Happy Friday! It is has been terrific to be back at school all day the past few days. The week went by quickly, but we made the best of it!

We definitely had to spend a bit of time this week reviewing classroom routines and expectations. This is normal after a week's vacation, but was particularly necessary since the class had a guest teacher for a week. Even though it took time away from our academics, it was necessary. I feel like today was a good day all around, and I feel like we are back on track (just in time for another vacation coming up....!)

Here's a quick review of our academics this week:

In reading and writing, we are still working with nonfiction texts. Students are working in research groups. Each group is researching a different kind of weather event. They are learning how to find what subtopics to research and how to make sure they are synthesizing across the books they read. In writing, they are working to finish up their expert books. They are adding pictures and other nonfiction features, and they are learning to say more!

In math, we finally learned the US algorithm for subtraction (what we used to call "borrowing.") Wow! They seem to love doing this! Here is a photo to show you our first method (which is a transitional method) and then the usual method:

As you can seen, in the transitional method, the top (or larger) number is expanded out by place value. The smaller number is as well. This way, students can better see exactly what is happening as they regroup from hundreds place to tens place, etc.  After all, 1,582 is the same as 1,000 + 400 + 170 + 12.  (I hope this makes sense! It does to your children -- ask them to show you!)

Once we start using the algorithm (some are already using it) we have to be very careful to LINE the numbers ups, and to always remember that we have to regroup any time the number on the top is smaller than the number we are subtracting. Phew! We will continue to practice this next week as we get into the 10,000's!

Here is some other important information:

Please be sure your children have snow pants, boots, coats, and gloves daily.  Many of them prefer to go outside to play in just their regular clothes and shoes, and then they are wet and uncomfortable all afternoon. If you put it in their backpack, I make them wear it!  

With the winter holidays upon us, I am thinking of doing a Secret Snowflake activity. Here is how it works. The students each pick a name (randomly) and then I create a Maker's Space here at school. I have a lot of craft materials! Each student will then make some sort of gift for the person they chose. I will give them 2 separate days to work on this since glue and paint need to dry. Then they will wrap these and give them to each other! This is ALL done at school so that everyone has access to the same materials and there is no burden on you. (Of course, I may send out a list of crafting things the students want if I don't have them, but that is up to you!) Please let me know if you don't want your child to participate in this. We plan to do it on Monday and Tuesday 12/20 and 12/21. A few kids have said they might not be here, so let me know that as well. Of course, reach out with questions or concerns.

I think that is all! Thank you again for all of your support during my sickness. Have a wonderful weekend!