Where does the time go?

Wow!  Has it really been almost a month since my last post?  Yikes!  I am so sorry for putting the blog on the back burner for so long.  I promise to be better about updating! 

We have been so busy for the past 3 weeks and the kids have been learning so much!  After our trip to the Great Bay, we started a BIG unit on forests.  We have been learning all about New Hampshire's most common habitat and are quickly becoming experts on deciduous forests.  We have been spending time learning about the layers of the forest, plants and animals that live in each layer, and the importance of forests as habitats.  Be sure to ask your child if he or she can name each layer and what animals live in each layer.  Next we will focus on food webs and interdepedence.  In a few weeks, the 3rd and 4th grades will be taking a trip to a forest near RGS (Scoutland).  Here we will put our learning to use as students will get a chance to see the forest up close!  This trip will be November 21 all day.  Look for more information to be sent home in the coming days.

During Daily 5, students have been learning and practicing reading and writing skills every day.  Last week the class was introduced to paragraph writing.  They learned that good paragraphs have an introduction, 3 supporting details, and a conclusion.  They practiced writing paragraphs today about their favorite season.  Our read aloud book ties closely with the science topic.  There's an Owl in the Shower, by Jean Craighead George is about a family who takes care of an orphaned spotted owl.  The book touches on many ecology topics ranging from conservation to animal adaptations.  It is a great springboard for discussions not only about reading strategies, but also the importance of forests.  Ask your child what their favorite part has been!

Most students have also started a mini-research project on a New Hampshire forest animal.  They are using the internet to research all about an animal.  Students are also learning how to take notes on the most important information.  Next week they will start writing reports to share what they have learned. 

On another note, I would like to know how many people are reading the blog.  If you have a chance, could you send me an email or post on the blog when you are reading it?  Thanks!  It is great feedback for me!

Here are some important upcoming dates:
November 3- picture retakes
November 10- no school, teacher workshop day
November 11- no school, Veteran's Day
November 18- book orders due (as always, orders can be made online at scholastic.com or sent to school...see blog post below for ordering instructions)
November 17 and 21- conference (please contact Ms. Sheehy in the office to sign up for a conference!)
November 23-25- no school, Thanksgiving holiday

I think that's it for now!  Until next time...