Book Order

Paper copy book orders were sent home recently. 

If you would like to place an order, send in money by Friday February 4th!

Or order online and submit it by February 4th!  
EVERY parent order gives me $3 to spend on book for our classroom! 
We've got so many free books this year.
Thank you!!!

Look for how to order online from this post at the beginning of the year!

or go directly to Scholastic's Parent Page and using code GNTJN

Posts on More Than the ABC’s may include links to external websites. Links to external sites are not under the editing control of the author of More Than the ABC’s. Please ask that children use adult supervision when visiting websites outside of this blog, especially YouTube. While there are many great videos, please considering the ability for the public to post and comment on videos on YouTube.

State Testing Series II

This post is the second in a series giving tips and suggestions to parents about our upcoming state testing.

These types of tests look for overall capabilities, not one specific micro-skill.

Since cramming and studying isn't useful, what can we do?

Format

Sometimes the biggest challenge in taking a test is the testing format.  We model this format for students with our weekly reading tests, math tests, and quarterly writing assessments.  We might even spend all of 2 minutes with a how to fill in the bubble lesson. 

Environment

Many students soar on the tests, demonstrating their knowledge in clear and correct answers.  Sometimes, all the extra hype about a test can make very capable students falter.  As teachers, we are trying to place importance on this test while keeping everything in perspective. 

Motivation

We want to see students put on paper everything they know, so motivation is a key factor.  As parents and families, you create a culture of achievement for your student.  Encourage them to do their best, try every question, proofread, check their work, read carefully, double check calculations! 

Thanks for encouraging your student to be their own personal best!

Apple Variety

Our reading text this week includes an apple tree as a key component to the story.  Here is some extra information about apples and the many different varieties.  Check out the grocery store next time you to to see how many you can find!



Posts on More Than the ABC’s may include links to external websites. Links to external sites are not under the editing control of the author of More Than the ABC’s. Please ask that children use adult supervision when visiting websites outside of this blog, especially YouTube. While there are many great videos, please considering the ability for the public to post and comment on videos on YouTube.

Reading Lesson 19

Parents,

Here is the information for Storytown Lesson 19 this week! 

 Try reviewing or talking about some of these with your child.

Coordinate Grids

Want to work on increasing math skills?

Play Battleship.

Remind students to go OVER and then UP.

I have some paper copies that are still "like" this game if you would like to play the paper version at home.  Send a note in your planner, email, or call me!

State Testing Series I

Over the next few weeks check back to find information, ideas, tips, and procedures about our state testing coming up in March!

First tip?

PLEASE please Please

Check your schedule and make sure dentists visits, appointments, etc. are not on the weeks of

February 28th - March 11th.

These will be our scheduled testing days.

Think ahead of any strategies your family might use to get everyone

enough sleep, a healthy breakfast, and nutritious lunch!

Check back next week for more test tips! 

We want to show our students and their amazing capabilities!

Helping them be prepared will get them on their way!

Free Museum

Public Free Days


On the third Tuesday of each month, the FAC offers the public free general admission. Join us for the next Public Free Day!

It looks like they are open until 8 pm so head downtown before or after dinner to see the great art!

Check out their website and call if you have questions:
http://www.csfineartscenter.org/freeday.asp




Posts on More Than the ABC’s may include links to external websites. Links to external sites are not under the editing control of the author of More Than the ABC’s. .

Space

Our Next Science Unit: Space

NASA Picture dictionary for space related vocabulary


We're also working on a space project at school.  12 mini-reports!


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Report Cards

2nd Quarter Report Cards were sent home with students today.   (The quarter ended 12-17-2010)

Please look for these, as well as their most current STAR reading test and MAP reading, math, and language test scores.

The skills and behavior standards will help give you an idea of how your child's behavior was in 2nd quarter.  I also sent home today a 1/2 sheet of pink paper.  Students self assessed their Q2 behavior the week before winter break, and my scores are next to those.  Comparing their self-assessment with my score can prove interesting some times :)

I will be happy to explain or discuss scores with you.  Please contact me or your child's reading or math teacher if you have specific questions.

Mrs. Rose

Thank You Notes

I know my Grandma always loves letters, and thank you notes are a easy letter to write.

I know my mom also made sure I wrote thank you notes!

Are you enjoying something you got over break, a gift, an experience, a fun meal, a day out doing something?

Write about it!


Write a letter, thank you note, or friendly letter.
It is great practice, and who doesn't love getting something in the mail?