This week we launched our "Individual Spelling Program". I'm so excited about starting this style of spelling instruction because it allows for differentiation within the classroom and gives students instruction that is specific to their needs. Instead of giving all 21 students the same 10 words to practice, each student has their own word list that they build using words they have trouble spelling in their everyday writing. This week has been all about modeling the program and learning different ways we can go about practicing our spelling words during Word Work in Daily 5.
What Does an Individual Spelling Program Look Like?
At the beginning of the week, students highlighted words they spelled incorrectly in their writing and added them to their word list. Since we are just launching the program, students chose 5 words to focus on learning this week during their Daily 5 time. At the end of the week, students will complete their spelling tests with a partner and then hand in to me to check their progress. If students misspell a word on their test, the word is not just "forgotten about" but added onto their list for next week and they continue to work on learning that word. Once they have shown they have mastered that word by spelling it right 4 different times (on their tests), they can "transfer" the word onto their "Words I Know" sheet. Once students know our spelling routine, they will be responsible to practice and complete tests on their own throughout the week during our Daily 5 time. I can't wait to see how their "Words I Know" will grow as the year progresses.
Practicing Spelling Can Be Fun!
What Does an Individual Spelling Program Look Like?
At the beginning of the week, students highlighted words they spelled incorrectly in their writing and added them to their word list. Since we are just launching the program, students chose 5 words to focus on learning this week during their Daily 5 time. At the end of the week, students will complete their spelling tests with a partner and then hand in to me to check their progress. If students misspell a word on their test, the word is not just "forgotten about" but added onto their list for next week and they continue to work on learning that word. Once they have shown they have mastered that word by spelling it right 4 different times (on their tests), they can "transfer" the word onto their "Words I Know" sheet. Once students know our spelling routine, they will be responsible to practice and complete tests on their own throughout the week during our Daily 5 time. I can't wait to see how their "Words I Know" will grow as the year progresses.
Practicing Spelling Can Be Fun!
This week students were introduced to several new (and fun!) ways to practice their spelling such as "Scribble Spelling" and "Rainbow Writing". We also practiced using the strategy "LOOK, SAY, COVER, VISUALIZE, WRITE, CHECK".
Learning About Peer Pressure
In Health we have been looking at "Peer Pressure" and strategies you can use when you are in a situation involving peer pressure. To demonstrate understanding, students created their own peer pressure skits. In the skit they were required to identify a situation involving peer pressure and act out how they would handle the situation effectively. We had a lot of fun creating and performing the skits for our class!
Home Reading Log Reminder
Don't forget to encourage your child to read at least 15 minutes every night and fill out their reading log! Reading logs must be initialed by a parent or guardian and handed in at the end of the month to qualify for our awesome Reading Party Celebration!
Important Date and Reminders
Friday, October 9: No School (PD Day)
Monday, October 12: No School (Thanksgiving Holiday)
Thursday, October 15: Grade 3 Swimming Lesson (PM)
Tuesday, October 20: Grade 3 Swimming Lesson (PM)
Wednesday, October 21: Photo Retakes
Thursday, October 22: Grade 3 Swimming Lesson (PM)
Tuesday, October 27: Last Grade 3 Swimming Lesson (PM)
Wednesday, October 28: Circle of Courage Assembly at 10:45 AM
Thursday, October 29: Fright Night 6:30-8:00
Thursday, October 29: Home Reading Logs are Due!
Friday, October 30: No School - Goal Setting 3 Way Conferences
Monday, October 12: No School (Thanksgiving Holiday)
Thursday, October 15: Grade 3 Swimming Lesson (PM)
Tuesday, October 20: Grade 3 Swimming Lesson (PM)
Wednesday, October 21: Photo Retakes
Thursday, October 22: Grade 3 Swimming Lesson (PM)
Tuesday, October 27: Last Grade 3 Swimming Lesson (PM)
Wednesday, October 28: Circle of Courage Assembly at 10:45 AM
Thursday, October 29: Fright Night 6:30-8:00
Thursday, October 29: Home Reading Logs are Due!
Friday, October 30: No School - Goal Setting 3 Way Conferences