Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!  I hope that you all had a wonderful winter break and holiday!  
Happy Birthday to Bryce, Kalese,  and Jaliyah, who all celebrated December birthdays!

Thank you to all of the families who so generously gave me a Christmas gift.  There's nothing quite like Christmas kindness!  :)  I hope that you all enjoyed the ornaments that your child made for you!  Homemade gifts from my own children always touch my heart in a special way and they LOVE giving them, as I'm sure your children were excited to give you their gifts!

I loved being home with my kiddos doing fun holiday activities, but it's great to be back in the normal school routine, too!  If you're anything like me, when you get back into a normal routine after a long break, it's sometimes difficult to remember certain details that you normally wouldn't forget!  Here are a few reminders in no particular order:


* Spelling Test over Unit 4, Lessons 7-9 is tomorrow, Friday, January 6.  These words have the long a sound, with the a_e spelling pattern.  Unlike short a, long a says her name.  In this spelling pattern, sneaky e jumps over the consonant and bonks a right on her head making her say "A"!  Sneaky e also works his way into a few words with the soft c sound (like race, face, place).  He reaches over to c and tickles her which make her say "ssss."  I have lots of silly little stories I make up to help the kids remember these spelling tricks.  Feel free to make up your own at home, or use mine to reinforce it at home!  Please take a little extra time to study with your child tonight or tomorrow morning.  We started learning these words the week before break and we have really focused on them this week, as well.  Extra one-on-one practice at home is always beneficial!  

*Reading Homework Journals are due tomorrow, Friday, January 6.  Normally these are due on Thursday, but with the short week, I extended the due date.  There are only two assignments to complete.  I have been gluing in conversation topics under the blending lessons to give you an idea of how you can help extend their learning and develop their language skills, in addition to just being able to read the words.  I hope this has been helpful!  

*Math Chapter 3 test will be on Tuesday, January 10.  Practice vocabulary words and definitions as much as possible!  Other than the vocabulary, making a 10 to add is the most difficult part of this test.  We worked on it ALOT in class.  I'm looking forward to seeing how well everyone does!!!  I will send home a review sheet for homework on Monday to help!

*On Wednesday, January 11, we will have a short reading test (only 10 multiple choice questions) over what we have learned so far in Unit 4.  (Your child will need to be able to identify the correct spellings for words with the following sounds:  k, ng, qu, y, long a, a_e, ce, ci, long i, i_e.

*Reading Logs are due every Monday!  Each week your child should read at least 4 books.  I prefer that an adult record the book titles on the sheet and date when they read them.  To raise a successful reader and learner your child should read for about 20-30 minutes each night.  I realize we all have busy schedules, but you really will be amazed at the difference you will see in your child's reading ability and academics if you make this a part of your daily life with them! 

*Please, please, please remember to check your child's take home folder each night!  There is almost always something in there for you to see or check, even if it's only to look at their behavior calendar to see what color they ended on that day.  Before break we added a new protective sleeve to the back of their folder.  This is to hold vocabulary cards, sight word flashcards, and any reading fluency sheets.  I gave them the option of leaving these items at home in a safe place, as well, so if it works better for you to leave them at home that's fine with me!  As long as you know where it is, and as long as they are actively practicing!  (Please keep the sleeve in the folder though.)There will be a new reading fluency sheet coming home on Monday.  Those are usually to be finished over the course of a few days.  

*Current Specials Schedule:
Monday: Computer
Tuesday: PE
Wednesday: Art
Thursday: Music
Friday: Library

Well, I think that's enough information for now!  I can smell the smoke coming out of your ears!  ha ha

Have a great evening!!  Go throw a snowball or two!  :)

Hugs and High Fives,
Ms. Bleich