Short Week Adventure

The Simple Machines Project was a tremendous success. The kids loved all the ideas that were created. Each child had to give at least a three minutes presentation about what simple machine their creation represented, how they made it, and how it could help mankind. Each presentation was recorded and will become a part of their electronic portfolio. We are also taking our projects down to the library today to go on display for a few days. Mrs. Smay loves to have children's work around the library as well.

There will be a spelling test this week on Thursday. The children are writing the dictation sentences full of homophones today. They will need to practice writing these sentences beginning tonight. As a class, we will be collecting homophones over the next two weeks and making a master list of all the homophones that we find... well anywhere!
Dictation this week is:
1) The two boys wanted to go swimming but it was too cold,
2) It's too hot to play more than two running games.
3) There are too many pencils in that pencil holder.
4) They're going to put on their play in her backyard.
5) They hung their patched trousers over there near their closet.

They also have a Reading Comprehension activity, How Big Is A Foot?, due on Thursday as well. This week as part of the comprehension strategy, they have to identify two repetitive phrases and describe two repetitive events in the story. Please make sure that you have signed these reading activities. It lets me know that you have heard your child read these reading passages aloud.

We are beginning our new Math unit. In this unit the children will be introduced to various measurement units, both standard linear and metric. We will also explore perimeter, area, diameter, and circumference. The reading comprehension activity this week actually introduces the math unit as well. I love it when it all ties in together!!!!!!

I will be sending home various challenge activities this month. As much as I want to encourage each child to work on them, please have them concentrate on the homework, assigned projects, and reading first. They do have a poster about themselves due anytime the month of October. As soon as they complete the poster project, they can turn it in to me for safe keeping.

In Reading, we are reading stories about customs and traditions from other cultures and learning that though there are many differences, there are similarities as well. These stories also emphasizes the character trait of tolerance and acceptance of others. Today will be reading about birthdays from three different countries and use the strategy of comparing and contrasting as our comprehension strategy.

I hope everyone has a great week. Enjoy your long weekend!!!