Quick Update

Here are a few things to get you caught up on what’s been going on!

      1.  We are having a Halloween party.  Mrs. Taraska is working on getting things together.  We are planning on having it after the parade and specials.  That places it around 10:30.  Feel free to come on by and help out. 

2.  Costumes:  Willis has a policy that no scary costumes should be worn.  Also, masks are fine to have, but cannot be worn on the stairs, etc.  I would suggest a change in clothes to come to school, as wearing the costume can loose it’s appeal after awhile.  Please be sure costumes also follow county dress codes.

3.   The Parade:  As many have hear and seen on Facebook, the parade will work differently this year.  We will walk the kids around the outside of the building for parents to see.  We will come out the far side doors by the playground, go around the bus and car loop, and then head around by the covered area to go back to our classrooms using the side doors.  You do not have to check in unless you are coming to the party.  According to the directions, you would do this after the parade.

       4. Field Trip:  Please return the field trip form and the payment as soon as possible.  The first field trip is next Wednesday!  We will not need lunches, etc. as we will return before our lunch times.

5.   Math:  We are now looking at Chapter 3.  This chapter deals with algebraic work.  I have been STRONGLY suggesting to the kids (and telling them) to bring home their Math Journals.  The work we do to learn the skill is in their journal and can be used as a guide.  The purpose of this unit is to build a foundation in what numerical and algebraic expressions are-not to answer them.  This is so confusing, as the kids have been told their whole lives to solve the problem.  So far, we are getting a lot of what is being taught.  By completing Chapter 4 first, I did some front loading of information with the kids.  It is so different for us, because this is not what we had experienced as students.  We were, “Here’s the problem, here’s are the parts, solve it.”  What this chapter is establishing is the concrete (in pictures) reasons for why and what these represent.  So, ask for that journal or teaching page to come home!  They have it, and I have been stressing to them to use their tools!!!

      6.    Vocabulary site:  I know a couple of parents have said it has been asking for an access code.  I can’t “see” that on my side.  Here are the links to the direct activities.  Let me know if they work for you:

Orange: http://www.sadlier-oxford.com/vocabulary/levels_color.cfm?sp=student&level=orange#hangman

Green: http://www.sadlier-oxford.com/vocabulary/levels_color.cfm?sp=student&level=green#hangman

I’m sure there is more.  So, if I missed something, shoot me an email!  It’s been a busy two weeks!

Thanks,

Mrs. Santello:O)

Change in Spelling and Vocabulary Approaches

            This week we will be starting something different.  Ms. Scherpf and I have been working together to address some vocabulary needs in our classes.  We are going to use a tried and true program called Vocabulary Workshop.  This program has been around forever and allows the students to learn how to use words in context.  This will cause a shift in spelling as well.  We will put aside the Words their Way program and begin to use the vocabulary words instead.  In addition to the words from the book, your child will receive some additional words from the classroom setting each week. 

Here’s how it would look: 

1.     Wednesday:  This day they would be introduced to the words for the week.  This includes a read the definition and fill in the blank activity.  They would then, also, being their Spelling Rubric that night.   Since we will be sending a copy of the definitions, synonyms, and antonyms home, these activities can no longer be used on the rubric.  ( I will work on adapting it with a new copy.)

2.      Thursday – Monday-There is an activity for each day that they will be completing in class.  This will be taking as a classwork grade for each assignment.

3.     Tuesday:  Test day!  This will include taking the vocabulary and spelling portions of the test. 

So, no change in when homework is due, just the words/expectations.  By Tuesday, they are expected to know the words well enough to complete the assessment.  Additional work may be needed at home.  But there is an answer for that as well! The company who makes the books also has an awesome website to accompany the work.  Here it is:

http://www.sadlier-oxford.com/vocabulary/levels_color.cfm?sp=student

It is important to ask your child if their level is green or orange and to know what unit they are working on.  At the top of the page that comes home with the words will be the unit!  They can use these fun activities over and over!

            This change will begin this week!  Please be sure to ask your child about their new assignments and help them in any way you can to work toward success in both vocabulary and spelling!