What Are We Learning? (...and some pictures!)

We are moving right along in Reader's Workshop by continuing in the "Building Good Habits" unit. We also discussed where readers can read and realized that readers can read EVERYWHERE! Students worked on a quick writing/illustration activity for a bulletin board. We are learning how to handle books properly and put them into correct baskets. We will learn how to "turn and talk" to a partner during reading, as well as how there are several ways to read a book. We create a lot of anchor charts in my classroom that the students can always refer to. We will continue this unit until about October and then learn about choosing "just right" books. Students will also begin to select their own books (with guidance for levels) for their book bags. Eventually they will "shop" for books on Mondays from my class library. Fun, fun!

In Writing Workshop we are learning that we can write many things. Again, we created an anchor chart for our classroom. We are learning that we too, can become authors like those surrounding us in my library. The students were eager to start writing about topics of their choosing. They will learn that when they are "done", they have just begun and there is always something they can be doing. Add to pictures, add to the words, or start a new piece.

In Math the students have played several games (ask your child about Top-It, Bunny Hop, or Penny Dice). They are reviewing and working with tally marks to represent numbers, comparing and ordering numbers, and forming numbers correctly. We also started our Math Journals. Students will paste in a math prompt and work on it independently (after they have read or listened to the prompt). I will not correct every journal page, rather I look at them each day and review for assessing. The pages will be dated. We will discuss them, however.
We are also moving right along in our color unit! Thank you to those that have supplied colorful snacks!

Some homework will begin next week such as Math and sight word activities. Eventually a packet will be sent home weekly to include spelling (Words Their Way) and reading/reading log homework. I will send home a detailed letter when the packets begin.

Here are some pictures of various activities from blue and orange day! (And you are only getting these pictures because I was able to borrow Ms. Leach's camera, lucky me!)