Parent/Teacher Conference Confirmations

Thank you to all parents who sent back request forms for Parent/Teacher conferences. I have done my best to honor all requested times. This Friday, confirmation forms will be coming home. Please review these and let me know if you need to reschedule.

Geometry

As October rolls around, Room 5 is starting a new unit in Math. We are moving into Geometry. Students are studying shapes using pattern blocks, wooden geoblocks, and square tiles. Students will also be reviewing doubles. Take the time to talk you your child about the shapes they see in everyday life. If they have legos or wooden blocks at home, encourage them to explore building things with them. A big factor in this unit is being able to see shapes from different angles so any exploration of shapes will be helpful.

Weekly Reports and New Student

Weekly Reports went home today because I was absent on Friday. Please send them back to school tomorrow or your child will be penalized. Homework packets also went home. These are due Thursday as usual. Book reports are due on Friday.

Room 5 is welcoming a new student. Darryl Cannon started today. We are very excited to meet him. Encourage your child to make a new friend.

Journal Writing

In writing, we are still focusing on personal narratives. This week, students will keeping a journal. I have created small blank journals for students. They will listen to a story and then write about the story as well as their thoughts and reactions. Students are really enjoying this. Ask your child what he or she wrote about today. Extend this learning by buying them (or making them) a blank notebook or book. I buy blank books from the book store. This is great practice for writing. It is also a healthy outlet for their thoughts and feelings. Above are a couple of pictures of journal writing time in Room 5.

Peace Place up and running

Our peace place is up and running. Like I mentioned before it is a place students can go to calm down and regain their composure. Students are doing very well with it.

Think about establishing a place like this at home. It works really well.

This is John, he is demonstrating how to use the peace place.

Midquarters

Today midquarters are going home. Only the students who have a 1 or 2 will recieve a midquarter. Please sign the accompanying sheet and send it back to let me know you recieved it. If your child recieves a midquarter, remember that it is only a warning. They still have time to bring their grade up. Please feel free to give me a call if you have any questions 953-4450.

Maps

In Social Studies we are studying maps. Students are learning not only cardinal directions (north, south, east, west) but they are also learning how to use a map key to find places. Most students are picking up on this concept pretty easily. However, there are things you can do to extend their learning. If you have a road map or atlas at home, allow your student time to explore it. Or have your child draw you a map of your home or neighborhood. We are not so worried about dimensions as the map key and cardinal directions.