This week in math we introduced using a number line to solve addition ("counting up") and subtraction ("counting back") problems and to keep track when counting by 5s, 10s, and 3s. Our math curriculum refers to the space between numbers on the number line as "hops," for example: How many hops does it take to go from 5 to 8? (3) Students draw a curved line between the numbers they are counting to show the distance they are "hopping."
Some students were confused as to whether they should count the number they start on (they shouldn't). I found having them circle the starting number helped them keep track of what to count a little better. Please let me know if you have any other strategies that helped your child with this skill when doing the homework problems!
On Friday morning we had another student from Cornell's Entomology Department come speak to our class about insects. He brought his insect collecting equipment (including his aspirator, pictured here), talked about ants, and answered the students' questions .
We were also fortunate to have Isabelle's Mom (Monica) come in to do a special collage art project with the class on Friday afternoon! Thank you for sharing your time and artistic abilities with us.
In writing workshop this week we began sharing our writings/drawings with the class and worked on being both a good listener and a good speaker in front of the class. I was impressed with how the students respected each other's work and how they took pride in showing and explaining their own work.
In reading we have been working in small groups with each group focusing on a range of skills depending on their developing reading abilities. Some students are building their foundation of letter sounds, some are working on word families/patterns, and some are working on comprehending different aspects of a story. All of the students are working on fluency (reading outloud like we tell a story), vocabulary, and thinking about what would make sense based on the sentence/story/picture (not purely sounding out each letter on the page). Thank you for making time to read with your child each day.
Thanks to everyone who has sent in a set of winter clothes labeled with your child's name for accidents. As you pull out your family's winter wardrobe this year, please keep us in mind if you find any snow pants or other winter accessories that no longer fit anyone in your household as we can always use extras at school!
Finally, thanks to Willem's and Seneca's families for coordinating a social event for the class on Friday. It's great for the students to have a chance to see each other outside of school and for the families to all get to know each other better, too. I look forward to seeing you all there! Have a wonderful weekend.
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