November 12, 2008

Next week our whole group reading sound will be /sh/ as in sheep. The Read Well story for Unit 14 is about a sheep who shows acts of kindness. So our writing jobs will be related to sheep and we will be discussing ways to show kindness to others. We will also spend some time talking about Thanksgiving for the next two weeks.

I didn't send an AR prinout due to the fact that children weren't able to get books to read. Now that the Book Fair is over the library will be open again for book check out. Several children read books from our class library and tested on those.

Please continue to read, in addition to library books, the last 2 or 3 units of Read Well homework stories. Because this familiar text uses words that the children have learned in small groups in weeks past, smooth fluency should be expected, not stopping every other word or so to sound out. If this is happening make a note of those words to practice.

We are discussing place value in Math.

N E W S

November 16-22 is American Education Weeek. The following is a list of activities planned for that week. You may want to begin brainstorming ideas about what your child will do for Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.

Monday-We'll do an author study and make a display outside our class.

Tuesday-Students may come to school dressed in the career of their choice.

Wednesday-In class we will write and illustrate, "What I Like Best About My School." We will display these in the class.

Thursday-A guest reader to come a read to the class.

Friday-Children can bring in their all time favorite book to share.

All Cinderella permission slips and money were due Monday. Our field trip will be Friday, November 21st. We will wear our First Grade t-shirts with khaki pants or skirts to the performance.

The Auburn Raptors are coming to talk to the first graders on Thursday. We are looking forward to seeing all the different raptors they are bringing to share with us.

Recently I became a consultant for Usborne books. These are wonderful books at great prices. I had a show for the teachers in my classroom and the children were able to look at all the books I had on display. I enjoyed watching them to see who picked what books. If you would like to purchase any books for your child or Christmas gifts, I have a catalog and would be glad to send you the information. Also, if you have some friends or would like to have a book show at your home let me know. It is a wonderful way to share these great books with others while at the same time earning free books for you own family. Since I am a new consultant anyone who has a show earns double free books! I decided to mention it to everyone because the children were all so excited! Feel free to call or e-mail me if you have any questions. As always, there is NO obligation at all!

Have a great week!