A Successful First Full Week of School!

What We Are Learning

Reading:  At Orchard Hills we integrate our reading instruction with a structure called the “Daily Five.” The five literacy components are Read to Self, Read to Someone, Listen to Reading, Word Work, and Work on Writing. Students will circulate through at least 3 of these components on a daily basis, while I meet with Reading Groups based on reading level, individually conference with students, and meet with Strategy Groups. This week we focused on building stamina during Read to Self. I also began administering individual assessments to determine which letters and sounds your child has mastered and which we need to focus on.

Writing: This week we learned what writer’s workshop should look and sound like.  Next week we will start our first writing unit. Your child will draft several small moment stories. I can already tell we have some very talented writers in our class!

Math: During math this week, we stated our first unit.  This unit involves adding and subtracting numbers within 10.  I also began assessing students on number recognition.  This will help guide my instruction.

Theme: In order to establish a positive classroom community, we worked on several character building activities this week.  Ask your child about the book Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes and how words are like toothpaste!

Special Thanks

I want to send out a special thanks to all who donated items from our classroom wish list!  We greatly appreciate your generosity.  These items will help us have a productive year! Feel free to frequently view our classroom website where I will post items throughout the year as we need them.   

Special Class Schedule

Monday- Computers

Tuesday- P.E.

Wednesday- Music

Thursday- Art

Friday- Library

Always Remember…

I want you to always feel free to contact me through school (417-869-0600) or by e-mail (laurahappel@willardschools.net). If you have any questions, send a note in your child’s take home folder, and I will write a quick response back.

Dates to Remember

September 2nd- No School (Labor Day)