Weekly Update

Dear Families,

This has been a short, but very productive week in our busy 1st and 2nd grade classroom. I hope your child is sharing what we are up to every day.

In reader’s workshop, both 1st and 2nd graders continued their reading groups and responses. As we meet in reading groups or Book Clubs as we call them, the students discuss the texts with each other and me. The students look at syntax and word structure, but they also analyze deeper comprehension questions beyond the immediate text. This week, the students have analyzed, and responded to, many books on the moon and the solar system as well as a whole class reading activity. John Terko even visited our classroom! The students are responding to the books on the moon and the sky in two ways; first, they respond in a traditional written response through various writing prompts. Secondly, they respond using web 2.0 digital tools, such as Voicethread, google docs and podcasting. Please look for many new published book responses on our digital portfolio in the near future.

We are very excited about sharing our digital learning as well and this week two students from our classroom had the opportunity to share this learning with teachers from another school district. They did an amazing job talking about how we use technology to not only enhance the learning for everyone but also communicate and share our learning with the home, our community and the world. Thank you once again for supporting your child’s learning!

In math, 1st graders continued learning about measuring height and weight as they explored King Penguins. Ask your child to tell you about their unique features and how they are different from the Rockhopper Penguins. 2nd graders continued work in geometry, number sense and number sentences.

This week’s Thursday folder contains information on a program entitled “Reading is Investment”. Participation is voluntary but many students wish to participate as they read every night anyways. Please read the attached information and follow the directions. The chart is not returned to the classroom, rather it is sent directly to the address on the form. Good luck, and let me know if you have any questions.

Thank you all who sent in the Moon Journals this week. It is wonderful to share the excitement of the students’ learning as we explore their drawings and ponderings together. I have posted some pictures illustrating what these moon entries can look like. Thank you. Remember to send these Moon Journals in every day.

Reminders:
• Field-trip to the Flynn, Tuesday 1/25/11. The bus will leave in the late afternoon.

Have a great rest of the week!
Regards, Maria McCormack