Weekly Newsletter volume 9

In math, we took our test working with story problems and finding the unknown partners. We also started working with “Math Mountains” using subtraction word problems. Since we know the total, that goes at the top, then we know how many were eaten, taken away, lost, etc. so that goes at the bottom. So we get that number in our head and count up to the total. So, if we have the word problem: “I had 7 pennies and spent 3 pennies on a pencil. How many pennies do I have left?” We would get 3 in our head and count up to 7. So it would be 3 in our head- and now count on with our fingers 4, 5, 6, 7. So the answer would be 4 pennies left. In Daily 5, we focused on a Comprehension “C” strategy of asking questions before we read, during reading, and after reading. We also worked on an Accuracy “A” strategy of cross checking. That is where we ask ourselves “Does it look right? Does it sound right? And does it make sense?” If the answer is no to any of these, we need to try a different strategy to decode the word. In Letterland, we learned the letters “u and the other sound for s, which makes the /z/ sound when it is added as a suffix s.” We worked with the word families –un, -ug, and -ut. Our tricky words for the week that have been added to our word wall are “helps and two”. This week in writing, we worked on editing our stories. We know when we are done writing our story, we need to read it over and correct any mistakes. We have a checklist that we keep in our folder and refer to when we are done. Our Small Moments Checklist is looking for capitals at the beginning of sentences and when “I” is by itself, correct spacing between words, correct punctuation at the end of sentences, word wall words spelled correctly, and unknown words stretched out and their sounds recorded. A good first grade story should have all of these items correct in their story. Important information: Spirit Day- Make sure to wear your Banks Road t-shirt or school colors (green and blue) every Friday! - Conferences- I will be holding conferences next Monday, September 9th and then on Wednesday, September 11th. I have sent conference confirmations to everyone. If something comes up and you are unable to keep your conference time, please email me at cbethel@wcpss.net or call the school at 890-7333 as soon as possible and we can reschedule. Please make sure to be on time, since conferences are schedule back to back. Thanks and I look forward to meeting with you! - Track Out Packet- Not sure what to work on during Track Out? I will be sending home a Track Out packet for students to work on during Track Out. This is completely optional, but will keep skills fresh during our time out. - Spirit Week- Starting this Friday will be Banks Road spirit week. The days will be as followed- Friday: wear your school colors or Banks Road t-shirt, Monday: Hat day, Tuesday: Dress to Impress day, and then we will be tracked out for the rest. We will also be collecting money for our Coin Drive. You can bring any loose change that you have. Thanks! - Book Buddies- We have started Book Buddies with Mrs. Torrey’s 4th graders. Ask your child who their buddy is and what they have read together!