Contact me at myra.gildenberg@sbschools.org
 


 

Penguin News- November 2008

 

SCIENCE- OBSERVING LIVING THINGS

We have two new goldfish in our fish tank.  Hopefully we have learned a few things about how to care for fish from our previous unfortunate experiences.  The children learned that fish are placed into the tank inside of their plastic bag from the pet store, so they can get used to the water temperature in the tank.  They also learned that fish need only a tiny bit of food to survive.  We think that we may have overfed our first group of fish.

Students examined a variety of leaves and described what they noticed.  Our leaves were all different shapes, sizes and colors.  All of the leaves had stems and veins that showed up very clearly in our leaf rubbings.

 
SOCIAL STUDIES AND THE WORLD AROUND US

On November 11th, Veteran's Day, the children participated in a school wide program to honor men and women who help keep our country safe.  We also used this opportunity to teach about the American flag, an important symbol of our country.

Next week, we will learn about Thanksgiving and share holiday traditions.   

MATH

Our unit on symmetry was enjoyable for all.   Continue to help your child with this concept by noticing symmetry in the environment.   We are practicing   the concept of addition through games and number stories.  The children have started exploring and explaining different ways to solve number sentences. Counting all of the objects and counting on are two popular strategies at this time. 

 READING

Our guided reading lessons are running smoothing.  While students are working independently on handwriting, word sorting, and other language related activities, I read with small groups of children.  Within these leveled groups the children learn and practice strategies to decipher new words, develop better comprehension and read more fluently. 

With continued practice, the children are learning to read and spell the weekly words.  Please continue to practice reading and writing these words at home.

DICTATION

In dictation, our focus is on spelling one-syllable words with short vowels.  The children have been introduced to all of the short vowels and consonants. 

WRITING

Students work with each other to plan and write stories about their own lives.  They listen to and discuss the stories of published authors to gather techniques that they can use in their own writing.  Recently, we noticed how Vera Williams stretched out a single moment in her story, A Chair For My Mother.  She did this by including many details in her writing.

SPANISH

We had our first Spanish lesson with Ms. Zsido and the students in Mrs. Magid's class.  We will have Spanish every other day 6.  Featured words from our first lesson are los ojos-eyes, el monstruo-monster and verde-green.

 

I enjoyed the opportunity to meet with you and discuss your child's progress.  Feel free to contact me at any time with further questions or concerns.

 

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

November 26th is an early release day.

November 27th and 28th- School will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday.

 

I wish all of you a wonderful holiday with family and friends.