Wow! I can't believe we're already starting our third week of school, how time flies!
I wanted to take a second to thank everyone for the kind words, concern, and prayers for my daughter, Lily. As I'm sure your child told you, I was out of school last Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday due to Lily having eye surgery on Wednesday. She had surgery on both eyes to correct an alignment issue called exotropic strabismus. She is recovering well and the doctor is very happy with her progress so far. Mrs. Brumley, our substitute, tells me that the kids did a great job in my absence and I greatly appreciate that! I think we've got a really good group in our room this year.
So, now, back to business! Here is what we've been up to and where we're heading in the coming days:
In Social Studies, we started the year learning a bit about the qualities of super heroes and heroes, and how those qualities can apply to a "hero" student as well. We talked about a few real life heroes, people who have worked hard and persevered to help make life better for others, through enacting social or legal change, through inventing and discovering, for being willing to break barriers and make our world a better place. We will be adding to our Wall of Heroes throughout the year as we discuss people related to different topics that we're covering.
We also completed a small CCPS Health unit on life skills such as communication, goal setting, and making good decisions.
In Science, we are introducing our first unit of the year, "Animals of Long Ago." This unit focuses on animals of the ice age, especially those whose fossils we can find here in Calvert County. We discuss that scientists use clues, including animals of today, to figure out what an animal of long ago was like.
In Math, we are reviewing addition and subtraction strategies learned in kindergarten and first grade. As part of this review, student have had the opportunity to play a chutes and ladders style game featuring the focus strategy each day. These games will be coming home in students' binders (my homeroom) or in their home folders (Mrs. Seibert's homeroom.) When they come home, please play these together! They can be played independently, but, as with any game, are much more fun when played with friends and family. Students should write the equations they solve, with answers, on a recording sheet. When they turn in a completed recording sheet they will earn a Beach Bravo. This is an unlimited offer! The more practice, the better!
We are also taking a fact fluency test each day as a pretest. If students pass these tests with a ten out of ten, fantastic! This tells me that they've already mastered this strategy and will not have to retake the test or spend class time studying this strategy. However, if your student does not pass the test on the pretest, no worries! When we finish our reviews in the next week or so, we will return to the strategies that we need to work on. Students will have many opportunities to pass their fact fluency timed tests throughout the year. Practice at home is essential! Board games, flash cards, pick up sticks, and XtraMath are all great practices!
Our first math homework came home today! Please remember that each week you will receive something from me at the beginning of the week, either the weekly homework or a letter explaining why there is no homework!
I hope you've enjoyed our first few weeks. Over the course of our year, if you ever have any questions or concerns, please let me know. My email address is grenierc@calvertnet.k12.md.us. Our school phone number is 410-257-1512.
