News From Mrs. Scott

October 25, 2007

Things have been very busy in our classroom the last few weeks. We have finished up our math unit on place value and then worked on some addition and subtraction concepts. We are now working on multiplication as well as continuing with regular problem solving and mental math activities. We have taken two unit tests which I will share with you at conference time.

In reading we are reading a story together as a whole group each week and are settling into working independently during reading group time two days a week. Each student is working on book at their level in a small group as well as doing some independent work with our story of the week and a nonfiction passage at their reading level.

Everyone seems to be enjoying getting to go to a different teacher for math and science. Mrs. Drouet has been working on a unit called Things That Come in Groups and Mr. Gamble is doing the Sound science unit. I am working with students on writing clear and effective paragraphs. Our next topic will be to write about how we celebrate our birthdays. We will have quite a selection of writing for you to see at the end of the year.

We have two parents who are coming in each week to work with students on reading fluency and doing timings for the math facts. Students now have the chance to do math fact timings on Wednesdays and Fridays.

I am looking forward to seeing you all at conferences next week. Your student will be bringing home a reminder note about your scheduled time on Monday.

I have decided to lighten the homework load a little so the students will have more time to concentrate on learning their math facts. I can't emphasize enough how important this is to help ensure your student will be successful in math as they go through their school years. Along with the math fact practice students are expected to read for 20 minutes each night and complete the spelling packet each week. Everyone is also expected to pass at least one Reading Counts test every week.

Please feel free to contact me any time. sscott@fwps.org or 945-3243