Rocks Investigation: What a great collection of rocks! I was so impressed by the many different types of rocks you and your children were able to locate for our lesson. The egg cartons worked very well for organizing and sorting, and the children were very proud to show and discuss! We read many books and learned where they can be found, how they are formed, as well as looked for characteristics of size, shape, color and texture. We also learned specifics about igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks and made many observations (and especially enjoyed creating each kind of rock with Mrs. Bohl’s class – a fun and tasty way to learn!). Be sure to check out the investigation booklets that arrived home this week displaying their personal observations.
Rock Experiments, Rock Study and Rock Museum:
Earth Day: After learning about Me on the Map, and that we live on planet Earth, it was fitting to enter into this week with Earth Day. Our planet Earth is very special and now we have a better understanding of how we can care for it. We learned about and now recognize the symbol to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. We are now very good at spotting it in our environment and understand how to sort it out. I am so proud of how conscious the children are. We even took a walk to our Paper Gator to see where Georgetown Elementary brings their paper in an effort to take care of our Earth. Along the way, the children found some litter and knew just what they had to do! Be sure to ask them about it!
Reading Workshop: Beyond our Guided Reading Small Group Literacy Centers, we are continuing to work on our practice of sight words along with building our stamina of reading “good fit” books. The children are growing in their fluency and are doing a great job of using their reading strategies. Thank you for all your efforts and encouragement with our Take Home Book program! The additional practice at home is truly making a difference and the children are very proud to read to our volunteers. 
Mystery Reader: Mrs. Shinabarger has been waiting patiently while she strategically planned for her day to come visit our class as a Mystery Reader! You see, Eli is a new big brother, and so he was happily surprised to see his mom when she arrived, so it was definitely worth the wait! Mrs. Shinabarger read the book, “I’m Not Going Out There!” by Paul Bright. It was a book that many could relate to, but it had a funny ending that what he was really afraid of was the reaction of his sister when he put a spider in her shoe. It was fun trying to anticipate what he was really afraid of. Thank you Mrs. Shinabarger for making a special visit to read to our class!
Popcorn Words of the Week Were: “they,” “these”
Important Information and Reminders:
- Popcorn Words (Sight Words): Please encourage a quick daily practice of the colored words included in your child’s Take Home Book bag. A quick flash of the words each night provides good exposure and familiarity as they work to learn to read them. Thank you for your help.
- Take Home Books: Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, so remember to take time to read and return it for a chance to read aloud with our volunteers and check out a new book! We are growing as readers!
- Library: Every Tuesday, so be sure to return your book.
- Backpack Snack: Everyday – remember to pack a healthy daily snack.
- Brown Grocery Bags: I appreciated your help with paper bag donations this week! Thank you!!!
- Field Trip: Wednesday, May 10, 9:15am -2:00pm, Hemlock Crossings County Park followed by lunch and play at Huizenga Park/Timbertown. The Hemlock Crossings is allowing for 6 volunteers to assist with students. These volunteers have been notified by email. All other parents whose slips I have received are welcome to join us for a picnic lunch, and have also been notified by email.
- Early Release Day: Friday, May 12 – Dismissal at 12:15pm. Sack lunch orders will be available.
- Memorial Day: Monday, May 29 – No school.
Spring sports and games are back in full swing for the children, so have fun and enjoy! I wish you all a beautiful weekend and a very Happy Earth Day!
: ) Mrs. Estefan