Message From Mrs. Merritt

 We had a great Halloween Party!  The children's costumes were wonderful.  I would like to thank all of the parents who sent in treats and a special thanks to Mrs. Giovannetti for organizing our party.  We also had a wonderful time on our trip to the apple orchard.  The kids were wonderful.  We learned a lot and had a chance to feed some animals and pick an apple fresh from the tree.

Our Accelerated Reading Program is going very well.  Most of the children read at least 3 books a week and do a good job on their accelerated reading tests.  At least fifteen minutes should be devoted to reading each night.  Encourage your child to read the book aloud.  Emergent readers need a tremendous amount of oral practice to become independent readers.  If your child's Accelerated Reading books are consistently too hard or too easy, please let me know.  If your child brings home an exceptionally long book, you may need more than one night to complete it or you may share the reading of that book with your child.  Reading at home is the key to success for your child.  Please set aside some time each night to read and discuss books.  You will be making a significant contribution to your child’s education.

Reading

We have just finished a unit entitled Ways of Telling Stories.  Our next unit is entitled Creativity.  We will be reading stories about people who are creative and about people who find creative ways to solve problems.  Give your child some opportunities to be creative this month.  Encourage them to use a variety of supplies to make an interesting piece of artwork or make up a new game.  Help your child think up creative ways to solve everyday problems or to accomplish an everyday chore.  We will also be reading many stories about Pilgrims, Indians, and Pioneers.

Math

We have been working on memorizing math facts.  Most children have passed addition and subtraction tests up to 10.  The addition test with sums to 18 should be achieved by Thanksgiving and the subtraction facts test from 18 should be successfully completed by Christmas.  Practice a few each night.  Review sums of doubles (6+6, 7+7, 8+8, and 9+9).  This month we will be working with numbers through 100 and comparing numbers that are greater than or less than.  We will also be discussing place value.

Science

We will be beginning a unit on dinosaurs and life long ago.  If you have any books or information about dinosaurs, feel free to send them in.

 Social Studies

This month will be devoted to learning about the Pilgrims, Indians, and the early pioneers.  We will also be reading a book called, Keep Up Your Courage Sarah Noble, which is about a pioneer family who decides to move west and begin a new life.

Coming Events

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