This week is Back to School Night.  Please plan to attend one of the two sessions that will last approximately 30 minutes. 
For Math this week we will be working on counting patterns and continuing our work with number lines and grids.  We will also continue to practice telling time on analog clocks.  Homework this week will focus on time, number grids and additional fact practice.  Don't forget to have your child continue practicing their Mad Minute.  We will be taking our first Unit Assessment on Friday or next Tuesday depending on how things work out this week. 
In Social Studies we will continue looking at 'Authority' and talking about what makes a good leader not only in a community, but in all areas whether it be a classroom or a business. 
For Reading, we are exploring different genre's such as non-fiction and fiction (historical, realistic, fantasy, etc.).  We are organizing our class library so that we always have an interesting book available.  In addition, we will begin to analyze "just right" books.  What is just right for us to read at school?  What can we read independently with 98% accuracy?  When can we read challenging books to deepen our vocabulary and content?  On Tuesday, we take our first STAR Early Literacy test on the computer.  It is a 15 minute diagnostic test that all students in DPS and across the country take.  I look forward to the data it will provide.
For Writing, we are using our "character trait" charts to add adjectives to our stories.  We will discover where ideas for writing come from and use the genre's from  
our reading to guide our writing choices.

This week in literacy,  we are examining how background knowledge helps us make connections to text and ultimately increase our comprehension.  Check out the homework link. :)  We also continue to explore similes and "qualities" of ourselves/our classmates.  Routines and rituals of the classroom become clearer and clearer as we confidently embrace the learning environment with independence and care.

This week in Math we will be practicing our routines for Math groups and journals.  We will be reviewing number sequences, coin values, calendars and clocks.  We will be practicing our 'PROUD' behaviors during partner, group and individual work times. 
Also, this week will kick off our 'Mad Minute' routine that will continue throughout the year.  We take our minute tests on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.  Your child should practice their level for a few minutes each night in order to be ready.  Each time they pass they get to move the monster they created in class along the fence in the classroom.  We love celebrating their hard work and it is exciting to see how far they can go as we progress through out the year!  

We had a wonderful start!  Students were exploring mathematics, reading new books, writing similies, and establishing our community of learners.  There was a delightful buzz in our rooms as they enthusiastically learned and shared! 

Parents, guardians and former teachers, thank you for preparing your children for a positive school experience. We can't wait for Back-to-School night on August 30th to connect with you. Please contact us if you have any questions, concerns or celebrations!

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