November - December, 2009

How did it get to be December already? The children are busy each day with reading, writing, language skills, math, social studies, and science! Whew! We have so many exciting concepts to learn!

The children have been wonderful remembering to bring their homework to school each day. Our assignment notebooks are really helpful. Please check them at night to encourage your child to stay organized.

In Reading we are enjoying Incredible Stories which are filled with adventure and fantasy. As a home assignment, the teachers expect the children to read 3-4 books each month and complete a reading log which is sent home on the first of the month. The children also need to complete a "reading response map" about one of the books they read during the month. DECEMBER BOOK-IT READING LOGS AND STORY MAPS ARE DUE WHEN WE RETURN TO SCHOOL ON JANUARY 4, 2010.

All students should be practicing any math skills at home that they can...measuring, telling time, counting coins, adding, subtracting, multiplying, and so on.

In Social Studies we are studying the Native Americans. These are amazing people who used nature and animals in very creative and useful ways. The children are enjoying the books, class discussions, and videos that focus on the cultures of the 5 regions which we are researching: Plains, Eastern Woodlands, Northwest Coast, Southwest, and Far North.

The weather has turned chilly! Please remember to check that your child is dressed for outdoor recess. The kids go out each day for 30 minutes as long as it is 20 degrees or more.

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Our homework assignments are attached for the next few weeks. I will continue to send these home to let you know what the kids need to finish each week. In this way, you can assist them if needed, and you will also be aware of our skills being taught at school.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call me or send an email.

Happy Holidays to you all, and enjoy these December weeks ahead!

Sincerely,

Kathy O'Shaughnessy