October 26, 2014

I hope everyone is enjoying this blustery weather! It is really feeling like fall. I can't wait to get the Turquesa kids outside this week. Last week, I was happy to notice students using our covered patio and bistro table as fresh-air work spaces and places to relax. There is a tremendous amount of focused, concentrated work going on in the classroom, and it is a joy to help children notice their need to get up and go outside once in while.

I have a couple of quick pieces of information to bring to your attention.

First, homework includes Wordly Wise Lesson 4 Reading Comprehension and preparation for the vocab test on Friday. I highly recommend that all children practice their vocab words throughout the week in order to be ready. You can go to http://www.wordlywise3000.com/ for practice games. Other homework includes lit book reading, spelling practice, Rocket Math practice for 5 minutes a day, and selecting a new Choice Book.

Next, on Friday, October 31, we will have class and individual pictures. There is information about this in your child's homework folder. Friday is also Halloween. We do not have candy or costumes at school. However, we do have Spooky Lunch. This year, a committee of students is in charge of planning and  decorating for Spooky Lunch!

Also, as a class, we have decided to acquire 2 rats as classroom pets. We are in the middle of discussing how to raise the funds we will need to buy the habitat and equipment. We decided that it will feel really good to raise money through our own effort to get what we want. The students talked about the difference between "want" and "need." This is an amazing opportunity for the class community to set a goal and work together to achieve it. They children will a profound sense of pride and accomplishment when they earn the money they need, and will feel an overriding sense of ownership and responsibility for our new pets. Stay tuned for more information!