Week of September 8-12

We will begin in our basal reading series, Treasures, by reading the selection, First Day Jitters.  In this story students will analyze the story structure by identifying the characters, plot, and setting.  It is important that children specifically look for these elements as they first learn them. It is through exposure and practice that readers become good at using these elements to comprehend text. There are ways to help your child with this strategy while reading at home.  When reading a story with your child, discuss the character. Begin by asking your child who or what the story is about.  After determining the character, see if your child is able to tell you where and when the story occurs. Ask your child how they were able to determine the setting? Did he/she use pictures, words, or infer to establish the setting? Continue to read the selection and discuss with your child important events that occur in the story. Ask your child what the problem is in the story and how the problem was solved. Conclude the story by talking about the theme of the story. The theme is the underlying message, or meaning, of the story. Encourage your child to use what they know about the characters, setting, and plot to help determine the theme.

On Monday, your child will have a list of spelling words in their Bath Bee folder.  Please make sure to provide time for them to practice daily.  This will help bring success and confidence for the spelling test, given each Friday, and help while writing.  They can also go to http://www.spellingcity.com/clwood/ (a link is on the blog) to find additional fun ways to practice spelling words.  This week’s words have short vowels and are found under Unit 1, Week 1 at spellingcity.com.

In math, we will be doing the Prerequisite Math test.  This test will assess the skills students learned in Second Grade.  The results will help with lesson planning for Third Grade and guide the math instruction as we begin the Third Grade GOMath series.  We will begin daily lessons in GOMath after the Prerequisite Test, looking at number patterns and estimating sums.  Chapter 1, Addition and Subtraction Within 1,000, teaches students how to add and subtract whole numbers and decide if an answer is reasonable.  They will learn the Commutative Property of Addition, Identity Property of Addition, and Associative Property of Addition, as well as rounding, estimating, and compatible numbers. Chapter 1 is packed with new learning!  You can expect students to have math homework most evenings.  This work is due back the next day. 

SCHOOL FUNDRAISER
On Friday, students brought home the annual school fundraiser.  Ordering online is easy and convenient for your family and friends.  Students attended a Kick-Off Assembly on Thursday and had a chance to see the prizes they could earn! You can go to the Great Lakes Promotion website for more information.  www.greatlakespromotions.com.  Thank you in advance for your participation and support of this vital school fundraiser. 

GYM REQUEST
Mr. Saylor is requesting that students have a second pair of shoes and socks for early morning class.  Our Special time is 8:55-9:40 AM and there is often heavy dew on the grass in the fall.  Students will stay more comfortable if they are able to change their shoes and socks.  An extra pair of shoes and socks can be kept in the locker. Our next Gym day is Wednesday.

SCHOLASTIC BOOK ORDER 
A Lucky Scholastic Book Order form was in your information from Open House.  If you would like to order books for your child, the orders are due September 12.  You can order online or send in the form with a check made out to "Scholastic Books".