Happy Friday!
Welcome to our new class site and blog. It is still "under construction," so look for new features each week.
I hope everyone had a wonderful, peaceful week. We have been exceptionally busy, learning and growing in J3T. A few highlights from the week include playing theatre games to better understand the predicate and subjects in sentences; a visit from Nancy Sumara, a fabulous author and social activist from Tanzania; an assembly about bullying perfromed by The Power of One and playing capture 300-600 in Math.
It sounds like we are playing a lot, right? That's the handy trick we teachers use to make learning more engaging, fun, and memorable. Learning will embed itself on the long term memory when we experience a topic in multiple ways, so we do what we can to make learning multi-faceted. Additionally, the children are "happier" when they are having fun, and a happier child is a more engaged child. We are able to keep the standards and expectations high while also making the environment enjoyable. It's a win-win all the way around.
A FEW NOTES:
Homework:
Over-all, the children are off to a great start with homework. This week, we started with a check list for the children to make note when they have completed a task. I will provide this sheet for the first semester; second semester, we will create homework diaries so that the children can begin to record homework on their own.
As a reminder, homework should be completed by the child. If they ask for help, please guide them towards finding the answer on their own. If they really struggle, they should put a star by the problem/question and leave it blank. This will help me to know where a child requires additional support. Also, homework should not take more than 45 minutes. If it does, I miscalculated. Put the homework aside, and send a note/email!
Homework is useful in three main ways:
Literacy:
I have been working to individually assess the children in reading and writing so that I have a solid understanding of his/her strengths and which skills we need to develop. I am almost finished collating the information and will soon send home "parent pipelines" so that you know which strategy we are using to strengthen your child's skills.
We will begin with spelling lists next week. I encourage the children to practice words in a way that bests suits their learning style. I will also send home different strategies so that the children are exposed to a wide array of ways to learn words.
Math:
We have completed a baseline assessment with the children, and I am determining individual strengths and needs. We continue to work with place value and are moving into addition and subtraction.
Happiness Habits:
In class, we have been practicing a variety of meditation techniques- ask your child about his/her favorite style. We also started practicing "Random Acts of Kindness," and I have to say that the children are amazing in this area! Here is an article that Mrs. Jenkins shared regarding happiness in the classroom. You may find it interesting!
Dismissal:
If you are changing your child's dismissal plan, please send a note with your child or call the office so that they may get a note to me; I do not often get the opportunity to check email before 3:00 p.m.
Staying Healthy:
We have a cold running its way through J3T; please encourage your child to drink plenty of OJ and water so that they may stay hydrated and full of vitamin C! We are encouraging the children to cough into their elbows to help slow the spread of germs.
Dates to Remember:
Have a wonderful weekend with your family!
Yours in Learning and Growing,
Ms. Threlfall
Welcome to our new class site and blog. It is still "under construction," so look for new features each week.
I hope everyone had a wonderful, peaceful week. We have been exceptionally busy, learning and growing in J3T. A few highlights from the week include playing theatre games to better understand the predicate and subjects in sentences; a visit from Nancy Sumara, a fabulous author and social activist from Tanzania; an assembly about bullying perfromed by The Power of One and playing capture 300-600 in Math.
It sounds like we are playing a lot, right? That's the handy trick we teachers use to make learning more engaging, fun, and memorable. Learning will embed itself on the long term memory when we experience a topic in multiple ways, so we do what we can to make learning multi-faceted. Additionally, the children are "happier" when they are having fun, and a happier child is a more engaged child. We are able to keep the standards and expectations high while also making the environment enjoyable. It's a win-win all the way around.
A FEW NOTES:
Homework:
Over-all, the children are off to a great start with homework. This week, we started with a check list for the children to make note when they have completed a task. I will provide this sheet for the first semester; second semester, we will create homework diaries so that the children can begin to record homework on their own.
As a reminder, homework should be completed by the child. If they ask for help, please guide them towards finding the answer on their own. If they really struggle, they should put a star by the problem/question and leave it blank. This will help me to know where a child requires additional support. Also, homework should not take more than 45 minutes. If it does, I miscalculated. Put the homework aside, and send a note/email!
Homework is useful in three main ways:
- It develops self-management skills with healthy study and work habits for the children.
- It provides practice for work we are doing in class.
- Homework gives me feedback for a child's strengths and areas for support.
Literacy:
I have been working to individually assess the children in reading and writing so that I have a solid understanding of his/her strengths and which skills we need to develop. I am almost finished collating the information and will soon send home "parent pipelines" so that you know which strategy we are using to strengthen your child's skills.
We will begin with spelling lists next week. I encourage the children to practice words in a way that bests suits their learning style. I will also send home different strategies so that the children are exposed to a wide array of ways to learn words.
Math:
We have completed a baseline assessment with the children, and I am determining individual strengths and needs. We continue to work with place value and are moving into addition and subtraction.
Happiness Habits:
In class, we have been practicing a variety of meditation techniques- ask your child about his/her favorite style. We also started practicing "Random Acts of Kindness," and I have to say that the children are amazing in this area! Here is an article that Mrs. Jenkins shared regarding happiness in the classroom. You may find it interesting!
Dismissal:
If you are changing your child's dismissal plan, please send a note with your child or call the office so that they may get a note to me; I do not often get the opportunity to check email before 3:00 p.m.
Staying Healthy:
We have a cold running its way through J3T; please encourage your child to drink plenty of OJ and water so that they may stay hydrated and full of vitamin C! We are encouraging the children to cough into their elbows to help slow the spread of germs.
Dates to Remember:
- Oct. 5: Global Cardboard Challenge. Click here to learn more- this promises to be a fabulous community building opportunity!
- Oct. 9: JS (M) Parent Coffee
3RD FLOOR LIBRARY CONF. ROOM 8:40AM - 9:40AM - Oct. 11: JS Photo Day
Have a wonderful weekend with your family!
Yours in Learning and Growing,
Ms. Threlfall