Non-Fiction Writing & More

HOW TO WRITING
Last week, we begin a new type of non-fiction reading and writing:  HOW TO!  Writers can write in order to tell how to do something.  So we have been reading some how to texts and practicing sequential and step-by-step thinking involved with this genre.

First, I showed our Ks how to make a bowl of cereal.  We talked about each step and I modeled how to draw and write it:

(Notice the capitals and bold word big?  Well, Toby suggested that we do that in order to emphasis the word big.  What readers and writers we are becoming!)

We also worked together this week to draw and write how to wash our hands.  Pairs of Ks worked together on one step of the process.  Take a look at our work:

We have also been reading how to texts in our small-group guided reading lessons.  You may see some how to books in your child's book package over the next week or two.  Take some time to talk about the steps in order.  Ask your child to re-tell how to do the topic of the book in his/her own words.  You may even talk about and add in any new steps you can think of (This would also be a great idea for writing!).

This week, we will work on brainstorming how to ideas for our individual writing.  Talk with your child about things he/she can do that he/she could tell or teach to someone else. 

Coins, coins, coins!

This week, we also learned about the dime.

This dime and nickel can be tricky for kids to tell the different between.  Grab a handful of coins at home and ask your child to sort them.  Talk about each one.  These songs may help:

Penny, penny

Easily spent

Copper brown

And worth one cent!

Nickel, nickel

Thick and fat

You're worth 5 cents

I know that!

Dime, dime

Little and thin

I remember

You're worth 10!

Subtraction

We have also been working on telling take away or subtraction number stories.  We drew and wrote our stories and often showed subtraction by crossing out.

These was 5 fish and a shark came along and ate one.  How many fish are left?

Practice telling some take away number stories at home! :)

SEEKING WEEKLY VOLUNTEER

I am seeking a weekly volunteer to help with math stations on Thursday afternoons from 12:20-1:40.

I need some help running a station (Mrs. A is out of the room at this time).  Please let me know if you can help during this time slot each week.  Thank you!