Dear Parents,

Last week in math we finished Unit 1!  We looked for patterns using calculators, discussed &lt;, &gt;, and = when comparing numbers, and explored place value by building structures with Base 10 blocks.  This week we will create and solve addition number stories, review “easy” addition facts, and play Beat the Calculator.   The students will now have a Home Link for math homework.  Please read the note at the top of each Home Link and go over the assignment after your child has completed it.

In Language Arts, we discussed what we are thinking when we read, and how to check for understanding as we read.  This week the students will start visiting centers.  Each day they will visit two centers; which are computers, listening, phonics, math, reading, and poetry.

In Writing Workshop, we discussed spelling words the best we can and moving on, and using writing tools in our classroom (like the alphabet chart and word wall) to help us figure out difficult words. This week we will discuss long-term writing projects, start using story booklets, and discuss the many real world purposes for writing.

We will continue to work in our “Air and Weather” unit in science.  Last week the students built parachutes using a napkin and string!  We discussed air resistance, which pushes up against the parachute and makes the parachute fall slowly.  This week we will “push on air”.  We will discuss the ideas of air taking up space and being compressed.

<strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Reminders:</span></strong>
<ul>
	<li>This Wednesday is picture day! Our class will not only be taking individual pictures, but the students will also be taking pictures in their Spanish Dance costumes!  We will need parent volunteers to help the students with their costumes.  I will let you know what time we will be taking these pictures.  Thank you!<strong></strong></li>
	<li>We have a field trip this Thursday.  <span style="text-decoration: underline">ALL<strong> </strong></span>students must bring a lunch.  We will be eating at school when we return from the trip.<strong></strong></li>
	<li>Thank you to Mrs. Pickens for collating and organizing our Home Links!</li>
	<li>Thank you to the families who have donated snacks and hand sanitizer.  We should have enough snacks if each family donates about once a month.</li>
	<li>Please send the $85 activity fee to school.  All fees should be paid by October 9<sup>th</sup>.   Please let me know if you would like to arrange a payment plan.</li>
</ul>
<strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Homework</span></strong><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">: </span></strong>

<strong><span style="text-decoration: underline"> </span></strong>
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="72" valign="top"></td>
<td width="115">
<p align="center"><strong>Monday</strong></p>
</td>
<td width="115">
<p align="center"><strong>Tuesday</strong></p>
</td>
<td width="115">
<p align="center"><strong>Wednesday</strong></p>
</td>
<td width="115">
<p align="center"><strong>Thursday</strong></p>
</td>
<td width="115">
<p align="center"><strong>Friday</strong></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="72">
<p align="center"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Math</span></strong></p>
</td>
<td width="115">
<p align="center">Home Link 1.12</p>
</td>
<td width="115">
<p align="center">Home Link</p>
<p align="center">2.1</p>
</td>
<td width="115">
<p align="center">Home Link</p>
<p align="center">2.2</p>
</td>
<td width="115">
<p align="center">Addition worksheet</p>
</td>
<td width="115">
<p align="center"></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="72">
<p align="center"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Phonics</span></strong></p>
</td>
<td width="115" valign="top">
<p align="center"></p>
</td>
<td width="115">
<p align="center">Start Consonant Clusters Homework</p>
</td>
<td width="115">
<p align="center">→</p>
</td>
<td width="115">
<p align="center">→</p>
</td>
<td width="115">
<p align="center">Homework due by Monday!</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="72">
<p align="center"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Reading</span></strong><strong></strong></p>
</td>
<td width="115" valign="top">
<p align="center">Read at least 15   minutes</p>
</td>
<td width="115" valign="top">
<p align="center">Read at least 15   minutes</p>
</td>
<td width="115" valign="top">
<p align="center">Read at least 15   minutes</p>
</td>
<td width="115" valign="top">
<p align="center">Read at least 15   minutes</p>
</td>
<td width="115" valign="top">
<p align="center">Read at least 15   minutes</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>