Feb. 6th

A look at next week's phonics: oo (long) ew, ue 

zoo, booth, food, moon, too, soon, room, few, crew, blue, very, under 

Challenge words:    Valentine's Day, February    

Please note that starting next week the students will lose  half a point if they do not use the correct capitalization and if the letters are not facing the correct direction.  We need to prepare for the second grade expectations.   

 We want to welcome Caleb Ashley.  He is the newest Team Tipton member.   

  We took unit 4 reading assessment today.  The students will bring home their summative assessments  on Monday.  Please review  and sign your child's assessments.  Keep in mind that the students are now required to read and answer the questions with very little assistance from and adult.  Most students did not need any assistance with their reading.   Accommodations where made for all students that are part of the Tier 2 reading program.  

 Ms. Tipton went over the reading assessment with   those students that needed a little additional assistance.  

   Every student should now be able to read to themselves  for at least 15 minutes per day.    Students  have at least 4-8 books in their reading bins.  All books are on their reading levels and most are selected by the students.  I assist them with insuring that the books are on their individual reading levels.   Students are always encouraged to bring in book of interest.  

 The "Work on Writing" expectations are also increasing.   The students need to be able to formulate writings that are increasing in length and complexity.  When I conference with the students I am looking for complete sentences and more accurate spellings.    

 Compass Learning  is an integrate part of the daily 5 rotations.  Please remember that this is an excellent learning tool to use at home too. 

 At least once a month we get out all the math supplies from the previous month.  The students are given free time to explore the materials on their own.  

  During math centers, Ms. Tipton meets with individual students for extension lessons. 

 Keep in mind that students need lots of opportunities for movement during these cold days.  I am building in at least 15 extra minutes of " brain breaks" daily.   We use a variety of methods for these breaks.  Yoga is used at least once a day. 

 The students enjoy the special share days.  It is amazing to listen to them use their communication skills to describe their share item, and ask question of the presenters.  

 Ask your child about the Friday math activities.  The students were very engaged in the place value activity.  I don't  even think they knew they were learning.   That's why I enjoy teaching them so much.    It is fun to learn in Team Tipton!

Thank you for sharing your child with me.  We had another fabulous week.   We will assess place value on Monday.