Welcome Allen Say

In Readers and Writers Workshop, we have begun studying the author  and illustrator Allen Say. During an author study, students learn all about the author's craft and style of writing. This type of unit allows students the chance to compare and contrast themes, characters, and plots more deeply.

During each reading, we fill out an attribute chart to monitor his books. This chart includes: theme, setting, plot, genre, noticings, and characters. Then, students will be writing responses on his stories.  They will start to notice many similarities in his books such as how many characters chase their dreams, believe in themselves, cultural differences and struggles, and the bonds of family. Ask your child about their favorite Allen Say book! Or, visit the website below to view summaries of his books.

Allen Say Homepage
 Interview with Allen Say

Helping Verbs

This week we have been learning about helping verbs. Helping verbs are
a verb that comes before the main verb. It does not show an action like a normal verb. Together the helping verb and the main verb form a verb phrase.

 For example, in the sentence Samatha can ride her sister's tricyle,  the helping verb is can and the main verb is ride.
More than one helping verb can be used in a sentence. For example, in the sentence Miss E has been walking to work, the helping verbs are has and been.

Sometimes a word (such as not) separates the helping verb from the main verb, but NOT is NOT a helping verb. For example, in the sentence Pam does not want a new  sweater, the helping verb is does and the main verb is want.

Sing along to the catchy tune Jingle Bells to learn your helping verbs!

"Helping Verbs! Helping Verbs! There are 23....

Am, is are! Was and were! Being, been, and be!

Have, has, had! Do, does, did! Shall, should, will, and would!

There are 5 more helping verbs: may, might, must, can, and could!"

Be a Millionaire Game
Fill-in a Helping Verb
Flash Cards and speed sorting

Extra Reading Games

Over the long weekend why don't you sharpen up your reading skills! Being an active reader is so important in learning more vocabulary and helps your imagination grow. I always challenge you to read everyday and make sure it is a book that you can't put down. I love the chills of a good ending or a surprise twist in the story. Or, when I scream out loud because I can't believe a character did something in my story and I scare my cat!
 I want you do love reading and find books that keep your attention. Cuddling up with a great chapter book on a frigid day like today is the perfect end to my week. Now, many of you enjoy books, but there are other ways to keep your reading skills strong and kicking.  Therefore, while you enjoy your time off from school, read a little, and then play a few games!

Pie in face-multiple meaning game
Create words-gem hunt
Comprehension Games

Click on the 'skills' to practice each skill-author's purpose, cause/effect, compare/contrast.
All Reading Skills

Biographies

We sure hit the ground running coming back from break. Students have been extremely excited to start our report writing. They were instructed to select a famous person, dead or alive, to write a report on. We already made a trip to our school library to gather material for our research this week. However, many of the children need to use additional sources of information to write a complete report. Keep in mind they will need at least 5 different chapters in their report, not including their introduction and conclusion. For example, common chapters might be: Early Life, Schooling, Inventions, Awards, Family, etc.

Please use the sites below to gather additional information. Also, make sure to check out the city library for books. I can't wait to see how through and superb these reports will be!

Biographies for Kids
Famous People of the Past
More Biographies

Congratulations!

Congratulations to the following students who have currently made 100% fluency in Reflex math! They are Kerrigan, Nick and Sahil. However, close behind are Chessie,  Gordie, Michael,Keely, Kella, and Cade. They are all in the 90% range for fluency. We have several students who are coming on strong being fluent in at least 80% of their facts. They are Prabhmeeka, Gordie, Addison, Caitlyn, Khamiah, Ryan, Kayden, and Trinity. I have already put those who have mastered addition on to the multiplication games. I am looking forward to adding the other students as soon as possible.

Remember...if you don't use this website on a regular basis, your growth will be very limited. Thank you to all who have embraced this fun way to learn their math facts!

Florida Achieves

Are you ready to sharpen up your reading comprehension skills? I HOPE SO! This is the FOCUS website. First, go to http://www.florida-achieves.com/, log in to the FOCUS side of the website (the right side).

 

Your sign in name will be your last name and first initial (For example, if your name is John Smith, your sign in would be smithj)

 

Once you have your sign in, enter your password which is the number 16, the first four letters of your last name and your birthday day, then month. (For example John Smith, born on January 2nd would have the password of 16smit0102)

 

Once you have logged in, you can choose any link to work on. These assignments align with topics and skills we have gone over in class. They all build reading comprehension. Also, the reading skills correlate with the types of questions on weekly reading tests and on the FCAT.

You can achieve anything you set your mind on!

Upcoming Events

This week we will be begin our Corporate Contribution contest. Save your  Campbell's Soup Labels, Box Tops, ALL Toner Cartridges, and old cell phones to turn in for YOUR Student's Contest & Help your School earn money! 1st Place winning class gets a pizza party. 2nd Place winning class gets a popsicle party - in EACH Grade Level. It will end Nov. 16th so start clipping!

Also, report cards will come home on Monday. Please cut and sign only the bottom portion and return this piece in the unsealed envelope. We'll reuse them each nine weeks so you do not have to lick and seal them. Then, we will have our award ceremony on Thurs. at 9:15 in the Dining Room... no more do your children get celebrated in the classroom! We can't wait to celebrate your child's successes!

 Hope you can attend.