Mrs. Bruce's Weekly Newsletter
October 19 - October 23
Unit 3: Plants & Animals in their Habitats
In our third unit, we will be learning about how living things survive. As we read different kinds of texts, both fiction and nonfiction, we’ll be looking at habitats around the world. Your child will read about everything from coral reefs to deserts, from wetlands to the frozen tundra and from grasslands to the tropics. In addition, your child will be introduced to animals like the scorpion, sea turtle, leopard lizard and the Monarch butterfly. In each case, we will be focusing on the essential question: How do living things get what they need to survive? It’s a fascinating question that scientists have been exploring for ages, and I hope it will generate some interesting discussions at home as you and your child work on some of the following activities together. Students will work on reading nonfiction text to gather information and write a research report on an animal during this unit. This is always one of our more exciting reports each year as students become experts on their animal. I look forward to supporting students in this process!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Gh0eoOInkwAsthIXpGE2OSyoVTQds8Xh/view?usp=sharing
Lesson 7: Subtracting 2-Digit Numbers
We always spend extra time on Lesson 7 since subtraction can be so challenging. All the strategies that students have been exposed to help build conceptual knowledge and number sense versus following a procedure they may not understand. This will lead to strong mathematical understanding.
It is critical that students learn accurate and efficient strategies to solve 2 digit addition and subtraction, so they can later apply these same strategies with 3 digit numbers.
Students continue to learn and practice different strategies to subtract 2 digit numbers. Students can use base ten blocks, draw base ten models using "sticks and circles", use expanded form to break apart tens and ones while subtracting them separately, and use open number lines by "adding up." In addition, we work some with hundreds charts. See the examples shown in the image above as well as the videos linked below this section.
-Please see the Ready Math Family Letter for visuals as well as activities to practice at home.https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uycR3CbGjU5JZd-7abnP5rzhOVhZuQ7A/view?usp=sharing
INFORMATIVE WRITING: ANIMAL RESEARCH & REPORTS
Students will research and collect facts and information about their animal using grade level books, nonfiction printouts, and digital sources like National Geographic and/or Encyclopedia Britannica in a guided setting. The MOST IMPORTANT aspect of researching and collecting information is learning about reliable sources. Students are so accustomed to "Googling it", but they need to know whether the text/digital platform is reliable and recent. Students will use bullet style notes to record their learning of animals' characteristics, features, habitats, diet, and more. Then, students will organize their information into different sections in their report. They will write complete, detailed sentences from their research.
Last, they will revise and edit their work with a partner to complete a final draft. Students will be guided through each step of the research process as I model write my own animal report. This is always a very engaging, yet challenging writing that students always remember!
Room Parent Corner- Olga Levinson & Erica Carrillo
Class Party Fund:
We’re so excited for a fun year ahead and all the class parties and celebrations we’ll get to enjoy with the kids! 🎉 To help make these special days extra fun, we’re asking each family to contribute a minimum of $10 toward our class party fund. The funds will be used throughout the year for things like treats, crafts, decorations, games, and other party goodies. Rather than asking for money before each celebration, we’re hoping to collect contributions now so we can focus on making each party special for the kids. 💛 Venmo: @Ola-Levinson. Please include your child’s name in the Venmo note. Any amount above $10 is always greatly appreciated and will go directly toward our classroom celebrations.Thank you so much for helping us make this a memorable and FUN year for the kids. We appreciate you!
Parent Directory: Created for you to utilize for scheduling play dates and other events. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TLXvlvOv6wMzjEDSK6weHQa4nRQNtPz0/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=104255186359862207174&rtpof=true&sd=true
New and Returning Volunteers: Frequently Asked Questions
Here is our Classroom Volunteer List, and we are so grateful to have had a few volunteers already!
Q: I was a Level A/Level B volunteer last year. Do I still need to apply this year?
A: Yes, all volunteers need to complete an annual application once per school year in order to volunteer at SEES.
Q: I’m a new volunteer this year, what do I need to do before I volunteer?
A: Visit :SMUSD Volunteer Webpage and fill out an application.
Q: What’s the difference between Level A and Level B Volunteer status?
A: Level B is for volunteers who volunteer on campus less than 5 hours per week. Level A is for volunteers who volunteer 5 or more hours and for parents who want to chaperone a field trip.
Q: Wait, I want to chaperone an upcoming field trip. Did you say I needed Level A?
A: Yes! Chaperones must have LEVEL A clearance in order to attend a field trip.
Q: I submitted my Level A application a week ago, but I haven’t received a response yet, when will I get my clearance?
A: Applications take approximately 10-12 business days to process and are processed in the order they are received. We encourage all parents to submit an application as soon as possible so you will be approved when a volunteer opportunity arises.
Q: I still have questions, who do I call?
A: You can call SEES office at 760-290-2600
Classroom Donations & Supplies
Students have all the supplies they need to start the year, but I welcome any donations of replenishments for supplies or fun items to add to our student store as the year progresses. Thank you so much for all the donations sent to school thus far! We feel so lucky and really appreciate your support! Here's a link to our classroom AMAZON wish list.
