For the Week of January 21-25, 2013

 

Spelling/Grammar/Literature: In spelling, we will be focusing on instant letter recognition, unblending sounds in words, and changing sounds to make new words. Our spelling pattern for this week will use the letter g to spell the /g/ sound. As we practice the spelling of our words for the week, we will also be discussing and learning proper handwriting. We will continue to discuss“closed syllables,” a syllable that ends in at least one consonant. The vowel in a closed syllable is short.

In literature, we will be discussing narrative writing and identifying the author’s purpose and the elements of narratives (characters, setting, plot). When reading, we will discuss insight (authors help us understand that people feel bad when they are mistreated and that bad behavior results in consequences). We will also be reading in unison and individually.

 

Unit Study: This week we will be traveling to the continent of Europe. We will be learning about the country of France. Our focus will be on the city of Paris. We will learn that the official language of France is French. We will look at a map of France and the French flag. Our landmark for France is the Eiffel Tower. We will also be learning about the Louvre and discussing the masterpieces that the Louvre houses.

 

Math: In math, we will begin Chapter 11: Calendar Patterns, where we will review days of the week and months of the year, discussing what comes before, after, and between. We will also make and interpret pictographs. We will be using manipulatives and hands on activities to reinforce these concepts.

 

Nature Study: This week, we will be learning about the Human body. We will learn that humans belong to the Animal Kingdom, as part of the class of mammals. We will review the characteristics that identify mammals (1-vertebrate, 2-warm blooded, 3-have fur or hair, 4-give birth to live young, 5-give milk to their young, 6-live on land or in water). This week we will be focusing on the skeletal system and its three functions (to support the body and give it shape, to work with muscles and move the body, and to protect the soft organs and body parts).

 

Bible: This week, we will be reading the story of “The Call of Gideon” and “Jephthah’s Daughter.” Please feel free to read and discuss at home with your child.

 

Show and Tell: This week our show and tell will focus on the winter season. Please have your child bring an object (from nature, drawing, or photograph) that illustrates the season of winter.