Fiction = fake!

We are beginning to talk about fictional traits like characters, setting, plot, main idea, the problem and solution.  A great way to help your child know these is by repeated exposure and what better way than talk about each book you read.  Each fictional book you read has traits that can be discussed.  A way we remember the difference between fiction and nonfiction is this little phrase:  fiction equals fake!  Happy reading!

Spelling words for the week of Sept. 26

Below is a word search using this weeks spelling words:
http://www.quia.com/ws/1107584.html

Below is a memory/matching game using this weeks spelling words:
http://www.quia.com/cc/1107584.html

1.   part
2.   hard
3.   born
4.   horse
5.   before
6.   more
7.   smart
8.   farm
9.   porch
10. corn
11. chore
12. score

BONUS:
1.   cardinal
2.   morning
3.   therefore

Math Vocabulary

Here is a list of the Math Vocabulary that we have already covered this year.  The students should have a copy of these in their ROCKS binder.

add : when you add, you join groups together
addition sentence: 3+4=7 or three plus four equals seven
part: each group of the counters is a part.  The 2 parts together make a whole.
equals: "is the same"
sum: the amount in all after you add
plus: added to
join: put together
whole: add 2 parts to make the whole
minus: to take away or subtract
difference: the amount that is left after you subtract
subtraction sentence: 9-3=6 or nine minus three equals six
subtract: when you subtract, you find out how many are left or which group has more
fewer: use fewer to talk about having a lesser amount
separate: to separate can mean to subtract
more: the group with a greater number of objects has more
related: addition facts and subtraction facts are related if they have the same numbers.
doubles: addition facts in which the two numbers being added are the same
addend: the numbers that are added are called the addends
number sentence: a mathematical sentence with an operational symbol and an equal sign.

Know them like the back of your hand!

Students should already have their addition facts memorized!  It was a skill that was taught in first grade.  If your child is struggling with them, please take the time each evening to practice them.  The Math program builds on the fact that they should already know the following:

plus 0 (0+0, 1+0, 2+0, 3+0, 4+0, 5+0, 6+0, 7+0, 8+0, 9+0)
plus 1 (0+1, 1+1, 2+1, 3+1, 4+1, 5+1, 6+1, 7+1, 8+1, 9+1)
plus 2 (0+2, 1+2, 2+2, 3+2, 4+2, 5+2, 6+2, 7+2, 8+2, 9+2)
doubles (0+0, 1+1, 2+2, 3+3, 4+4, 5+5, 6+6, 7+7, 8+8, 9+9)

Flashcard are great for this.  We used index cards and made some to use in the classroom.

Parts may come and go!

Besides using the "Rockin' Behavior" chart in our classroom, which is individual behavior, we are also using Mr. Potato head as a whole group behavior incentive.  When the class is caught being good or behaving appropriately as a whole, we allow a student to add a Potato Head body part.  Once Mr. Potato Head is completely together, we have a celebration.  We finally got him put together a week or so ago and the kids got to have an ice cream party.  You might want to ask the kids each evening how Mr. Potato Head is looking.  His parts may come but they can also go. We are hoping to have a party soon! 

Spelling words for the week of Sept. 19

Here is a link to help your child study spelling words by playing hang man. Enjoy!!!

http://www.quia.com/hm/313665.html

1.  bunch
2.  that
3.  wish
4.  patch
5.  when
6.  what
7.  math
8.  them
9.  shape
10. whale
11. itch
12. chase


BONUS:
1. Whiskers
2. switch
3. shrimp

fiction vs. nonfiction

We are beginning to talk about books that are make believe and books that have facts.  There is a perfect opportunity to help your child discover about nonfiction books and their traits this week by talking about thier story, A Walk Through The Desert.  As you read with your child, please point out the real life pictures, labels on the pictures, and maps.  Ask them to find facts in their books about animals that they read.  This will help your child be prepared for the upper grades and thier terminology.  Thanks for all you do! It's showing.

Spelling list for the week of Sept. 12

1.  talked
2.  talking
3.  dropped
4.  dropping
5.  excited
6.  exciting
7.  lifted
8.  lifting
9.  hugged
10.  hugging
11.  smiled
12.  smiling

Bonus:
1.  dragging
2.  amazed
3.  danced

Parent newsletter

Please look for this paper every Monday.  It contains Spelling words, vocabulary words and information about the story of the week.  Keep it at home and use it to study by.  

Spelling words for the week of Sept. 6

Spelling words

1.   stop

2.  strap

3.  next

4.  hand

5.  brave

6.  ask   

7.  clip

8.  stream

9.  mask

10.  twin

11. breeze

12. state

BONUS WORDS:

1.  browse

2.  straight

3.  skeleton

Bonus words are worth 1 point per piece for extra credit.

Here is a link that lets your child play battleship with this weeks spelling words.  Have a good time studying!! 

http://www.quia.com/ba/108260.html