What We Are Learning
Reading:
Scituate Elementary uses Harcourt's Storytown ELA program. Each week we introduce a new letter, a new sight word, and incorporate that into developmentally appropriate centers, focusing on students' specific areas of need. So far this month we have introduced:
We work on all letter sounds, but have formally learned the letter sounds for : M, S, R, T, N, P and A.
Now that we know "A" - we are working on CVC (Consonant, Vowel, Consonant) words that use these letters.
We are also working on beginning sounds of words, helping students both hear and make the sounds independently.
We are working on upper- and lower-case letter recognition through puzzles games and writing.
We are learning correct letter formation through "Handwriting Without Tears" program. This simplifies the letter formation into big lines, little lines, big curves, little curves. Students are taught to start their letters at the top. We have added T, H, U, V, W, X and finished all of the numbers 1-10.
Math:
Scituate uses the Envision Math Program. Each day we work on a math mat that goes home. Please know that often times the front side will be blank, as we have used manipulatives and done this in a whole-group setting. At the beginning of each new topic, a page will go home with review work and a game to play to help reinforce the skill at home.
We have finished Topic 3 which reinforced counting objects to 10 and writing the numbers 0-10. Students have made great progress in their number formation, however they are reversing many numbers, which is developmentally appropriate and we continue to practice.
Science/Social studies:
Every day we discuss the weather at circle time. Currently, we are talking about pumpkins, plant cycle and Halloween.
Hidden Curriculum:
We are currently working on social skills in class of being kind, and learning the class rules. We earn a fuzzy when the whole class is doing great work. When our fuzzy bucket is filled, we will earn a celebration determined by a class vote.
We are working on independence - children are responsible for their materials, both unpacking and packing them, cleaning up snack, etc. This will mean some mixed up papers go home from time to time, but worth it in the long run!
Finally, we work on building a safe, respectful classroom atmosphere which encourages curiosity, imagination and where everyone makes mistakes! It's the only way to learn!
Websites:
www.starfall.com
www.abya.com
www.lexia.com
Homework: Always try to read 20 minutes to your child EVERY day. This is by far the most effective homework in terms of developing vocabulary and developing good literacy skills.
Optional homework: Students will receive option work to practice skills. Please be sure to keep this fun and engaging - this is the beginning of a long journey in education where I am most interested in developing a thirst for knowledge and love of learning. Always, feel free to contact me
Scituate Elementary uses Harcourt's Storytown ELA program. Each week we introduce a new letter, a new sight word, and incorporate that into developmentally appropriate centers, focusing on students' specific areas of need. So far this month we have introduced:
We work on all letter sounds, but have formally learned the letter sounds for : M, S, R, T, N, P and A.
Now that we know "A" - we are working on CVC (Consonant, Vowel, Consonant) words that use these letters.
We are also working on beginning sounds of words, helping students both hear and make the sounds independently.
We are working on upper- and lower-case letter recognition through puzzles games and writing.
We are learning correct letter formation through "Handwriting Without Tears" program. This simplifies the letter formation into big lines, little lines, big curves, little curves. Students are taught to start their letters at the top. We have added T, H, U, V, W, X and finished all of the numbers 1-10.
Math:
Scituate uses the Envision Math Program. Each day we work on a math mat that goes home. Please know that often times the front side will be blank, as we have used manipulatives and done this in a whole-group setting. At the beginning of each new topic, a page will go home with review work and a game to play to help reinforce the skill at home.
We have finished Topic 3 which reinforced counting objects to 10 and writing the numbers 0-10. Students have made great progress in their number formation, however they are reversing many numbers, which is developmentally appropriate and we continue to practice.
Science/Social studies:
Every day we discuss the weather at circle time. Currently, we are talking about pumpkins, plant cycle and Halloween.
Hidden Curriculum:
We are currently working on social skills in class of being kind, and learning the class rules. We earn a fuzzy when the whole class is doing great work. When our fuzzy bucket is filled, we will earn a celebration determined by a class vote.
We are working on independence - children are responsible for their materials, both unpacking and packing them, cleaning up snack, etc. This will mean some mixed up papers go home from time to time, but worth it in the long run!
Finally, we work on building a safe, respectful classroom atmosphere which encourages curiosity, imagination and where everyone makes mistakes! It's the only way to learn!
Websites:
www.starfall.com
www.abya.com
www.lexia.com
Homework: Always try to read 20 minutes to your child EVERY day. This is by far the most effective homework in terms of developing vocabulary and developing good literacy skills.
Optional homework: Students will receive option work to practice skills. Please be sure to keep this fun and engaging - this is the beginning of a long journey in education where I am most interested in developing a thirst for knowledge and love of learning. Always, feel free to contact me