We have had a great first week of school. They have been reviewing and practicing the routines and expectations at St. James, and I have been getting to know them also.
Students have been introduced to three computer programs. Xtra math is one that students will use to practice math facts. Once they are fluent with their math facts they will no longer use this program. We have already had two students pass the first part of the program. Prodigy is another program they have been using. Prodigy is a math program that starts them out with a placement test. After the placement test, it automatically starts giving them lessons on areas which they need to practice. Eventually, they could be working above grade level. Students like prodigy because they get to play a game after completing so many problems. They were also introduced to a reading program called Epic. Epic is a site with many books. It has books kids can read themself on line and also books that can be read to them. They can also listen to videos on topics of interest. I sent home information on each of these programs and how you can connect to the program at home to see what your child is doing in the program.
We started our Science program this week. We will be learning about Living Systems. We discussed systems and subsystems. We looked at nonliving systems as a class and students selected their own system to work on and present to the class. In social studies, we started talking about rights and responsibilities. We discussed some of our basic rights as citizens and the responsibilities that go with those rights.
Next week we will start a more normal routine. In math, we will be working on place value and rounding. In reading, we will begin our first story, "A Package for Mrs. Jewls". Our focus in reading will be on story structure, characters, setting and plot. We will practice vocabulary words, spelling and proofreading. In science, we will continue to work on living systems, and in social studies, we will continue to work on rights and responsibilities.
We have had a great start to our year and I look forward to working with the class of 2029. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. The best way to reach me is through email.
Sent by Barb Matheson on Sunday, August 29, 2021 at 10:21AM