Family Newsletter

Dear Families,
This week went by so fast!  We had so many exciting things happening and it is nice to finally get some more Spring-like weather, even though it means rain and indoor recess.....

Reading:
This week, the students continued reading non-fiction stories in our reading groups.  They learned how to be thoughtful about the new information they're learning and how we can jot down this information in effective ways to help us with comprehension.  We used post-it notes and graphic organizers.  We will continue this work next week as well.
The Iditarod reading logs ended and the children brought home Iditarod reading certificates and bookmarks inside their Friday folder today.  Prizes will be handed out on Monday for those children reaching the half-way mark and for those who finished the entire race!  Since we extended the reading race for another week, I could not hand out awards until all reading logs had been handed in, so we will wait until Monday.  The kids were very flexible about this.
I sent home a new reading log today.  We are currently studying the solar system and this new reading log reflects that in the icons.  The reading responses are similar to those used during the Iditarod.  As before, these logs are voluntary.  I also packed the traditional Harmony Reading Log.  Thanks for supporting reading and writing at home.


Writing:
The students finished their African animal reports this week!  I am so proud of their hard work. For the next few weeks, the students will write on a variety of genres, primarily relating to science and various reading responses.  Stay tuned for more information.

Science and Moon Journal:
Your child brought home a Moon Journal in his/her Friday folder today.  We hope that your child will observe the night sku 3-4 times a week and write a few sentences about what he/she notices about eh moon.  We also hope your child will draw a picture.  I shared my daughter Emilie's moon journal from her elementary school and we noticed that she wrote a few sentences, used labels and colors in her pictures and asked many questions about her observations.  These Moon Journals can stay home until their due date, April 21st. Thanks for supporting science learning at home as well.  Let me know if you have any questions.

I hope you have a great weekend and get a chance to enjoy the warmer weather!
Regards,
Maria