Foux's Footprints

HOWDY! NEWS! NEWS!
Newsletter for the Week of October 17-21, 2011

Reading
This week we will continue to read nonfiction texts. We will pick a topic to learn about and research that topic through both fiction and nonfiction texts. During this process we will also discuss the author's purpose, the difference between main idea and topic, and features of each text that we read. We will gather information on sticky notes about our topic and at the end of the week we will discuss how to organize this information in a logical manner.We will also continue with our leveled reading groups, and Daily 5 reading stations.

Writing
This week’s writing is going to be a lot of fun! We are going to write our first expository piece, and it will be a “How To" story on blowing a bubble with bubble gum. We will have to chew some gum in class so that we can document the steps of blowing a bubble. Then we will talk about word choice and turn our steps into a story that captures the reader's imagination.

Math
We are going to be going over both subtraction and addition strategies this week. We will review what we have learned and discuss recognizing when a problem is addition or subtraction. Then we will review on Thursday and assess these skills on Friday. You can help your child at home by reviewing basic math facts that add up to 18 with them at home. First in Math is a great way for your child to practice their math facts. Please make sure your child stays on an appropriate level for their grade (ex: not doing the decimal section or higher grade levels).

Spelling
The spelling pattern this week is a review of short vowel sounds. We will put the sounds all together and work on recognizing what sound is being used in a word. Try this fun website to help you study, too! http://www.spellingcity.com/

Science
This week in science we will be discussing energy. We will look at heat, light and sound as forms of energy. We will do several experiments to investigate energy. We will look at heat during our balloon and butter investigations. They will learn about opaque, transparent and translucent materials when we discuss light energy. Then during our sound energy investigation they will create their own musical instrument. We will need several materials for our experiments this week. If you have empty milk cartons or shoe boxes at home, then please send them in before Friday for our musical instruments.

Reminders and Dates:
Library Day- Friday: All books need to come in, even if they are just being rechecked.
Oct. 26th- Early Release Day (school ends at 12:45)
Red Ribbon Week- October 24-28 (information coming soon)
Harvest Festival -12-3 p.m. on November 5th