The Weber Weekly

What a FUN Homecoming Week we've had!  The kids did a great job participating in the daily activities and I can't wait to share the pictures with you.  I think my favorite day was Hat Day because I loved seeing all the kiddos in their matching class t-shirts! 

 

We worked really hard with a nonfiction text this week called Tell Me a Story, Grandpa.  The kids practiced using a variety of strategies to figure out unknown words while they were reading.  We focused on the strategies of reading on, context clues, and rereading.  We also reviewed nouns with a fun little song and dance and then learned about proper nouns. 

 

The kids learned how to use similes to add excitement in their personal writing this week.  Similes are comparisons using the words "like" or "as".  You wouldn't believe how many kids were as "hungry as hippos" while we were writing. 

 

In math we've been working on using addition and subtraction to solve one- and two-step word problems.  The children have been using drawings and equations with a symbol for the unknown number to represent the problem.  Some of the strategies included this week were doubles, near doubles, and making ten to add. 

 

We're continuing to learn about our rights and responsibilities as American citizens in social studies.  We're hoping to have a few more people volunteer to come in to speak about their role in the community.  Please email me if you're interested.  If you've already sent back your form, I will be contacting you via email next week to schedule a visit.   

Our testing window for CogAT opens next week.  All second and fifth grade children will take this assessment online in the Media Center.  This cognitive abilities test assesses students' reasoning and problem-solving skills.  The results of CogAT are generally used to predict the success of students in school.  We, in District 202, use this assessment to determine student placement (honors classes).  Please talk with your child about the importance of the CogAT and ensure that he/she is prepared.  A good night's rest and a healthy breakfast will help your child perform at his/her best.  A letter with more information will be coming home TODAY.  Once I have more information about our testing date, I will send you a Remind101 message. 

We're having a Coin Drive next week for the Book Fair.  All money collected will be used to purchase new books for our Media Center!  In addition, the class that collects the most money will be given that dollar amount to spend at the Book Fair for new books for the classroom library!!!  If you're willing and able to participate, here's the schedule:

Monday - pennies
Tuesday - nickles
Wednesday - dimes
Thursday - quarters
Friday - any dollars or coins

I hear many children are planning on attending or even walking in the Homecoming Parade.  How fun!!  I wish I could join all of you, but we're headed to Wisconsin for a surprise 60th birthday party.  I won't be answering any emails until Sunday night, since I won't have Internet access out in the sticks.  Have a great weekend!