For those of you who have been checking in on this site for a classroom update, thank you for your patience.  I hope I address any questions or concerns you may have about school at this point. 

Current homework routines and expectations: 

Students should study a spelling list for about 10 min., several nights a week.  Tests are sporadic so students always need to be prepared.  Keep in mind that each child maintains his/her own list according to individual test results and needs, as demonstrated in targeted spelling activities and other writing samples. 

As well, students are requested to invest time practicing computational math skills involving addition and subtraction.  Some are working to increase speed by using Touch Math, others are focussing on improved mental math skills through puzzle exercises.  Again, 10 minutes a night, several times a week will help instill the skills over the long term. 

Other homework is assigned on an as-needed basis which could be supplemental or instead of spelling and math.  In general, stick to 30 min/night. If your child seems unsure of homework expectations, encourage them to put more detail in their planners.  I will do the same if you write me a note letting me know what you're noticing.

Students are expected to read daily, and reflect on the reading on a regular basis.  At times, a reader response will be assigned as written work in their journal; at other times, sharing orally with a family member will be in order.  Encourage and model responses that go beyond a simple retelling of events, to show personal connections with the text.  How does it make you feel?  What does it remind you of?  Who would you want as a best friend and why? What would you have done? How do you think the person felt? What other endings can you imagine?  You get the idea. 

Parents want to be involved in their child's schooling and often attempt to do so through homework. They can be an important resource for students.  At the same time, the students are being encouraged to become increasingly independent and resilient learners who can persist in problem solving.  Time is spent in class exploring strategies for learning, then discussing content or homework issues that arise. For example, students have practiced strategies for independently learning the spelling of words. Once they have studied on their own, they are encouraged to bring the list to a parent for testing. At this time, parents could extend the learning by challenging the child with other words with similar patterns to see if they can apply the knowledge.  

Current Unit of Inquiry:

Our current Unit of Inquiry entitled Art in Architecture is coming to a close.  Students are currently creating an architectural journal at school which will be used as an assessment piece, therefore it will be completed at school. 

Information on the next unit of inquiry will be posted soon.

Halloween:

Here it comes, ready or not!  The students are understandably excited about Halloween. On Friday, students are welcome to dress up.  We will participate in a primary parade at 1:30, then return to class for some structured fun.  There will be candy-a-plenty over the next few weeks so we will not be using this occasion as a junk-food-fest.  I believe a parent is providing fruit kebobs which sounds fantastic. If anyone wants to make a batch of cupcakes or cookies, please let me know and we will choose one only.  There will be more opportunities to treat the kids so please don't be disappointed if you're off the hook this time.

Finally, I'd like to take a moment to thank the parents who participated in our downtown excursion.  It was a great opportunity to explore art, both in architecture and on canvas.  I know the kids loved it! Thank you, thank you.

I will do my best to attend to this site on a more regular basis. Thanks again for all your support and patience getting the year up and running.

Marcy Gliener