What we are doing . . .

English Language Arts (ELA):  We have entered the world of Invented Spelling! (See web link below to read an article about Invented Spelling).  Invented Spelling is how young children attempt to use their best judgment about spelling.  At this point, they know the letters of the alphabet and can distinguish the sounds assigned to those letters.  They hear the word they want to spell and write the letters they think correspond.  It is so important to allow them to do this.  It helps develop better spelling skills for the future but also encourages them to write more.  For example, you may see a paper come home with a sentence they wrote that looks like this:  I hv a dog namd mx that could translate: I have a dog named Max.  They might write "btr" which could be "butter" or "better."  If you are not sure, ask them to read it to you.  Remember, they are very proud of their new writing skills so do not correct the spelling at this point.  Not only is Invented Spelling okay but we encourage it!  It makes them feel more confident in writing (and spelling) when they can put aside the fear of spelling a word incorrectly and simply write what they hear.

Social Studies:  We are talking about Martin Luther King, Jr.  We will be reading the books My Brother Martin  by Christine King Farris and Something Beautiful by Sharon Denise Wyeth as well as creating a classroom book called “I Have a Dream.”  Watch for the book to come home and remember to return it promptly so that everyone has a chance to share it with his or her families.  In addition to talking about Martin Luther King, Jr., we are working on a unit about Civil Rights.  Keep an eye on our book list for new books we will be sharing as we explore Civil Rights.  Some of my favorites are: March On!  The Day My Brother Martin Changed the World by Christine King Farris, The Other Side by Jacqueline Woodson and The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles and George Ford.   In addition to this unit, we have been talking about mapping and directions (up, down, over, under).  Ask your child about our treasure map!

Science:  We are in the middle of a unit about winter and have been talking a lot about SNOW!  Recently we talked about measuring snow and brainstormed about different ways to measure snowfall.  Each student is working on his or her own Snow Journal.  We will be tracking snow in the Pioneer Valley through February vacation.  Do not forget to check at home too!   To tie in ELA with this unit, we have been reading many books about snow.  This week we read Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats.  The children shared something they like best about snow days and are working on an art project/writing assignment to go with the story.

Math:  Hooray for patterns!  Our classroom is turning into Pattern Central!  Please remember to send in a shoebox with small items to create patterns.  Remember the guidelines:  No bigger than a Big Y coin, no food, nothing valuable, nothing that needs to be returned and do not purchase items. (See weblink below with fun games using patterns).

If you have something (books, experiences, interests, hobbies, etc) that would compliment what we are learning about and would like to share, please email me or send in a note.    We love new ideas and visitors!  Remember that all classroom visitors must fill out a CORI form in the main office.  These take at least a week to process so please do so soon.  Cori forms are valid for three years in East Longmeadow.  Please check with the main office if you have a question.