It's the end of September already! 3A is a busy place to be. We have a wide range of interests and learning styles in our room as well as a wide range of strengths. As part of our citizenship discussions, we often say that what is easy for one may be difficult for another. It has been a challenge to assess where each student is in areas of reading, writing, math and problem solving. I'm learning everyday. As a result, some supports are now in place for small groups to provide remediation as well as challenge. I am establishing routines with the students to allow small group and independent work to happen.
*What is "just right" reading materials? Just right reading materials are not so challenging that students are solely occupied with figuring out how to decode the words and not so easy that they are unlikely to learn anything new. It should allow the child to concentrate on comprehension. A strong foundation of sight words is key to reading as well as confidence and use of reading strategies. We have been working on word families so students can see spelling patterns. When we do our guided reading, your child will be bringing home a book that has been read at school but needs a second reading to practice the specific skill. Please make nightly reading a H.W. priority. If a school book does not come home for H.W. , your child may choose one of his/her own, a library book or maybe a chapter book you are reading together.
*We added 4 new math sheets in your child's H.W. duotang last week. These are tools for you to help your child with his/her math facts. You will see what addition and subtraction facts you child needs to know for Grade 3. Please practice nightly even if it is not on H.W. Students have a math game for H.W. this week to make this practice fun. Everyone has played it so you child should be able to teach you.
*Today we added a "rime sheet" to our H.W. duotang. Again it is a tool for you to help your child become a better reader and speller. ie: Pick one "rime" and challenge your child to "Who can make the most words?"
*Scholastic book orders for Sept. went home today and will be due Mon. Oct 5. Please make cheques payable to "Scholastic Book Club". Cash is fine but I cannot make change. Sorry. Oct. 5 will also be the final day to reply to the Highlights magazine order that went home last week.
*Food order forms for Oct. went home today. They are due Thurs. Oct 1.
If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know.
