Week of September 23-27

Dear families,

This past week we completed our first calendar of the year. We will complete one each month, practicing writing our numbers 1-30. When the calendar goes home please put it on your fridge and practice number recognition, especially with the JKs. The children also enjoyed using our class set of magnetic write and erase boards, practicing number writing.

We have learned (JKs) and reviewed (SKs) the first three letter sounds of S, A and T. The next three are I, P and N. It's amazing how many words you can make with those six letters!

We also started writing a booklet called "I am..." and the children are doing a lovely job completing the sentences and drawing accompanying pictures. We will do several similar booklets this year, with different starting words. Our next booklet will be called "Farms are..."

We also welcomed our Grade 8 Reading Buddies again, who come each day from 9-9:20 and from 2:45-3:05 to read phonics books one-on-one with the children. They are doing a fabulous job and the children enjoy reading with them! We also had dun with our grade 2/3 Reading Buddies from Ms. Shklar's and Ms. Sunde's class. They are getting to know each other and are working very well together!

We use scissors and glue sticks often in the classroom; please encourage your children to use junior child-safe scissors at home as well. This is an important small motor skill.

Our science table has changed to fall items; pine cones, acorns, changing leaves.

Please remember to return your child's white bag each Monday. Remind your child to hand me their white bag when they come into school on Monday morning/afternoon.

Please return your child's medical/permission forms if you have not done so. Thank you.

If you would like to volunteer for Mystery Reader, white bags, class craft parties please let your Grade Parents know; they are responsible for doing the volunteer calendars. Thank you!

This week we are starting our unit on Farms. We will be doing several numeracy and literacy activities with this theme as well as a craft. This is the perfect time for apple picking - if you have a chance, take your child to a local apple farm and help your child understand that our food comes from farms.

It is getting chillier as Fall is officially here. Please remember to provide your child with a light jacket and appropriate foot wear. I hope your have a wonderful week!