Happy Friday!  We have had a very busy week.  Our major event this week was the Story Pirates Presentation which was sponsored by our PTO.  A small troupe of actor/facilitators from New York came and worked with the primary students on how to create a story.  Our class has been working on drafts and revisions of stories to submit to Story Pirates.  They will then choose 1 story and perform it for us when they return.  It is very exciting.

Math:  We continued to work on addition strategies. This week we reviewed adding 0 &1, doubles and near doubles.  We are playing games with the strategies.  I am seeing an increase in your child's speed of computation.  Thank you for your help.  Our next timed fact test will be on Tuesday!

Reading Workshop:  We are continuing to work on reading informational texts and writing responses to it.  We will be introducing nonfiction conventions beginning next week.

Spelling/Vocabulary:  Much of our vocabulary work has been revolving around our Ant unit, reading and understanding direction words, and the am word family.  I am very excited by the number of students who are better able to integrate 2 or more words into their meaningful spelling sentences.

Science:  Of course we are continuing our study of Ants.  We are discussing characteristics, the life cycle, and using literature to develop knowledge and vocabulary.  We also had a wonderful presentation by Mrs. Tobin and Mrs. Webb to go along with our Farm to You Fest.  They brought in ass't herbs for the children to taste,  I was impressed by the children's willingness to try new, exotic things.  Ask the kids about it.  They were very excited!

Half of our first book order has arrived and been distributed.  I believe the next box will arrive by Tuesday.  Please have a wonderful, restful long weekend!  Again, thank you for all your interest and support.  I am looking forward to starting work with all of my wonderful parent helpers next week.

Ann