Hello Parents,

Homework is on one of the tabs on the blog and spelling words are listed at the bottom.  Here is a Kids National Geographic game we played today while learning about maps and globes; http://education.nationalgeographic.com/education/multimedia/interactive/maps-tools-adventure-island/kd/?ar_a=3.   It will be on the blog as a game also.  We are learning about big ideas and details in paragraphs and writing a fall paragraph using an organizer.  In reading, we are looking at non-fiction and fiction text fextures (think photos, tables of contents, index and story elements-characters, setting, problem, solution).  In math, we are exploring subtraction and using different strategies to find the difference. 

I’ve made some changes to homework books and behavior management recently that hopefully will be helpful for everyone.  Homework books (yellow dot) can STAY HOME during the week so it’s one less thing that might be left at school. J  Since our last day of school is Thursday this week, please make sure they have all their homework finished and ready to turn in on that day. 

So you can stay informed as to your child’s behavior, in the back pocket of their red folder is a monthly calendar.  The color key written on the side of the calendar explains the color they have colored in the box for the day.  If your child has moved their clip on the school wide behavior chart up by the end of the day, they will color either yellow or red on the box.  If they do improve their behavior, then they will color in green for the day.  We are working hard as a class to remember to raise our hands, use our listening ears, and follow directions.  Some of you may wish to use the calendar as an incentive for a reward.  It does not have to cost money-free rewards like your time and attention are often the most desired. J  For example, if your child has green all week, then they get to pick a movie or tv show to watch as a family.  They may get to pick out a board or card game to play together (board games encourage patience, good turn taking skills, sometimes math skills, and they are fun!). 

The Book-it Pizza Hut program green papers are due at the end of October.  Please don’t forget to complete the bottom of the paper, with you and your child’s signature.  This should be a positive incentive to get them reading!!  Reading homework can count towards their minutes.

If you want to order Scholastic Books the orders are due by this Thursday, Oct. 18th.  Remember, there is a link on the class blog.  You can browse and pay for books from the SeeSaw, Lucky, and Tab (for grades 6-8…my daughter never brings home a book order, but I still can use the points for class books).  I ordered 6 free books for our class just from two parent orders last month. J I can’t wait to read the Pete the Cat books to them! 

Don’t forget our Fall Party is coming up soon on November 2.  BUT, because our specials start at 1:55, I’d like to move up the party to 12:45-1:50 to ensure we have enough time for students to pack up and get to specials on time.  If you are coming to help set up, please be here by 12:30 so we are ready to PARTY at 12:45.  Thanks again to our room moms, Mrs. Vicari and Mrs. Jeram, and to the many parents volunteering by sending in supplies, food, and coming in on November 2nd!