysis and is a great way for students to show what they know (and will supposedly be a big part of the new standardized tests that your child will take in later grades.)
At least Science is fun! We have been learning about solids -which is matter that retains it shape unless acted upon. What's (the) matter? Matter is solids, liquids and gas and the defining characteristic of all matter is that it takes up space. We will be building with solids and then moving on to study the properties of liquids.
Conferences will be coming up at the end of the month. If your child has a BP or NP in Reading or Math I will need to see you. If they have an NP in Writing I would like to see you. If you would like to meet with me, regardless of your child's grade, you can of course sign up when I send home the info sheet in the near future.
Finally, Barnes and Noble has a fundraiser book sale for us on Wednesday night at the Mall. See your child's folder for details.