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<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" height=90 BGCOLOR="#006699" TEXT="#080000" background="042785a3.jpg"> <div> <B>Mrs. Curran's Class Web Site</B><B> </B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Arial" ><B>   </B><B> |     </B></FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Comic Sans MS" ><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Mrs. Currans Class Web Site"><U><B>Home</B></U></A></FONT></div> <div> <A HREF="id2.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Meet Your Teacher"><U>Meet Your Teacher</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id3.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Daily Schedule"><U>Daily Schedule</U></A>   |   <B>Newsworthy Items</B>   |   <A HREF="id6.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Contact Me"><U>Contact Me</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id15.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Dates to Remember"><U>Dates to Remember</U></A></div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" height=390 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <bR> <div> <I></I></div> <div> <I><IMG SRC="1225a5a0.gif" border=0 width="90" height="90" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I><IMG SRC="11b702c0.png" border=0 width="368" height="44" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="11478780.gif" border=0 width="120" height="120" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <U>Math</U>:  We will be working on place value, money and time in Unit 3.  The children will use Base-10 blocks to show place value, and we will practice telling time and writing time in digital and analog clock notation.  We will also introduce frames and arrows having two rules.  This idea is a bit tricky, and may require much practice before mastery!  As the children work with money, they will be making change by counting up, as well as solving coin exchanges.  Of course, anything you can do at home in a real-world situation regarding time and money will help your child become more proficient.</div> <bR> <div> In Unit 4, addition and subtraction stories are used as a vehicle for developing mental arithmetic skills.  The unit ends with work on pencil-and-paper addition strategies.  Please note that mental arithmetic, as defined in our Everyday Mathematics program, does not require all computations be done in one's head.  Children may draw pictures and use other concrete aids such as number lines and grids, if necessary.  What is most important is that children devise their own solution strategies.  Of course, knowledge of the basic facts, as practiced with the flash cards that are sent home, will ensure that your child has "fact power."  For solving more difficult, computational problems, your child should be encouraged to experiment with various approaches.  Sharing solutions is important.  By putting their thoughts into words, children are given the opportunity to evaluate their own work.  By trying to understand other people's strategies, children strengthen their understanding of the processes involved and obtain valuable input for refining their own strategies.</div> <bR> <div> Thank you for reading the "Family Note" in each night's Math Homelinks, as well as reviewing and initialing your child's homework.  I am confident that your child will be aware of the partnership that we share in their education.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="11580800.gif" border=0 width="128" height="128" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <bR> <div> <U>Reading</U>:  I have been busy assessing each child's reading ability and progress.  This will help us when we meet at conference time.  We will also enjoy some classic (and new) fairy tales, and discuss the characteristics of a fairy tale, as well as story mapping characters, setting, problem and solution.  This work will help the students with retelling and story comprehension.</div> <bR> <div> In our guided reading groups we will work on reading with expression, as well as practicing and applying comprehension strategies.  As a class, we will enjoy some multicultural folktales, and discuss their similarities to fairy tales.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><IMG SRC="1165a5a0.gif" border=0 width="90" height="90" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> <U>Writing</U>:  Our class is full of excited writers!  This month we will work on  elaboration and s-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g  one main event!  Since children have so many things they want to write about, this task may be difficult.  However, our focus will be on writing a lot about one main idea-rather than writing a little about many different things.  While we praise children's creativity and writing efforts, being able to provide those elaborative details that paint pictures in the reader's mind is our goal!  Previously we worked on writing a “bang” beginning, and it will be exciting to see the children put these ideas together in practice.</div> <div> The children continue to practice their writing skills when writing letters, stories, and responses.  </div> <bR> <bR> <div> <U><IMG SRC="120a16b0.jpg" border=0 width="161" height="107" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></div> <div> <U>Science/Social Studies</U>:  We will  begin our study of Family Traditions and Holidays.  Since many traditions are rooted in family culture, we will start by studying immigration and ancestry.   We will all learn more about each other and the world around us through our studies and projects as we begin the busy and exciting holiday season.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B><U>Reminders</U></B><U>:</U></div> <bR> <div> Please remember that we go outside for recess each day, weather permitting.  Children should have a coat, hat, and gloves each day so that they may be comfortable during this time. </div> <bR> <div> Conferences begin Thursday, November 20, and run through Tuesday, November 25.  <U>Dismissal during conference days is 1:10</U>.  The children will have an opportunity to eat snack-and lunch-in our classroom.  There will be no food served in the cafeteria that week.  <I>Please remember, all food eaten in our classroom must be free of peanut products!</I></div> <bR> <div> Plan to visit the Book Fair during the week of conferences!  A schedule advising you of open dates and times will be sent home.  Your child will be creating a “Wish List” of items that caught his or her eye.  Also think of holiday and birthday gifts for children, friends, and family.</div> <bR> <div> School will be closed November 26, 27, and 28 as we all celebrate Thanksgiving.  I am thankful for the enthusiasm and determination of your children each day!  Their smiles and laughter are priceless and make each day special.  Thank you for sharing them with me!  May your Thanksgiving holiday be filled with those you love, good food, and relaxation!</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <IMG SRC="11dbe880.png" border=0 width="190" height="136" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>