November Newsletter

Greene Gazette

November 2015                       c.greene@hwschools.net

Language Arts and science connection: We have been reading many beautiful fiction and nonfiction books about trees as we continue our science unit on trees throughout the seasons. This month children will learn about trees becoming dormant in winter and understand that a dormant tree is resting but still very much alive. The children are creating their own books and art work to show what they are learning about trees.  Three of my favorite tree books to use with the children are listed here: Tree, Discovery Starts With a Single Word (DK eye know book),  Leaf Jumpers by Carole Gerber and Sky Tree by Thomas Locker. Genre Study in Reader’s Workshop! We are beginning to look closely at the features of fiction and nonfiction picture books as we study 3 topics including pumpkins, owls, and trees. The chidlren will be exposed to a variety of picture book pairs. For example, The Pumkins Book by Gail Gibbons is nonfiction and the book Too Many Pumkins by Linda White is fiction. As we compare these 2 genres the children will be able to help create a class chart about the unique features we notice in each text type. I am so excited to begin this work with the children and I have collected a great selection of books for us to get started with as we look at books on the topics listed above. Look for pictures on our blog in the weeks to come!  Fundations: Unit 3 We are learning the digraphs of (sh, ch, th, wh and ck) digrpahs are made of 2 letters and they have 1 sound. They get one finger tap when tapping out words. So the word (fish) would have three finger taps. Please see your Fundations parent packet for this unit’s trick word cards.

Math: This unit builds an understanding of the concept that 10 ones make a ten. The children will begin to view 2 digit numbers as tens and ones, and understand that 43 is made of 4 tens and 3 ones. This understanding of place value will help children to develop the “counting on” strategy as the children become more efficient in addition and subtraction work. Students will use ten frames, and base ten blocks to strengthen their understanding of the concept of tens and ones. Dimes and pennies will also be grouped to represent 2 digit numbers. For example 43 can be made with 4 dimes and 3 pennies. You can practice at home by having pennies and dimes to be sorted out and counted. Making coin combination such as 4 dimes and 3 pennies and listening to your child count 10, 20, 30, 40, 41, 42, 43.

Social Studies: This month the children are learning about American holidays including Veteran’s Day and Thanksgiving as part of our study of America symbols and holidays. The children will create their own “thankful trees” as we talk about things we are thankful for. The book “Feeling Thankful” by Shelley Rotner and Sheila Kelly is a favorite and is perfect for introducing the idea of being thankful. Sincerely, Mrs. Greene