Vol. 2 Issue 17

Junior Great Books: 

This week marks our first experience with Shared Inquiry. Shared Inquiry is a discussion method, a teaching and learning environment, and a way for individuals to achieve a more thorough understanding of a text by discussing questions, responses, and insights with fellow readers. Shared Inquiry combines a sound theoretical base with proven strategies to engage all readers in higher-order thinking and collaborative problem solving. In Shared Inquiry, participants come together to help each other explore the meaning of a work of literature. Each participant brings a unique perspective that influences how he or she understands the work. Sharing their interpretations, participants gain new insights and deepen or even change their initial understanding. 

Pajama Day: Next Friday 

Students filled the compliment Jar and voted!!! Pajama Day Wins!! Next Friday, October 5th, students are encouraged to wear their favorite set of pajamas. Students may bring slippers (to change into), but should come to school wearing athletic shoes (for recess). We will eat lunch in the *classroom. Make sure students pack their favorite books and sleeping bags (bags not required. may be too much to carry, especially if riding the bus). 
*Pajama Day Wishlist: 
1) Pizzas (4 - Two Cheese & Two Peperoni) (for the class next Friday, delivered at 12:15pm).
2) Juices (and/or water) for lunchtime. 






Mystery Reader: Marina Bradford

Lara’s mommy read The Whispering Rabbit, The Snowy Treasury, and The Mitten.

Wish List:

• One large cooler w/wheels. This should be large enough to hold 21 sack lunches and drinks. We will use this for our field Trip on October 10th and it will be used in the future. The family that donates this item will have it returned at year's end.

Vol. 2 Issue 16

Parent-Teacher Conferences:

I look forward to the opportunity to begin the conversation about your child’s progress in the 1st grade. This is also my opportunity to gain insights into my students’ home and community lives. Your perspectives on your child’s strengths and needs, learning styles, and nonschool learning opportunities can help me shape my instructional methods. The fall conferences window is Oct. 15-Nov. 2. Please click SignUpGenius to reserve a slot. You will receive an email reminder two days prior to your scheduled conference. Each report card parent-teacher conference will last for a period no longer than 20 minutes. You will receive your child's 1st-quarter report card during this meeting as we discuss his/her 1st nine weeks of progress. Both parents are encouraged to come, if possible. Please reserve a slot by Wednesday, October 3rd. 

Mystery Reader:  Mark Thaiya

Junior Great Books (JBG): 

With the powerful combination of outstanding literature and Shared Inquiry™ discussions, Junior Great Books programs help students become independent readers and thinkers ready for the diverse demands of the 21st century. Our first experience with JBG will take place this week (9/24 - 9/28). 

Scholastic Book fair: 

A Book Fair is powerful, guaranteeing students have amazing titles in reach. It offers kids a real reading motivator – choice in what they read. Access, choice, and reading practice – it’s what creates star readers. 

(Class-specific dates/times) 
Preview Day: Thursday, 9/27 @ 10:45 am (class will preview books and items for sale) 
Purchase Day: Wednesday, 10/3 @ 10:45 am (class will visit and make purchases during a 1/2 hour block) 

Wishlist: 
Class-set of clipboards (will be used for activities that require writing away from desks). As always, please send an email to the group to prevent duplicate sets.
 

Vol. 1 Issue 49

Springtime

Grandparents Day

Fun in the Sun

Mystery Reader

Henry's Mom read Duck for President and Tikki Tikki Tembo.

April Absences

Unfortunately, I'll be offsite a few days in April.

Great Books Chicago 2012

This year I have been invited to attend Great Books Chicago, April 27–29, 2012: A weekend of Great Books discussions and cultural events! This year's theme is Things Fall Apart. Great Books Chicago is the Great Books Foundation's annual event. Since 2000, the Foundation has been hosting this 3-day program of lively book discussions, performances by outstanding musical and theatrical companies, and visits to museums and other interesting sites in and around the city. But most of all, Great Books Chicago is an opportunity get to know the Great Books community firsthand. I look forward to this event.

My Daughter's Pre-K End-of-Year Field Trip

My wife and I will be traveling to Columbus, GA, with our daughter Zoë, this Friday, April 13, 2012. Her last field trip before joining the Sarah Smith family this fall.

Vol. 1 Issue 19

Junior Great Books (JBG): With the powerful combination of outstanding literature and Shared Inquiry™ discussions, Junior Great Books programs help students become independent readers and thinkers ready for the diverse demands of the 21st century. Our first experience with JBG will take place next week (9/26 - 9/30). Read the Homework tab or view your child's red folder this weekend for more information.


September Birthday: Julia Hunt

Happy Birthday Julia! (She celebrated with class friends, Mom, and Grandmom today)

Lunch on the Lawn: Thursday, October 6th, from 11:00 - 11:45 on the Lower Field. If you are attending, please send in your purple RSVP (sent home earlier this week). Unfortunately, I will be away on this day attending another training (this time, it's only a single day workshop). Our substitute teacher will be prepped for the days activities.


SRS Book Fair: (Class specific dates/times)
Preview Day: Thursday, 9/29 @ 10:15 am (class will preview books and items for sale)
Purchase Day: 10/3/2011 @ 12:15 (class will visit and make purchases during a 1/2 hour block)


Friday Mystery Reader: Susy Stovin

Marley's Mom reads to the class.

Marley's little brother previews the 1st grade experience.

Upcoming Assessments: Everyday Math Unit 2 and our Landforms Unit. Look for study guides in red folders on the night prior to each test.