Please continue to read with your student every night and sign their reading homework calendar

Language Arts

What are we learning?

Reading

Learning about print through Research

●listen to texts read aloud and ask and answer questions for further understanding.

● ask and respond to questions about unknown words in a text. 

● identify real-life connections between words and their use

Writing

 Research

●identify real-life connections between words and their use (e.g., places that are loud).

● generate ideas for topics based on interest or content areas (e.g., favorite animals, community helpers, or life cycles) 

● work collaboratively to generate questions to gather information 

● identify various pictures, texts, media, and people that can be used as sources of information

Word Study

Word Families

●locate and read words in and out of continuous text

●continue to orally produce words with similar beginning and ending sounds 

●recognize a rhyming word when given a word or picture

●blend, segment, add, and substitute onset and rimes

Home/School Connection

Questions to ask your student:

• What are some words that rhyme with hug? pot? bet?

Math

What are we learning?

Measurement and Fraction Concepts

• I can Compare two objects or events, using direct comparisons, according to one or more of the following attributes: length, height, weight,  temperature,  volume, and time. 
• I can investigate fractions by representing and solving practical problems involving equal sharing with two sharers.

Home/School Connection

Questions to ask your student:

• Which is heavier? A toy car or a real car? 
• Which is hotter? Chicken soup or chocolate cake?

Science

What are we learning?

Life Cycle of a Pumpkin

• I can investigate and understand basic needs and life processes of plants and animals. 
• I can investigate and understand simple repeating patterns in daily life. 
• I can investigate and understand that change occurs over time

Home/School Connection

Questions to ask your student:

• Name the stages of a pumpkin life cycle. Sing the song!

Specials

What are we learning? &  Home/School Connections:

• Library: 
  • Kindergarten students will continue developing vocabulary and making connections through content-connected read-alouds and STEAM challenges, and will begin exploring
  • simple research with PebbleGo and print books.
• PE: 
  • The final quarter in PE includes learning units called “Fitness and Nutrition” and “Outdoor Pursuits & Recreational Activities.” We will also conduct a biking unit for students in grades 3-6. Athletes will participate in many relays soon (to prepare for Field Day), as well as stations (to keep their various skills practiced). 
  • Forestdale students are invited to Lewis HS this Friday, 4/26 for FREE admission to the boys’ soccer game! Students can get a FREE shirt, too. Please see Talking Points for more information.
  • Family volunteers will eventually be contacted for Field Day. Adults will find that information in Thursday folders and Talking Points when the time comes.

❤ Mr. Bergin and Ms. Brod

• Music: 
  • Ms. Shaw’s K & 1st graders are working on Orff xylophone pieces, creating ensemble.
  • All students will know how to create their own rhythms and work on creating melodies.
  • Mr. Sawasky’s Music Classes in May:
  • All students will know how to create their own rhythms and work on creating melodies.
  • We will practice singing our national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner.” All students will express themselves through playing xylophones, frame drums and percussion instruments.
  • K – 2nd grade will be exploring rhythms through frame drumming and creating their own rhythm. We will also be learning the instruments of the orchestra.
• Art: 
  • The BIG ART news is the Pyramid Art Exhibit that was held at Key Middle school! 46 Forestdale students were represented in this huge annual event that included Lewis High School, Key Middle School and eight elementary schools, including Forestdale Elementary! The artwork from Forestdale was admired by hundreds of people, and the event was attended by over 50 Forestdale students and their families! Thanks to Ms. Judy Kelleher, Ms. Kenan Brod, Ms. Stacy Booth, and Ms. Annie Ormsby for their help in putting up this exhibit.
  • 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 that they value. 
  • In May,  all students will be finishing clay art projects! Kindergarten students will create clay plaques with leaves and other natural found objects pressed into the surface of the clay. All clay projects will last at least a hundred years if cared for carefully. All students’ ceramic pieces are delightful.
  • Thank you to all families for returning the Parent 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?

We will continue to practice using our imaginations to visualize new ideas. We will read the story, A House for a Hermit by Eric Carle. In this book we will consider the purposes of a shelter. Then students will think of an animal and design a new house specifically for that animal. They will need to think of what the animal needs and would want for their unique house. This lesson requires students to both visualize but also think of another point of view. 

Home/School Connection

Hello! Each year we screen all students for new AAP services for the following school year. Information on referrals are in the Spring Newsletter. Please read and email Katelyn Spengler at @email with any questions.  Translations are included below:

Spring AAP Newsletter ES (PDF)
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