Week 12!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our book fair at Barnes and Noble this weekend! I especially enjoyed sharing a story and seeing all of your smiling faces. Your support for our school truly makes a difference!  

We have a very full month ahead of us so please be sure to read this blog in it's entirety and check the important dates section. We have so many opportunities coming up to develop our sense wonder!

Announcements

Read-a-thon on Tuesday, 10/31: Students have the option to come to school dressed as their favorite classical literary character, scientist, or historical figure. Costumes do not need to come directly from the grade level curriculum, though they must be classically aligned. Additionally, costumes should allow students to engage in regular school day activities such as recess, lunch, and P.E.

If you have not already signed up to volunteer in class tomorrow please do so here: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090f4ea5a72da7f58-1areadathon

We are still in need of 5 parent volunteers! 

A note regarding our world religions unit: In the World History and Geography section of our Core knowledge Curriculum, we introduce children to not only ancient civilizations but also to topics in the history of world religions.  Many people who contributed to the Core Knowledge curriculum agreed that religion is a shaping force in the history of civilization and thus should be a part of what our children know about.  In introducing children to the history of world religions, we focus on major symbols, figures, and stories. Our goal is to be descriptive, not prescriptive, and to maintain a sense of respect and balance.  As we share about the symbols, figures, and stories, I mention to our scholars that these are practices and beliefs of the people of that religion. If you practice one of our studied religions please feel free to send in any symbols to share.

Academics

Literature: We will continue to read Frog and Toad Are Friends this week as we retell and answer questions about the story.

Spalding: This week we have 20 words. Spelling Test on Friday!

Writing: Our copy work and narration exercises will come from Caddie Woodlawn.

Grammar: We will review verbs this week and practice sorting nouns and verbs.

Poem: “Thanksgiving Day” by Lynda Maria Child 

Idiom: “Never leave till tomorrow what you can do today.” Meaning: Get your work done as soon as possible! 

Math: This week we will continue working on addition with numbers up to 20. We will also begin working on subtraction with numbers up to 20. During the read-a-thon we will read math themed books and discuss different ways to count, add, and subtract. There will be no test this week. 

Science: This week we will continue to study oceans. Students will explore coral reefs and learn about many of the plants and animals that find a home there. They will find the Great Barrier Reef on the map and learn about what makes it special. It is more than 1400 miles long, more than 1500 species of fish live there, and it can be seen from space!

History: This week we will begin our world religions unit.  First, we will learn what religion is and why it is important to people.  Then, we will learn about the Jewish religion. We will learn about the Torah, Synagogue, Star of David and Moses.