We're Off!

The year has begun with a bang and we are off and running already! 

 

So far we have learned some of the trickier routines such as using lockers/ folders, morning meeting using the mimio, turning our iPads on/ off, lunch/ recess, and bus dismissal. We have also learned in Readers Workshop that good readers read "just right" books from individual book boxes (temporarily bags) and they use gentle hands. Today each child got to add an anthology to their bags to help them s-t-r-e-t-c-h out their independent reading stamina.

Over the next few days we will continue to practice sight word and letter recognition, write stories, and practice reading and writing our numbers. We will also spend a great deal of time continuing to talk about rules. 

Thank you to all of the parents who have helped make this transition easier by communicating with me about your child's needs or providing important background information. Also, thank you for sending in headphones (and iPad mini cases for those of you who did). While the cases are not required, they are certainly helpful in protecting this high tech tool. If your child has not brought in headphones yet, please send them in as soon as you can so that we can start using the iPads to practice the skills we are learning. If this is not possible, please let me know so that I can make alternate arrangements for your child. 
Just a reminder: please check your child's "Come and Go" folder daily and return the forms sent home on the first day as soon as you can. 

Please don't forget that Open House is next Thursday 9/12 and it's really an important opportunity for me to go over the expectations for this year and answer questions you might have. It is also where you will be able to sign up for conferences and explore our new classroom. Please come and check out some of the work your child has been doing so far. I can't wait to see everybody then!