I hope all of you are having as good a week as we are!  The students are progressing beautifully.  We are continuing to work on nonfiction conventions and reading informational text but now the children are beginning to see the connection between the two!  We read and re-read the text, then find nonfiction conventions, then develop questions based on the text and answer comprehension questions in complete sentences.  This is huge stuff!
In math, the children took their topic 2 test on addition fact strategies.  I am very pleased with their basic fact knowledge but I do have a few concerns.  The children MUST read carefully.  Many children got 2 of 8 problems incorrect simply because they didn't read the directions.  I am sure they knew the concept.  During testing, I am not allowed to read directions to the students so this is an area where I must focus my attention.  When your children are working with you at home, be sure that they are reading the assignments and completing each activity.  If they skip a part, tell them only that they skipped a part and make them check to find out where it is.  I need them to become more careful workers.
We are completing our unit on ants this week and next week we will begin work on Veterans Day.  Please remember, our assembly will be on November 9th at 2:20.  All parents are welcome.  If you have a veteran in your family, we would love to have them attend and be honored.  Just let me know his/her name, rank and branch of service.
Many thanks to all the parents who continue to help out in class and support me.  I really appreciate all you do.

FYI -- Tomorrow we are asking students to wear pink for Breast Cancer Awareness.  We are also collecting change for this worthy cause.