Q and U are Best Friends!!

Next week we will be talking about the letter Q and its best friend U. Each day we will be looking for q words and we will see if we find one that does not begin with the qu combination. (We will also talk about the letter u and how it can be found in other places besides just next to the q!). Students will also work on forming words in the 'ug' and 'um' word families. During the week we will read books about quilts. Do you have a quilt at home? If you do, please show it to your child-maybe there is even a special story behind it that you can share with them. You may find some fun "quilt" squares coming home as we are introduced to some quilt square writing during writer's workshop.

In math we have been engaging in a LOT of "math talk". During "math talk", students have to explain how they grouped objects, solved a problem, or figured out how to orally answer a question. The most amazing thing about this is how much we learn from each other. The students have been enjoying a math series by Greg Tang that is filled with mind-stretching riddles and LOTS of opportunities for "math talk". This would be a great series to have at home. You might want to check it out so you can engage in mathematical discussions this summer. We will also be spending time composing and decomposing the number 10. Students need to be able to solve addition/subrtaction problems FLUENTLY up to 10. They should also be able to find the missing addend and understand what that means.

As always we will continue to work on reading strategies and reading independently, as we prepare for the year to end, and for your child to become a FIRST GRADER! I am sure I will say this many times before June 5th, but I am very proud of the learning that has taken place this year and I am grateful to all of you for your continued support and efforts at home! THANK YOU!

Our ABC COUNTDOWN continues as well. Next week represents the letters C-G....please refer to the left side of the blog for what needs to be brought in this week.

On a final note...our field trip is quickly approaching. We will be going to the Children's Museum on Tues. May 14. We will be attending a classroom program on 3-D shapes as well as exploring the museum. I am still in need of 3 parent volunteer to attend this trip. A new school policy is that voluteers also have to pay for the trip (sorry). If you are available to come with us, please email me. A few students still need to return the blue permission slip for the Earth Day song in music. Please return this if you have not already done so!

Have a great weekend