Connection corner
This section is dedicated to keeping you current with some of the main ideas, information, skills and vocabulary that your children are working with in school. You can reinforce them at home, or simply use the info to get beyond, “What did you do at school today?” “Nothing”
- In our read aloud, The Witches, by Roald Dahl, the boy has just seen the Grand High Witch describe her plan for getting rid of all the children in England. Ask your child about Formula 86 Delayed Action Mouse-Maker.
- We have new WordlyWise vocabulary every two weeks. A great way to reinforce meaning and usage is to keep a list of current words posted on your frig or bulletin board and incorporate them as much as possible in daily conversation.
- In reading, one skill we are practicing is noticing new words and finding out what they mean. Right now, simply noticing and asking is the goal- so if your child stops their reading to ask you what a word means, praise them and give them the best definition you can for the context.
- The seeds that students planted in science have sprouted! They are learning about photosynthesis and the food chain. Ask your child where all energy comes from (the sun) and plants’ role in passing it along.
- Students have completed canvas paintings in art based on figure and movement studies. They worked with primary colors and practiced color-mixing to achieve the hues they wanted.
- We are putting together “All About New York State” booklets. Some key words to listen for and reinforce for social studies include population, landform, landmark, urban, suburban and rural, motto. Do you have any fun facts about New York to share with your child? Do you have maps at home? You can practice locating places using cardinal directions N, S, E, W, as well as intermediate directions like SW.
- On Tuesdays in gym we have tennis; a popular game is called “Fruit Salad.” On Wednesdays, we have movement and martial arts. The students first go through an obstacle course for strength, balance and agility. Then they practice various blocks, kicks and punches. Finally, they play a group game from last year’s Recess Enhancement Program class, such as “Nuts and Bolts” or “Ninja, Ninja, 1-2-3.”
- In math, we are currently working in small groups on multiplication facts and skills. Please look for real-world opportunities for students to apply what they know, or perhaps find time to play a quick hand of multiplication war.