January 26, 2009

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Dear Parents,

On Wednesday we begin our new thematic unit, Wellness. We will investigate and promote the state of wellness through proper nutrition, regular exercise, ample rest and relaxation, hygiene, and personal safety. By balancing these components, we will strive to achieve a healthy lifestyle.

Our math outcomes will expand to include:
Prepare for and celebrate the 100th Day of School

• Number and Numeration
  • Practice one-to-one counting.
  • Recognize and write numbers.
  • Compare and order numbers.
  • Read 2-digit numbers.
  • Represent 2-digit numbers with manipulatives.
  • Represent 2-digit numbers as groups of tens and ones.
  • Use ordinal numbers to describe a sequence of events.
  • Think about the combinations of digits used to write numbers.
  • Recognize and find equivalent names for numbers.
  • Use calculators to count up and back.
  • Skip count by 5s.
  • Use fingers to represent groups of 5.
• Operations and Computation
  • Model and solve subtraction number stories using manipulatives.
  • Make up subtraction number stories.
  • Recognize “take away” situations as subtraction.
  • Use concrete materials and pictures to represent and solve addition and subtraction stories.
  • Identify addition and subtraction stories.
  • Use addition and subtraction clues.
• Measurement and Reference Frames
  • Sequence daily events and describe when events occur.
  • Measure with nonstandard “feet”.
  • Practice measuring techniques.
  • Measure with standard and nonstandard units.
  • Understand the need for standard measurement units.
• Geometry
  • Identify circles, squares, triangles, and rectangles.
• Patterns, Functions and Algebra
  • Learn about the – symbol.
  • Explore attribute blocks.
  • Sort blocks according to different attributes.
  • Figure out and apply sorting rules.
  • Use the +, -, and = symbols in the context of addition and subtraction number stories.
  • Copy and extend a visual pattern that is not color based.
  • Create and describe a visual pattern that is not color based.

Our thematic unit block (social studies) outcomes are:

• A sense of well-being is attained when bodies are healthy. Exercise, nutritious food, rest, and good hygiene keep people healthy.
• A sense of well-being is attained when people feel safe and secure. People can make choices which help them avoid danger, prevent accidents, respond wisely in emergency situations, and promote their personal safety.
• A sense of well-being is attained when people are happy and feel successful in accomplishing what they set out to do.
• A sense of well-being is attained when people care about themselves and others.

Reading Month
The joy of reading is a wonderful gift that we can share with our children. Our school is encouraging children to become readers who love to read. We encourage you to take part in the Family Reading Project mentioned in the January NewsPouch and the up-coming school events.

We encourage interested authors to take advantage of the Jarrettsville Elementary School Publishing Company. Please continue to practice the following concepts with your child:

• Write first and last name on all homework papers before beginning the assignment. Please use a pencil to complete homework assignments unless directions state otherwise. For tracing activities, a highlighter works well.
• Recite address and phone number.
• Tie shoes, and zip and button clothing.
• Read sight words; create sight word sentences.

Valentine's Day Party
Our Valentine’s Day Party will be held Wednesday, February 11th, from 9:15 – 11:30. Several parent and grandparent volunteers are needed to make our Valentine’s Day Party a success. Your Room Parent will contact you soon regarding your involvement in the party. Please remember that donated baked goods must be commercially produced and packaged, according to HCPS directives. Consider sending a light lunch with your child on February 11th, as we will be enjoying refreshments throughout our morning schedule. Please send in empty tissue boxes to be re-used for Valentine’s mailboxes.

You can contribute to your child’s early school success by checking homework, reading theme-related books together, listening attentively as your child talks about school activities, and involving him or her in experiences that reinforce our Wellness lessons.

Does your career or hobby relate to our current theme? Consider sharing what you know with us by visiting our classroom as a guest speaker or planning a theme-related lesson or hands-on project. We’d love to have you join us.

Thank you for your ongoing support.

Sincerely,