15/20 Reading Challenge

As most parents are already aware, students will be involved in the 15/20 Reading Challenge for the rest of the year. Students who read a pre-approved book for 15 minutes a night for twenty nights a month will have met the challenge. This program is designed to encourage students to read books that interest them on a regular basis. Students seem very excited to be a part of this challenge as they check out books from me and the library. I strongly encourage parents to talk with their students each night about what is going on with their books. This will be a good opportunity for a comprehension check. I will be collecting the first 15/20 Reading Challenge sheets on Wednesday of this week. Students who meet the challenge each month not only receive an A for the challenge but also a coupon for a Pizza Hut pan pizza. Good luck and keep on reading!

It seems that most are catching on to the routine quite nicely this second week of school. Choir starts next Monday and Band starts on the 22nd of September. There is an informational meeting for parents about band on the 16th. Please check your child's planner for details.

In Social Studies, we've been working on learning our continents. We've just started introducing the Constitution as a build up to next week's Constitution Day. The first grades for Social Studies will be posted on Parent Viewer this weekend.

In Language Arts, we've started Writers' Workshop (quite successfully, I might add). Students have a lot to say and we're working on getting in down on paper in a coherent and interesting way. We're adding Sparkle Words wherever we can to make our writing more precise.

The Lizards are off to a great start!

A Great First Week

Wow! What a great group of kids we have this year! From our initial impressions (oooh alliteration!), our students are geniunely interested in learning about the world around them. Many come in with valuable experiences that add to our discussions! What a fun year this is going to be!

We've dished out a lot of procedural information this week in an effort to set students up for success. Don't worry if your child is still uncertain about the way things work. The next couple of weeks will provide the experience they need to make their transition to fifth grade smooth.

In Language Arts, we've been writing Limericks to enter into a contest that the Chronicle is running for the Irish Music Festival. Students' final drafts are due at the end of the hour on Friday. I will then be mailing them out after school in an effort to meet the entry deadline. I was very impressed as I read through the rough drafts! We have a real shot at winning those cash prizes!

In Social Studies, we have started learning where the seven continents are. This information is critical background knowledge as we start to talk about explorers, colonization and government. Also, please make sure that your child has the designated supplies (1 inch binder, colored pencils and pencil pouch). We have already started to use these in class.

Next week, we have fall pictures on Wednesday. Keep your eyes open for picture package information to come home. I haven't seen any yet; but I would imagine something would be forthcoming.

Feel free to call, email or just stop by with any questions or concerns that you might have. I look forward to a fun-filled year of learning with your child. Thank you for all of your support!