Today we read My Family.  For handwriting it was capital “K”.  Children had PE today and judging by the sweaty heads it was a good workout for all, including Mr. Ken.  Today in the computer lab I had some help from Thomas and Jack’s mom, Anna, and from Rutger’s mom, Kristine.  I gave the kids a preview of the IXL math program in the morning.

IXL is meant to be done at home with a parent since the program does not read    the problems to them.  Much of IXL does not require the students to read and they quickly get the hang of it.  But some guidance from you early on will help them understand and be successful as they move along at a self directed pace.  Sabrina was the first student to hit the 100 problem mark of successful answers having jumped on it last night at home.  When the children hit these milestones I get an email and print out a certificate and we celbrate in the class during morning group.  IXL will not be a part of our regular computer lab time.  Students will  do it on the classroom computers but I want you to encourage them to use it at home, especially if they may be struggling somewhat with math.  Again as with any of the on-line programs, if you need some direction as parents please see me.

In Envision math we did Lesson 2-3.  I am going to repeat this lesson tomorrow.  Just as I expected, some students are having a hard time with the concept of more and less.  It’s the basis of addition and subtraction so it’s important for them to visualize this. In the classroom I use connecting cubes to demonstrate    The children also have cubes on their desks to help.  At home any objects can be used to help them understand more or less.  Today I used the example of having 3 cookies and if I ate 1 of them I would have 1 fewer, and thus have 2 cookies left.  Look at their worksheets and you will see how the problems are worded and how I have marked them to show each how to solve and think about the problem

In Social Studies we continued on our community unit with the concept that people are the most important elements of any community, be it Duvall, our classroom or our homes.  So we added people to our community board outside the classroom.  Look for your child’s house on the street they selected to move in. Flip up the house and under is the family (yours) that live there.  We will continue to build our community and talk about those things that compose a neighborhood and a community.

FYI I have scheduled our first field trip to Tolt/McDonald Park in Carnation on October 4th at 10:00 AM with Nature Vision.  While the weather is good we will go on a guided nature walk and look at some animal pelts and skulls, and then have lunch there.  After it is always a treat to stop at Taylor Park for some fun.  I am looking for parents who can drive or chaperon.  I will be sending home a permission slip shorty.

Reminder- tomorrow is Friday and Show and Tell.  Encourage them to bring something that is unique and special to them to share with the class should they wish to.

Mr. M