AIMS Prep

We have been actively preparing for the AIMS tests.  Please look over papers sent home to see if your child is understanding what we have been practicing.  It is important for your child to be here everyday so he/she receives the most preparation as possible.  

AIMS Testing is the week of April 7th.  Please help your child by:

• getting a good night's sleep
• eating a healthy breakfast
• arriving at school on time
• keeping healthy (we would prefer not to have any make-up tests)
• believing in him/her (students tend to get very nervous for this test... just encourage him/her to try her best)

Animal Habitats Reading Theme

Theme 4 in our reading series is entitled "Animal Habitats." Here are the stories and the skills we will be working on:

• The Nights of the Pufflings - Fact and Opinion
  
• Seal Surfer - Compare and Contrast
  
• Two Days in May - Making Judgements

World Explorers

We are currently studying world explorers. Students should become familiar with the voyages of these explorers:

• Christopher Columbus
• Balboa
• Vasco de Gama
• Hernado de Soto
• Ponce de Leon
• Magellen
• Henry Hudson
• Jacques Cartier

Student Quiz on Spanish Explorers

http://streaming.discoveryeducation.com/studentCenter/index.cfm?cdCode=ADA1-558F

End of the Semester

• This is the last week of 1st semester. We will be working hard on theme testing and STAR reading and math tests.

• AR goal should be at 100% by Friday. Check in with your child to see is he/she is going to make it.

• I have been very proud of the work students have put forth this semester. I can really see their growth from when I left on my maternity leave!

Rocks and Fossils

In January, we will be studying rocks and fossils during science time. We will learn about the layers of earth and about the different types of rocks.

Students will be completing an at home assignment on a mineral of their choice. These are due on Wednesday January 16th. Please guide your child on this project. Let me know if you have any questions.

That's Incredible Reading Theme

We are reading the last story in our theme "That's Incredible." It is "The Garden of Abdul Gazasi." It is a mystery about a dog that runs away and seems to have been turned into a duck. Ask your child about his/her views on the story. Next week we will be theme testing on the skills learned over the last 5 weeks.