The First Full Week of School 2014-15

Greetings from Room 10,

     During the first full week of school, we were very productive.  Although we have only been working together for a mere seven days, I feel like we are establishing a sense of community in Room 10.  It is nice to see the children working together harmoniously.  Did they mention to you that I am very impressed by their enthusiasm when it comes to morning singing?  Your children LOVE to sing and have already learned 3 new songs!  They especially like songs from The Sound of Music.  

     Did your child tell you about DARE?  Detective Kenneth Beck came into our room twice last week.  This year we decided to try something different and have invited Detective Beck to teach DARE two times each week.  We believe that the children might benefit from this approach and look forward to an earlier DARE Graduation.  I will keep you posted on the date and time as we progress.

     This coming week will be our first official week of spelling.  Each Monday I will pre-test the children on priority words and cluster words (i.e., AD prefix) and they will take any words they missed during that initial assessment. All children will have 10 spelling words weekly which will include any words they miss and/or challenge words.  Spelling homework is nightly, and I will give them a score out of 10 points.  They will take their spelling test each Friday.

     The crayfish arrived earlier in the week.  We started with 13, but sadly, we have lost a couple.  The children have learned about the anatomy of a crayfish, which included a cut & paste vocabulary activity.  Eventually, they will be quizzed on the vocabulary and the anatomy of a crayfish.  This week, they will have their first opportunity to hold the crayfish. Last year NO ONE would touch them.  We shall see how this group reacts.  They are really weird looking creatures who prefer to walk in reverse.  

     I am including some photos of the children working in the classroom.  We are actively preparing the room for Open House which is this Thursday evening at 7:30pm.  In addition to spending about 45 minutes in homeroom with me, you will attend a 15-minutes presentation by your child's math teacher and a 30-minute Nature's Classroom informational meeting.  I look forward to seeing you Thursday at 7:30pm!                  Sincerely, Lester Betor & Class