Classroom News from Miss Sperduto /  Ms. Dowling, Mrs. McFadden / Mrs. Pocalyko, and Mrs. Fluger

This year took off to a fabulous start!  We have had many different, new experiences these last couple of months.  Not only have the boys and girls adjusted to new teachers, and switching classrooms, but they have also learned to adjust to the routines and procedures of our school. 

Our 72 children have been on the road to success, reading and writing.  In ELA we have been practicing documenting our thinking while reading.  We have learned to use the text as evidence to support our thoughts.  Additionally, we have been practicing our reading strategies while reading our “just-right” books and responding to them.  In addition, we have used the writing process to craft different responses to literature.  We are practicing in our writer’s notebook how to write for a sustained amount of time using different seeds of thought.  Through our writer’s notebook, we are realizing where authors get their ideas from and continue to practice how to “show-not-tell” using dialogue and action. 

Math had us learning algebra.  Using hands on equations was a blast!  Children learned how to balance equations and make legal moves.  Finding the value for “x” became fun while simplifying fancy equations.  Currently we are studying multiplication and learning our basic facts better.  Everyday we complete our Math Do Now and are learning how to use strategies to solve the different type of word problems.  Math Do Now continues to help us review and become better problem solvers!! 

In Social Studies we finished studying the regions of New York.  We then began our Native American unit while learning about the False Face Society.  With craft supplies we each created a false face mask.  Not only did we have fun doing it, but you should really see the beginnings of our Native American exhibit, which will be featured at the January board meeting.  We will continue our journey through history!    

Science has been a hands-on-learning experience from day one!  We have just completed our Electricity / Magnetic unit and learned all the different ways to stay safe.  We are now working on measurement and exploring the connection it has to the real world. 

Character education has become a big part of our curriculum this year!!  Our children have fully appreciated the featured books of the month and through discussions have truly built a sense of community.  We have also enhanced our classroom communities by having weekly community meetings to discuss ways to conquer bullying in our school.  It is our hope that from these classroom discussions, we will learn lessons on how we can enrich the lives we live.  

As we glide into the winter months, our focus will be to increase student’s independence as active learners in the classroom.  Hope you enjoy the upcoming holiday season.