Weekly Update

Hi Everyone!

We've had a fantastic week!  I'm starting to see little personalities emerge as the kids become more comfortable with me, and with each other.  This is when I can really start to build a relationship with them, connect with them, and see our class environment take shape.  It makes me happy.  :)

Meantime, have you noticed the trees changing?  Do you operate on the rhythm of the seasons too? Fall means warm blankets, lots of candles, snuggles on the couch, and dreaming of the coming Holidays.  That makes me happy too.  :)

Here's your weekly update:

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Schedule Update (Take 2!):
We are changing our schedule again...hopefully for the last time.  I am moving math to the morning and moving recess back, to just after lunch.  There've been some changes in our school's master schedule, which have necessitated changes in some classroom schedules.  We will still have snack in the morning, and I will build in some extra brain breaks to keep the kids energized and engaged.

Ice Cream:
As a general rule, ice cream will now be available for sale on Fridays in the cafeteria. Your child may buy ice cream to go with a school lunch, or to go with a packed lunch.  I do expect the kids to know whether they have permission to purchase ice cream.

Sharing Day:
The kids have so much to share and I love hearing their stories, however, I do not have enough time each morning for each child to share. Last week I assigned a day to each child and this is their share day. On their day, they are allowed to share anything they want with the class. A couple of kids have brought in something to share and that's fine. I do ask though that if your child brings in a toy or stuffed animal to share, that they leave it in their backpack once they are done sharing. I would be happy to tell you which day your child shares on, but I am sure they have already told you. 

Socks:
I am sure this heading has you wondering. If your family is anything like mine, no matter how hard I try to keep my socks together in the washer, one always seems to disappear. I have FINALLY found a use for these stray socks. Whiteboard erasers!  We use our little personal whiteboards everyday in math and reading. The socks make great erasers! It's a cheap and simple way for the kids to erase their boards. If you have any socks laying around missing their mate, we can use them in the classroom! Please send them in. 

Wanted:
The treasure box is in full swing in our classroom. I know you have seen some cool vampire teeth or snap bracelets come through your house recently (ha!). The treasure box is a wonderful incentive but I need some help replenishing it. Please consider our classroom treasure box when you are cleaning out your gently used items or you are at the dollar store. I ordered some stuff from Amazon but it's only getting us so far. Movies, toys, bubbles, stickers, anything and everything would be greatly appreciated. Please ask your child what they are excited about in our treasure box. Thank you for your help with this. 

Library Books:
Please help your child remember his/her Library books each Thursday.  

Focus Areas for the Coming Week:

• Reading:  We will begin learning the routines and procedures of Reader's Workshop.
• Writing:  We will continue handwriting practice, emphasizing proper letter formation and starting letters at the top.
• Math:  We will continue learning the routines and procedures of Math Workshop as we explore number sense and counting.
• Science:  We will talk about our 5 senses.

Please let me know if you have any questions, comments, or concerns!  

I hope you have a relaxing weekend.  After a crazy week, I am so pleased that we have nothing on our schedule other than the usual...soccer, baseball and errands.