Reading Comprehension

Yesterday, I sent home a graded reading comprehension passage and question set that your child completed on Friday.  Each child read the reading selection independently.  Afterward, to scaffold their learning, I  read the questions and the children highlighted the sections in the reading passage that would support their answers.  Throughout the year, we have been practicing responding in complete sentences using the correct capitalization and punctuation. I sent them off to their seats to finish their question sheet and generally, the children performed quite well.  I met individually with the children that struggled and we discussed what they need to do to improve their performance next week.

The reading selections and questions I use are from, ReadWorks, a leading national non-profit organization that provides  research-based, and Common Core-aligned reading comprehension curriculum for grades K-8. The ReadWorks curriculum is based on the most highly regarded, proven research on reading instruction.


Learn more at http://www.readworks.org

Weather Study/Poetry

This week we are completing "What I Love or Hate About Winter " poems and illustrations based on the work of Douglas Florian.  We plan on displaying these outside our room, so stop by in a few days and check them out.

Field Trip

On January 22, we will be taking a trip to The Works in Newark, Ohio to kick off our study of Force and Motion. We have signed up for "Power Wheels" a hands on activity where we will discover work, effort, forces, potential and kinetic energy through the exploration of simple machines, K'NEX car building and creating a toy to take home. Because we have to pay for the bus, an entrance and for the Power Wheels workshop we are asking for a $12 donation. If you are unable to pay all or part of this fee, I will apply for PTO funds to cover the cost.
Look for the permission slip in your child's take home folder on Monday.

Read more about The Works - http://www.attheworks.org/

Scholastic Book Club

You can order great books online at reasonable prices at Scholastic Book Club. Our class code is:  

LXCJC

Log on to our classroom site :https://orders.scholastic.com/LXCJG

For every book you order the classroom receives points towards free books for our classroom library.
A few of my recommendations:

Series:

Lotus Lane
Black Lagoon Adventure
Fly Guy
Junie B. Jones
Monkey and Me
My Weirder School
Stink
Stick Dog

Favorite Authors:

Flora and Ulysesses by Kate DiCamillio
Magic Finger by Roal Dahl

Picture Books:

George Washington's Teeth
Looking At Lincoln