The Little Red Hen: We learned about the Shape-Go Retell Map this week and tried to apply it to various story books that we come across. We enjoyed reading the folktale of “The Little Red Hen” and used the information from the story to try out our Shape-Go map this week. I am so excited and proud by how the children are recalling information from the story like where it took place (setting), who was in the story (characters), and the problem. If that weren’t enough, they also did a fabulous job retelling what happened first, next, then and last. Now we are learning to not only retell the information back, but to also look deeper and try to figure out the heart of the story, or the message that the author was trying to teach us. They quickly figured out that the lesson of this classic story was “to help one another and work together.” I encourage you and your child to try this at home the next time you read a story book together. 
Be sure to also take a look at their Little Red Hen pocket folder that arrived home on Friday.
Reading Workshop: This week we began our unit on Non-Fictional text. In connection to our readings of “The Little Red Hen,” we read non-fiction books about chickens and learned real information called “facts.” The children were proud by all that they already knew when we compared it with our readings, but were amazed by all of the new facts they learned! We compared these non-fiction readings with our fictional fairytale readings of “The Little Red Hen.”
Writing Workshop: This week we began our unit on Informational Writing. After making a list of all the facts we learned about chickens, we selected important facts that we wanted to add to our individual “have,” “can,” “are,” writings about chickens. The boys and girls did a fantastic job and then used this information to create their very own “All About Chickens” informational writing piece. Despite this being their first official attempt, they were excellent listeners who applied past knowledge about what good writers do. I am so proud of the great job they did on their writings!
Dr. Seuss: We love to rhyme, and so does Dr. Seuss! In honor of his birthday we listened to many of Dr. Seuss’s stories, did activities, and were very excited to realize that we could decode and read some of his books all by ourselves, too! Thank you, Dr. Seuss, for making reading fun (and funny)!
Fun Finds in Florida: When our classmate Claire arrived back from vacation this week, she and her mom, Mrs. Pepper, shared with us some cool finds during their time there! We had the chance to use a few of our senses! Clair and her mom shared with us many, many different types of shells, from tiny, shiny ones, called jingles, to large ones like the Fighting Conch! We even got to see and touch the egg casing! We also got to see cool pictures of a starfish and a huge gopher tortoise! Thank you, Claire and Mrs. Pepper, for teaching us a little about the exciting things you learned about on your trip!
Mystery Reader: Grace has been asking and hoping for her dad to visit as a Mystery Reader, and it was so nice to see her happy about her wish coming true! Mr. Selders, brought a favorite book of Grace’s called, “Do Princesses Wear Hiking Boots?” The book made us giggle and made us think. I loved how Mr. Selders asked the class, “What do you think the lesson was in this story?” This was a great connection to our in-class Shape-Go map learning about what the heart of a story is. The kids quickly made the connection that the lesson was “to be yourself!” We all even had the chance to take a look in the mirror within the book to see the true princes and princesses that we each all are! Thank you, Mr. Selders for sharing this great book and message, and for being our Mystery Reader!
Popcorn Words For The Week Were: “home,” “went,” “get”
Important Information and Reminders:
- Early Release Day: This Friday, March 10 at 12:15pm. (Please let your child know if you would like them to order a sack lunch to take home).
- Parent Teacher Conferences: Scheduled dates and times have been emailed to all families. I look forward to meeting with each of you!
- Daylight Savings Time: Sunday, March 12, turn your clocks AHEAD one hour.
- Book Fair: Will take place March 13-16. Our class will preview on Mon., March 13 and have an opportunity to purchase on Wed., March 15. Information coming soon.
- Library: Please help your child return their library book each Tuesday for the chance to check out a new book.
- Winter Clothing: THANK YOU for sending your child with all that they need to stay warm and dry outside. **Even when the weather feels warmer, your child’s winter gear helps to keep them dry and clean from mud. Thanks!
- Backpack Snack: Please remember to send a healthy daily snack for your child. Thanks!
- Take Home Books: Please help your child to remember to return their book baggie EACH Monday, Wednesday and Friday. This helps them stay consistent with their read aloud practice and be able to check out a new book each time to build their reading experiences. Don’t forget to sign the parent sheet and include comments or observations you feel may be helpful.
Have a nice weekend!
: ) Mrs. Estefan