Week of 9/26-9/30

I hope that everyone has had a great start to the school year and want to say that you to Mrs. Donar and Mrs. Philbin for all of their help over these past four weeks! I am so happy to see the progress that the students have made in the short time that I was gone. The students and staff here at Prairieview have been very welcoming and I am looking forward to this school year!

Here is a quick overview of our upcoming week!

I am very excited to share that in writing, we are beginning our very own Writer's Notebooks! The students were given their notebooks on Friday and were very motivated to write in them for the first time! We will be writing in our notebooks every day here at school. The students have the freedom to chose their topic and need to follow only one rule for this alloted time: Write (and/or draw if needed) until the timer goes off! Each week, the students will be learning and using a new writing strategy. The goal of writer's notebook is to develop independent writing skills and encourage students to write often. You will see these notebooks coming home at least two times a week, as students will be required to write entries at home.

This week in math, we are continuing to focus on identifying and adding coins. Students will be using mimio activities, manipulatives, and computer games to develop these skills.

Over the previous week, students began learning about the major bones in our body and will continue to learn about the five senses and body systems this week. Each student has created "shadows" of themselves and have labeled and illustrated them as we have learned new things!

Our reading story this week is "The Keeping Quilt" by Patricia Polacco, which tells of one family's tradition. Students will have a short quiz on Friday over the reading as well as create a family tree during this week.

Important dates to remember:
-Magazine turn in: Tuesday 9/27
-Picture day: Thursday 9/29

Have a wonderful week and feel free to contact me with any comments/questions/concerns! :)