Reading
We read a short story called Dragons and Giants this week. We talked about some basic story elements and worked on the reading strategy of drawing conclusions.
In reading groups we discussed biographies and students read biographies of Amelia Earhart and Walt Disney. Next week we will start writing our autobiographies.
Writing
We began cursive writing this week! We also spent the first 25 minutes of each day doing some free writing. We have been so busy writing our expository and research papers we have had very little time to do some free-choice writing. It was a nice relaxed way to start our day. I even noticed a few students choosing to write during our one indoor recess!
Math
We are working hard on mental math strategies and talking about how we solve problems. We are reviewing measurement, money and time. Continued practice of our algorithms and basic facts is also a focus.
Social Studies
We started reading about Government this week. Students learned that there are three kinds of government-local, state and national. We also learned about taxes and services.
Personal News
On a personal note, I wanted to share some bittersweet news with you. I love teaching at Beye and always feel at home here. You all generously share your children with me and I have always felt that you exemplify family involvement in education. So it is with some regret that I have decided to teach at my neighborhood school, Irving, next year. I am eager to begin teaching and investing in my own neighborhood school and I look forward to the challenges as well. I learned from all of you what it means to care about your school and I hope to apply those lessons at Irving. I am grateful for the two years at Beye, in particular getting to know the 24 wonderful families represented in room 100! In the meantime, we have a full trimester left and I approach it with a renewed energy and determination to make it a valuable and memorable end of the year!