Land That I Love!

What a PATRIOTIC week! We've been hard at work and play in the USA... 

Language Arts Block

Number scrolls

Reviewing long a vowel sound on the smart board

Publishing our paragraph about USA landmarks

Enjoying a snack and listening center

Writing in our USA journals

Spelling practice

Winter words in ABC order

Phonics book practice with the long o and long u vowel sound

Learning abbreviations for each US state

Filling in the number grid

Rocket math on the iPad

Putting words in ABC order

Stamp a word spelling practice

Learning fun facts about different landmarks

Searching for long vowel words

Creating spelling words with beans

Reading a book about America's Symbols and answering questions from the text

Practicing our famous American speeches

Math
We learned all about how to exchange money! For example, what can you do with 2 nickels? Exchange them for a dime! Students then got to play a money exchange game with a partner to practice. Students watched Money Rocks, which reinforces the concepts we have been learning as well as introduced more difficult concepts such as making change. We also did an activity sheet that helped us remember the different Presidents that are on each coin. For example, how much money do you have with "2 Jeffersons and 7 Lincolns?" It was great to see so many of the children coming up with great combinations of coins to equal different amounts!

Social Studies
Students were so excited to begin sharing their famous American dolls. THANK YOU so much for your support of your student and this project! We will continue sharing them into next week.

Betsy Ross

Steve Jobs

Elizabeth Taylor

Sally Ride

Davy Crockett

Dwight D. Eisenhower

Dr. Seuss

Judy Garland

Benjamin Franklin

The start of our famous American bulletin board

TNT
This week in TNT we did a rehearsal in the commons for our Hooray for the USA program. The children did a great job and we are so excited for the big show on February 6th!

Hands on Science
Students were giving a straw, 3 strips of paper, and tape. They were encouraged to think of how they could use these materials to create an object that could fly. We then showed them how to make a "hoop glider." It was great to see their imaginations and creative concepts. They also hypothesized about what elements make the "hoop glider" fly.

Computer Lab
In computer lab this week, students explored www.learninggamesforkids.com. They learned about the state capitals, the map of the US, and did a special focus on our home states of Missouri and Kansas.

We also enjoyed a special assembly featuring the Alvin Ailey dancers! Some of us were brave enough to volunteer to learn a dance in front of everyone!

 
Spelling- next week's words are focused on the long e vowel sound    /ea/ and /ee/
Long e words: east, real, clean, mean, please, sheep, keep, street, beep, green
Challenge words: February, freedom, heart, Missouri
"Surprise the teacher word"

REMINDERS
*Start to gather your child's famous American costume and practice with your child for their specific part
*No book in the bag will be coming home next week

Here a few all-school reminders--

PLEASE JOIN US AND RESERVE YOUR SEAT TODAY!

Lunch and Learn – Tuesday, January 28^th from 12:00 – 1:00 PM

Communicating With Your Child – The 5 Love Languages!

In this session we will explore ways to enhance communication with your child using the 5 Love Languages. Learn some useful ways to maximize communication with your child. Jimmy Johns sandwiches provided or you are welcome to bring your own lunch. Child care provided upon request for a small fee.

The Curriculum Design at St. Paul’s – Tuesday, February 4^th at 4:00 PM

Come hear from the PLC (Professional Learning Community) about the curriculum review process taking place across all divisions. Members of the PLC will provide an overview of the curriculum design process as well information about Common Core, Math and Language Arts essential learning outcomes, and 21^st Century learning objectives. We hope you will join the PLC to hear more about this exciting process taking place at St. Paul’s.

Bill Severns Returns! – Tuesday, February 11^th at 4:00 PM

Author and coach, Bill Severns returns to share his thoughts on what children truly seek and need through their involvement in team sports. Bill shares valuable insights and life lessons through his engaging, true stories gathered from his own life experiences as a professional baseball player and little league coach. Bill was a hit when he came to St. Paul’s the first time and we are pleased that he has agreed to come again and help us kick off our spring sports season. Bill’s book, Keepers of the Sandlot, is available for checkout through Mrs. Van Thullenar or can be purchased at www.keepersofthesandlot.com.

These events will all be held in the North Wing Multi-Purpose room. Please RSVP to Linda van Thullenar at Lvan@speds.org so that we can make sure and have adequate seating available.

We hope you have a wonderful weekend! 

Love,

Melissa and Jenny