For the Week of January 28-February 1, 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 o to spell the /o/ sound, as in lost. 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 informative-narrative literature. We will discuss that this type of literature contains many facts (content). We will also be reading in unison and individually. Keep your eye out for the new decodable reader in the Green Folder on Mondays. Please help your child to read the decodable reader at least two times, and return the book on Thursday.

Unit Study: This week we will be traveling to Italy. We will learn that the capital city of Italy is Rome and the official language is Italian. We will study the map and flag of Italy. Our landmarks for Italy will be the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Coliseum.

Math: In math, we will be working on Chapter 12: Counting On and Counting Back. In chapter 12, we will count on to 10 and count back from 10. The children will build an understanding of, and familiarity with, number pairs that make 10.

Nature Study: This week, we will be learning about the Earthworm. We will learn that the Earthworm belongs to the phylum Annelida. We will study live earthworms and determine whether they are vertebrates or invertebrates. We will be reading about earthworms and observing live specimens in the classroom.

Bible: This week, we will be reading the story of “Samson and the Lion” and “Samson and Delilah.” Please feel free to read and discuss these stories at home.

Show and Tell: This week, we will be having Secret Show and Tell. Each child should bring an example of an animal from one of the classes of the Animal Kingdom that we have studied (fish, bird, mammal, reptile, or amphibian). The object should be sent to school either in a back pack or a brown paper bag. The students will give their classmates three hints about their object, and then allow others to guess what they have brought.

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.

For the Week of January 14-18, 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 h to spell the /h/ 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. We will also be introducing “vowel pair syllables,” syllables that have vowel pairs or teams that work together to make one sound (ex. how).

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 universality (why children all over the world enjoy the story) and we will introduce insight (authors help us understand that people feel bad when they are mistreated). We will also be reading in unison and individually.

 

Unit Study: This week we will be traveling to the continent

of Europe. Our first stop on the European continent is the United Kingdom, with our focus being on the city of London, England. The United Kingdom consists of four countries on two islands: England, Northern Ireland, Wales, and Scotland. We will discuss that England is on an island. We will identify the English Channel, the body of water separating England from the European mainland. We will learn about the flag of England and Big Ben, the largest bell in the clock tower of the Houses of Parliament. We will also be learning about Beatrix Potter, the author of Peter Rabbit, who lived and worked in England.

 

Math: In math, we will complete Chapter 10: Ordinal

Numbers. In this chapter, we will learn to order small sets using first, second, third, and last. This week we will focus on physical position and showing our preferences. We will be making picture graphs based on our preferences. We will use manipulatives to further our understanding of 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). We will discuss that humans are made of many systems that work together, including the respiratory, circulatory, muscular, and skeletal systems.

 

Bible: This week, we will be reading the story of “Rahab

and the Spies” and “The Battle of Jericho.” Please feel free to read and discuss these stories at home.

 

Show and Tell: This week our show and tell will focus on the human body. Each child should bring an item that demonstrates something they can do with their body (i.e. a soccer ball for playing soccer, a drawing of them climbing a tree, etc.).

For the Week of December 16-19, 2012

 

Wednesday: *Class Christmas Party (8:15-9:15)

*Visit with Santa and Recitation (9:15-9:45)

*Early Release (12:00 pm)—No Aftercare

 

Spelling/ Literature: This week, we will be reviewing the sounds and letters that we have learned. We will play games that allow us to practice identifying letters by sound, sight, and formation. In Literature, we will read Christmas and winter themed stories, and identify them as narrative or informative writing.

 

Unit Study:  We will be reading several stories related to Christmas and winter.
 

 

Math: In math, we will complete Chapter 9: Comparing Sets. In this chapter, we will learn to compare two sets one-to-one to find the difference in the number of objects. This week we will focus on comparing sets up to 20, comparing sets to find the difference, and combining sets. Comparing sets is the most basic form of subtraction. Combining sets lays the foundation for simple addition. We will use manipulatives to further our understanding of these concepts.

 

Nature Study: This week, we will be reviewing the animals we have learned about during this semester. We will review the characteristics of each animal class.

 

Bible: This week, we will be reading the stories of “The Birth of Jesus” and “The Shepherds’ Visit.” Please feel free to read and discuss these stories at home with your child.

 

Show and Tell: There will be no Show and Tell this week.

For the Week of December 10-14, 2012

*Candlelight Christmas Service—Thursday, December 13, at 6:30 pm

 

Snack Helper for This Week: Sarah

 

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 focus on the Floss Rule (If a one-syllable base word ends in the final /f/, /l/, or /s/ sound immediately after a short vowel, the /f/ sound is spelled ff, the /l/ sound is spelled ll, and the /s/ sound is spelled ss.) 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. All Floss Rule words are closed syllables that end with at least one consonant.

In literature, we will be discussing narrative writing, informative writing, and informative-narrative writing, and comparing these types of literature. When reading, we will discuss what type of story it is, and identify the author’s purpose and the elements of the story. This week we will listen to narrative selections and explain why children all over the world enjoy the story (universality). We will also be reading in unison and individually.

 

Unit Study: This week we will be learning about Christmas. We will be learning about the history behind many traditional Christmas symbols, including the Christmas tree, the candy cane, the star, and the candle. We will read the story of Jesus’ birth and other traditional tales including The Night Before Christmas, The Legend of the Poinsettia, and The Gingerbread Man.

 

Math: In math, we will begin Chapter 9: Comparing Sets. In this chapter, we will learn to compare two sets one-to-one to find the difference in the number of objects. This week we will focus on comparing sets up to 20, comparing sets to find the difference, and combining sets. Comparing sets is the most basic form of subtraction. Combining sets lays the foundation for simple addition. We will use manipulatives to further our understanding of these concepts.

Nature Study: This week, we will be reviewing birds and introducing the penguin. We will review six characteristics that classify an animal as a bird (1-vertebrate, 2-warm blooded, 3-feathers, 4-two wings and two feet, 5-beak, 6-hatch from eggs). We will read about penguins, discuss their habitat, and post a photo of an Emperor Penguin on our Nature Study wall.

 

Bible: This week, we will be reading the stories of “The Golden Calf” and “An Angel Appears to Mary.” Please feel free to read and discuss these stories at home with your child.

 

Show and Tell: This week our Show & Tell will focus on Christmas. Children may bring a drawing that illustrates what Christmas means to them or what they are most excited about relating to their Christmas vacation.

For the Week of December 3-7, 2012

Snack Helper for This Week: Remi

Snack Helper for Next Week: Sarah

 

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 be using the letter f to spell the /f/ sound. We will discuss the position of the letter in the word (is it in the initial position or final position). As we practice the spelling of our words for the week, we will also be discussing and learning proper handwriting. We will learn about “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, informative writing, and informative-narrative writing, and comparing these types of literature. When reading, we will discuss what type of story it is, and identify the author’s purpose and the elements of the story. We will also work on reading in unison and individually.

 

Unit Study: This week we will continue our unit on South America. We will learn that the country of Brazil is the largest country in South America, while Chile is the longest. We will discuss the equator, and learn that it is an imaginary line around the middle of the world, like a belt. We will learn that the weather near the equator is always the same, wet and warm. We will discuss the Amazon River, the Amazon Rainforest, the Andes mountain Range, the Atacama Desert, and the world’s highest waterfall, Angel Falls. We will also learn about different animals who call the Amazon River/Rainforest home, including the Amazon River Dolphin, the Red-Eyed Tree Frog, and the Scarlet McCaw. We will also spend time discussing the people and various folktales. On Friday, we will begin to learn about Christmas by discussing different Christmas symbols and traditions around the world.

 

Math: In math, we will continue Chapter 8: Numbers to 100. In this chapter, we will recognize pairs and count by 2s and 5s up to 20, learn to use tally marks, count to 100, count by 10s, and sequence numbers 1 to 100. We will be using manipulatives and hands on activities to learn about grouping and counting numbers. On Friday, we will begin Chapter 9: Comparing Sets. We will begin this chapter with counting sets up to ten.

 

Nature Study: This week, we will be reviewing Insects and introducing the grasshopper. We will review six characteristics that classify an animal as an insect (1-invertebrate, 2-exoskeleton, 3-three body parts [head, thorax, abdomen], 4-six legs, 5-antennae, 6-some have two wings). We will read about grasshoppers and post a photo of a grasshopper on our Nature Study wall.

Bible: This week, we will be reading the stories of “God Watches Over the Israelites” and “Moses Receives God’s Laws.” Please feel free to read and discuss these stories at home with your child.

 

Show and Tell: This week our Show & Tell will be free choice, but with a twist! This week we will be having Secret Show & Tell. The chosen item should be placed in a brown paper bag or gift bag, so that it cannot be seen. Each child should be prepared to give 3 clues about their item, and will then allow their classmates to guess what the item may be.

For the Week of November 26-30, 2012

Snack Helper for This Week: Vince

Snack Helper for Next Week: Remi

 

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 be using the letter d to spell the /d/ sound. We will discuss the position of the letter in the word (is it in the initial position, final position, or both?). As we practice the spelling of our words for the week, we will also be discussing and learning proper handwriting. We will learn about“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, informative writing, and informative-narrative writing, and comparing these types of literature. We will be focusing on the narrative element of emotional appeal (the way in which authors use words, phrases, or sentences that make us feel happy, sad, or sorry for others). We will discuss how precise language contributes to emotional appeal.

 

Unit Study: This week we will begin a unit on South America. We will learn that the country of Brazil is the largest country in South America, while Chile is the longest. We will discuss the equator, and learn that it is an imaginary line around the middle of the world, like a belt. We will learn that the weather near the equator is always the same, wet and warm. We will discuss the Amazon River, the Amazon Rainforest, the Andes mountain Range, the Atacama desert, and the world’s highest waterfall, Angel Falls. We will also learn about different animals who call the Amazon River/Rainforest home, including the Amazon River Dolphin, the Red-Eyed Tree Frog, and the Scarlet McCaw. We will also spend time discussing the people and various folktales.

 

Math: In math, we will continue Chapter 8: Numbers to 100. In this chapter, we will recognize pairs and count by 2s and 5s up to 20, learn to use tally marks, count to 100, count by 10s, and sequence numbers 1 to 100. We will be using manipulatives and hands on activities to learn about grouping and counting numbers.

 

Nature Study: This week, we will be introducing Insects. We will learn six characteristics that classify an animal as an insect (1-invertebrate, 2-exoskeleton, 3-three body parts [head, thorax, abdomen], 4-six legs, 5-Antennae, 6-Some have two wings). We will learn a song to help us remember the parts of an insect’s body.

 

Bible: This week, we will be reading the stories of “The Tenth Plague” and “The Crossing of The Red Sea.” Please feel free to read and discuss these stories at home with your child.

 

Show and Tell: This week our Show & Tell will focus on South America. More information will be sent home soon.

Lesson plans

For the week of 11/12/12 through 11/16/12

**On Thursday, November 15, we will be performing our Thanksgiving Recitation at the Thanksgiving Chapel Service (8:30 am in the Sanctuary). Concert Dress is required.

**On Friday, November 16, we will have our Service Project in the morning, followed by our Thanksgiving Recitation and Feast, at 12:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall. All parents are invited to join us for this special time to celebrate and give thanks. Concert Dress is Required.

Snack Helper for This Week: Maddox

Snack Helper for the Week after Thanksgiving: Vince

 

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 be using the letter a to spell the short /a/ sound and the letter s to spell the /z/ sound. We will discuss the position of the letters in the word (is it in the initial, medial, or final position?). As we practice the spelling of our words for the week, we will also be discussing and learning proper handwriting. We will learn about “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, informative writing, and informative-narrative writing. We will be focusing on the narrative element of emotional appeal (the way in which authors use words, phrases, or sentences that make us feel happy, sad, or sorry for others). We will discuss how precise language contributes to emotional appeal.

 

Unit Study: This week we will continue our unit on Thanksgiving. We will be learning about the Pilgrims’ life in the New World. We will be learning about the relationship between the Indians and the Pilgrims. We will be reading about the hardships the Pilgrims faced, how they learned from and became acquainted with the Indians, and the first harvest feast. We will be reflecting on and talking about the things for which we are thankful.

 

Math: In math, we will continue Chapter 8: Numbers to 100. In this chapter, we will recognize pairs and count by 2s and 5s up to 20, learn to use tally marks, count to 100, count by 10s, and sequence numbers 1 to 100. We will be using manipulatives and hands on activities to learn about grouping and counting numbers.

 

Nature Study: This week, we will be reviewing the kingdoms and classes we have been introduced to this year. We will review the characteristics of living things, and the characteristics of fish, birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. We will be completing a project on the life cycle of a frog.

 

Bible: This week, we will be reading the stories of “Moses Warns Pharaoh” and “The Plagues of Egypt.” Please feel free to read and discuss these stories at home with your child.

 

Show and Tell: This week for Show & Tell, each child should bring a picture, drawing, or item that they are thankful for.

October, PLEASE don't go!!

October has got to be one of my favorite months.  Now that TX is home (that was a little painful to type...but easier than it used to be), I'm a little sad to not have the same Octobers that I remember as a kid in NC.  Those cool, crisp days with amazing blue skies and orange, yellow, and brilliant red leaves filling up the landscape are to me like heaven on earth.  We've just now started to feel and see some of those cool days, minus the changing leaf color.  Oh well.

Thankfully, I can look back on all the fall-like October days with no regret b/c we Russell's got our Autumn on for every last one of them.

There was the awesome pumpkin exhibit at the Dallas Arboretum earlier this month.

There was also a glass exhibit by Chihuly, so an amazing surprise around most every corner.

 And, then a fun road trip to the German town, Walburg, TX, for yummy German food with friends and fun music in the biergarten.

And, a fun Friday playdate with Aidan and the boys.

I've been looking forward to the annual Master Gardener's Garden Fair since last year, and the weather was perfect again.

And, what October would be complete without....

And, to round off one fun October, we took a trip to the woods of Arkansas to meet up with Aunt Marjorie, Uncle Herb, cousin Vincent, and Granddaddy Russell.  (pictures to come)
Finally, we got to bask in the amazing colors of Autumn!  Yay! 

Lesson plans

**Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held on November 2, 2012. There will be no school on this day.

Snack Helper for this Week: Margaret

Snack Helper for Next Week: Miriam

 

Spelling /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 be using the letter n to spell the /n/ sound. We will discuss the position of the letter n in the word (is it in the initial, medial, or final position?). As we practice the spelling of our words for the week, we will also be discussing and learning proper handwriting. We will learn about “closed syllables,” a syllable that ends in at least one consonant. The vowel in a closed syllable is short.

In literature, we will discuss how narrative and informative elements differ. We will explain that authors use words, phrases, or sentences that make us feel happy, sad, or sorry for others (emotional appeal).

 

Unit Study: This week in Unit Study, we continue learning about Mexico. We will review that Mexico is south of the United States. We will learn that the Pacific Ocean is to the west of Mexico and the Gulf of Mexico is to the east. We will review that Texas and Mexico are separated by the Rio Grande. We will learn about the capital city, the language, and the culture. We will also be learning about Diego Rivera, a muralist from Mexico, and creating a classroom mural.

 

Math: In math, we will complete Chapter 7: Solid and Flat Shapes, where we will learn about the different aspects of solid shapes, including faces, edges, and corners. This week we will identify and extend a shape pattern. After completing Chapter 7, we will begin Chapter 8: Numbers to 100. In this chapter, we will recognize pairs and count by 2s and 5s up to 20, learn to use tally marks, count to 100, count by 10s, and sequence numbers 1 to 100. We will be using manipulatives and hands on activities to learn about grouping and counting numbers.

 

Nature Study: This week, we will be introducing amphibians. We will discuss the characteristics of amphibians (1-vertebrate, 2-cold-blooded, 3-moist, slimy skin (no scales), 4-breathe through lungs and gills, 5-hatch from eggs, 6-live part of life in water and part on land). We will also be learning the life cycle of a frog.

 

Bible: This week, we will be reading the stories of “Joseph the Governor” and “Benjamin and the Silver Cup.” Please feel free to read and discuss these stories at home with your child.

 

Show and Tell: There will be no school on Friday, so we will not be having Show & Tell.

Lesson plans next week

For the Week of October 22-26, 2012

**Friday, October 26: Field Trip to the Pumpkin Patch

 

 

Spelling/ 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 be using the letter t to spell the /t/ sound. We will discuss the position of the letter t in the word (is it in the initial or final position?). As we practice the spelling of our words for the week, we will also be discussing and learning proper handwriting. We will learn about “closed syllables,” a syllable that ends in at least one consonant. The vowel in a closed syllable is short.

In literature, we will discuss how narrative and informative elements differ. We will explain that narrative writing may be realistic (e.g., The Carrot Seed) or make believe (e.g., The Three Little Pigs).

 

Unit Study: This week in Unit Study, we will complete our trip to Canada and then head south to the third country in North America…Mexico. We will discuss that Mexico is south of the United States. We will learn that the Pacific Ocean is to the west of Mexico and the Gulf of Mexico is to the east. We will review that Texas and Mexico are separated by the Rio Grande. We will learn about the capital city, the language, and the culture. We will also be learning about Diego Rivera, a muralist from Mexico.

 

Math: This week we will continue Chapter 7: Solid and Flat Shapes. In this chapter, we will be learning about the different aspects of solid shapes, including faces, edges, and corners. This week we will focus on drawing flat shapes, identifying basic flat shapes within a scene, and making pictures using basic flat shapes. We will be using manipulatives and hands on activities to learn about solid and flat shapes.

 

Nature Study: This week, we will be reviewing reptiles and introducing the Red-Eared Terrapin. We will discuss the characteristics of reptiles (1-vertebrate, 2-cold-blooded, 3-have dry, scaly skin that sheds as it grows, 4-breathe through lungs, 5-hatch from eggs). We will be reading about terrapins and turtles. We will be observing photographs and even a real Red-Eared Slider.

 

Bible: This week, we will be reading the stories of “Joseph the Slave” and “Pharaoh’s Dreams.” Please feel free to read and discuss these stories at home with your child.

 

Show and Tell: This week for Show and Tell, children should bring a photograph, stuffed animal, or drawing that illustrates a reptile. Children should be prepared to give three (3) reasons/characteristics explaining how their animal is a reptile.

Lesson plans for next week

For the Week of October 15-19, 2012

 

***Fall Break: October 19, 2012—No School!

Snack Helper for this Week: Connor

Snack Helper for next Week: Lauren

 

 

Spelling/Grammar/Literature: This week we will be focusing on instant letter recognition, unblending sounds in words, omitting syllables, and changing sounds to make new words. Our spelling pattern for this week will be using the letter p to spell the /p/ sound. We will discuss the position of the letter p in the word (is it in the initial or final position?). As we practice the spelling of our words for the week, we will also be discussing and learning proper handwriting. In literature, we will read many informative selections. We will discuss topics and facts, and identify these in the selections we read. We will also learn about essential information, that which is necessary to the main idea.

 

Unit Study: This week in Unit Study, we will be learning about the country north of the United States of America: Canada. We will discuss that Canada is made of provinces and territories. Our landmark of focus for Canada is the CN Tower.

 

Math: In math, we will begin Chapter 7: Solid and Flat Shapes,

where we will learn about the different aspects of solid shapes, including faces, edges, and corners. This week we will also be learning how to get flat shapes from solid shapes. We will be using manipulatives and hands on activities to learn about adding numbers.

 

Nature Study: This week, we will be introducing reptiles. We will discuss the characteristics of reptiles (1-vertebrate, 2-cold-blooded, 3-have dry, scaly skin that sheds as it grows, 4-breathe through lungs, 5-hatch from eggs). We will be reading about reptiles, and creating a list of animals that are reptiles.

 

Bible: This week, we will be reading the stories of “Jacob’s Return” and “Joseph’s Dreams.” Please feel free to read and discuss these stories at home with your child.

 

Show and Tell: Due to Fall Break, we will not be having Show & Tell this week.

Have a wonderful week!