Reading
Comprehension strategies such as schema (background knowledge), inferring questioning, making connections, determining importance, and summarizing will be the focus in reading. We will also work on fiction and non-fiction text. Having students read independently both at home and at school is very important to practice and apply these skills. Students will apply and enhance these skills while reading within the content area and participating in reading groups.
Writing
We will be looking at the different genres and practicing them in writing. The genres include descriptive, narrative, expository, poetry and opinion. Sentence structure, grammar, organization, and conventions is our focus. Student will write in a draft book and publish some writing.
Math
Our math curriculum is Ready Math. This year math will begin with place value and move into multiplication and division. Fractions, geometric relationships, data will also be addressed. Mastering basic math facts for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division is a priority. Nightly practice of math facts at home will help your child in all areas of math.
Science
Motion, such as balanced and unbalanced magnets, electricity interactions, life cycles, animal groups and weather makeup our Science curriculum. Creating and participating in Science experiments allows students to critically think, understand and develop a sense of inquiry.
Social Studies
Civics includes branches of government and civic responsibility. Influential people within the communities will allow students to connect to people in their lives. Geography will look at land forms and tie in with our rocks and minerals in science. Students will also participate in Market Day for Economics.
Snacks
Students are more than welcome to bring a healthy snack to eat during our recess. A disposable container may be helpful for your child as they eat their snack outside. There are plenty of trash cans on and around the playground. Students can also bring a water bottle to school each day. Water will be the only drink students will be allowed to bring in the classroom. This will help prevent messy spills, as well as encourage students to make good choices while remaining hydrated.
Seesaw
We're going to use a tool to share what we're learning in class called Seesaw. This is a digital journal for specifically for your child where we will upload their work throughout the year. Students love uploading their work for their parents to see. You'll be able to "like" and comment on the different things they upload! I will also be uploading pictures and videos of things we're learning in class or fun pictures from our field trips and school events your child is involved in. Please look for information regarding Seesaw at the beginning of the school year on how to sign up. Once you sign up, you can download the Seesaw Parent app for iPhone or Android, or access your child's journal on the web.
Communication
As I send newsletters, I will send you an email about what’s going on in our classroom that week. If you need to contact me for any reason, please feel free to email me at lwwhite@dcsdk12.org
