Newsletter ~ May 23

Hello Rascal Families,

Wow!  There is lots to brag about when it comes to reading.  Most Rascals are able to read the kindergarten decodable sent home every week; others read early readers and some are reading chapter books.  

Reading to our second grade reading buddies has helped build and establish the relationship between letters and sounds while blending those sounds together to read words. 

  The second graders have inspired us to become proficient readers just like them.  

The Decodable texts we read at school, to our second grade reading buddies and you are highly effective tools to help us develop reading skills.

We love the wide range of quality children’s literature our second grade reading buddies read to us. Monday is a special Reading Buddy date both kindergartners and second graders look forward to.

"Take-Away" Number Stories are the focus during whole group Math Lesson and Math Workshop. We show our understanding of subtraction by using stamps while we relate mathematical stories. 

The subtraction concept is difficult for most of us; however, we have improved with daily practice.  Thank you for your continued support at home.  We are on a mission to reach our goal of memorizing subtraction facts from 5 by June.  Go Rascals!!!!

Yes, it is true!!!  The pupae have attached themselves to the side of the Ladybug Dome.  

Ask us all about the metamorphosis of a ladybug and the stage our ladybugs are at today. We've been "BUGGY" about the activities at the Science and Art Centers.

Have you heard?  Our class has set up a Wonder Wall in our classroom.  Look at our postings!  

The ladybug theme has motivated the Rascals to respond to the natural world with wonderment and awe. From this day forward, we will further extend concepts…by gathering data through our senses; we will do sound surveys during outdoor walks; we will look at objects great and small.  There will be opportunities for students to continue to wonder, to ask questions, and to pose problems and then we will explore ways to get answers.   Some of the Rascals have started their research already by borrowing books from the library that focus on Ladybugs.  Others will read and look in magazines.  Some are planning to find the information on television while others will look on bookmarked computer pages at home and at school.  Throughout the rest of the year, we will be using our study of the Ladybugs as a springboard for math, language, science, art and music activities.  Stay tuned!!!!

As you know, the DIBELS assessment is scheduled for Thursday, May 30^th.  We’ve been very serious about preparing for this day by participating in the Letter Naming Fluency activity during Literacy Group on a daily basis.   I have noted that you’ve been practicing every night at home, too.  Know that your favorite Rascal and I are ever so grateful for your support on the home-front.  YOU and I working together make the difference!!!!

Hip! Hip! HOORAY!!!  Our world travelers are back in class.  

Charlotte and Mei enjoyed a family trip in Florida.  Alex and family loved Washington, DC.  They kept a journal and shared all the details of their trips.  The volunteers, Mrs. Pearl, Mrs. Rich and the Rascals were all ears!  We all agree, they are amazing Illustrators and Authors!  Welcome back, Mei, Charlotte and Alex!!!  Did you miss us as much as we missed you?  IMPOSSIBLE!!!

Last, but not least, let’s wear red, white and blue on Friday.  We plan to sing our favorite Patriotic songs in remembrance of the men and women who sacrificed their lives for our country.

                                   Have a SUN-SATIONAL Memorial Day Weekend!!!

                                                            June A. Rich