Even though it is a short week, we have been very busy!  Our biggest emphasis this week has been the identification of and use of nonfiction conventions to read informational texts.  These conventions include:  captions, labels, index, glossary, cutaways, maps, diagrams, photographs...This is a major thrust of the Common Core curriculum.  When reading with your children, ask them questions that can be answered using evidence from the text.  Ask them to formulate questions to ask you based only on the text.  These are very difficult tasks! 
In math, we are continuing to practice a variety of strategies to quickly and intuitively solve addition facts.  We also use math games to cement their learning. This week we began addition of 3 numbers and making a 10 to add (9 + 4 = 10 + 3).  Some children will grasp these strategies immediately but for others I will continue to introduce others.  As you probably noticed from your child's timed fact test results, the instruction here and the practice you are providing have made a HUGE difference.  Every child in the class has made significant gains, especially in addition.
In writing workshop, we created a class story to submit to Story Pirates.  I sent home the beginning draft of the stories started in school.  If your child would like to finish this story at home and return it to school on Monday, I will submit it for consideration to the Story Pirates.  This is not a requirement.
Next week, we will be attending a Fire Safety presentation and contributing to a Peace Rocks gathering.  Both events are highly anticipated.
Also, on November 9th (time to be announced) your children will be presenting a school wide Veteran's Day assembly.  All are invited.  If you have a veteran in your family that we could introduce, please send me his/her name.
Have a great weekend!  Thank you for your interest and support.  I truly appreciate all your effort!