Language Arts

What are we learning?

Learning about print through Non-Fiction

• I can understand and make connections to stories 
• I can increase my vocabulary by listening to stories, asking about words I don’t know, & talking about the meanings of words
• I can notice the features of a non-fiction book. 
• I can listen to others & share my ideas

Non-Fiction Books

• I can share my own and listen to other’s stories
• I can draw and label nonfiction animals
• I can use words I know in my writing
• I can write non-fiction books to teach others ‘how to’ do something

Home/School Connection

Questions to ask your student:

•  What is the difference between fiction and nonfiction? (fiction tells a story and nonfiction gives the reader information)

Math

What are we learning?

Decomposing and Composing Numbers

• I know there are different ways to make a number
• I can break apart a number in different ways
• I can make a number in different ways
• I can use a number bond to show my thinking

Home/School Connection

Questions to ask your student:

• Can you show me the different ways to make 5?

Social Studies

What are we learning?

American Holidays: Who was Martin Luther King jr? 

Change over time

• I know who Martin Luther King jr. is
• I can understand the difference between the past and the present
• I can understand how our world has changed 
•  

Home/School Connection

Questions to ask your student:

• Why was Martin Luther King Jr. such an important person? What was his dream?

What are we learning? &  Home/School Connections:

• Library: We are continuing to explore multicultural versions of traditional fairy tales and folktales, and developing our critical and creative thinking skills through STEAM challenges. Contact Ms. Wixtrom on Talking Points or email with any questions or anything you’d like me to know! I want to help your child thrive in their reading journey!
• PE: Thank you to all families for being strong co-teachers with us. Regarding pacing, we completed our “Gymnastics Unit” and “Routines Review” with all grade levels. Now, all students will move into their “Basketball Unit.” Learners will better understand the anatomy of a basketball court, and how to dribble with hands, bounce pass, chest pass, and shoot the basketball. Towards the end of the unit, we hope to teach different “playground games” such as “H.O.R.S.E.” and “Knock-Out.” As always, Mr. Bergin ([email protected]) and Ms. Brod ([email protected]) are here for any questions or concerns.
• Music: 
  • Ms. Shaw’s Kindergarteners are working on speaking voice v. singing voice, loud and quiet (dynamics), and creating an ensemble (students on different instruments).
  • In Mr. Sawasky’s music class, all grades are learning a frame drumming composition called, “Jennifer Bobby Bobby.” We are also learning about Martin Luther King Jr. and the song, “Hymn to Freedom” by Oscar Peterson. K – 2^nd grade will be exploring rhythms through frame drumming and melody with xylophones.
• Art: 
  • In the Forestdale art program, the primary goal is to create an environment in which every student feels confident, safe, and supported by Ms. Barrett and by the other students. The goal is that each student will reach a level of technical mastery and self-confidence that allows them to take risks with their own artwork and create work they value.
  •  Kindergarten students are creating collages of cut paper to make rainbows. They're learning cutting and gluing techniques and rainbow order.
  • In January, all students will be wrapping up their COLLAGE units and doing planning drawings for the upcoming CLAY units! 
  • All students’ collages are fantastic! They would look great in a frame, hanging on the wall – or at least on the refrigerator!
  • Thank you to all families for returning the Interview Forms for each Art unit! Students in grades 1st - 6th continue to use their Art Planning and Reflection Books, increasing their literacy skill practice during art classes!
  • As always, Ms. Barrett ([email protected]) is here for any questions or concerns regarding the art program.

AAP Corner 

What are we learning?

• Students engaged in an AAP lesson from the Jacob’s Ladder Comprehension unit. Students read the Tiny Seed and had discussion with their peers about the deeper meaning of the story. 
• In Critical and Creative Thinking Lessons (CCT) Ms. Spengler read the book, What if Everybody Did That?. Then students brainstormed their own ideas. Students considered what the world would be like if everybody went up the slide at recess and if everyone cut lines. 

ESOL

During the month of January, all ESOL students will begin preparing for our annual assessment of their English language proficiency. The state of Virginia administers the WIDA ACCESS for ELLs assessment from January 16-March 15. This assessment monitors students' progress in learning academic English in the areas of reading, listening, speaking, and writing. Families can find translated information about this assessment at this link: https://wida.wisc.edu/resources/what-access-ells 

Kindergarten students can practice at home for the assessment by talking about what they see around them, reading books with an adult or older sibling, and writing the letter sounds they hear in words.