Reading Growth

Students continue to work on their reading skills.  All of them are increasing their fluency--at the level they are at.  Beginning after the Winter Break, the reading classes will be more focused on areas where the students are having more inidividual difficulty.  Many are learning to "chunk" their letters into words--and that comes from learning more about syllables--learning the sounds consonant letters and vowels make when they are teamed up together.  Of course, there are many kinds of syllables, and students are learning how letters put together make different sounds.  This ultimately helps with their fluency--or speed at which they read.  Comprehension is a huge skill all of the students need to work on.  So, please read daily with your students for at least 30 minutes.  If you are not reading to them, please provide the 30 minutes of time for them to do personal reading. As always, your partnership in helping your child to read is always appreciated!

Using "Big Brainz" to Cement Math Facts in Multiplication, Division, Addition and Subtraction

Big Brains is a computer game students have been utilizing since August to cement their math facts.  Students started out mastering multiplication.  While some have moved on to division, many students continue to work on multiplication.  The goal was to have the students first master multiplication, then move to division, and finally addition and subtraction.  The goal was to have the students finish as quickly as they could, then the rest of the year, math problems would be easier because of the knowledge gained through constant repetition. Students have been working hard to learn their multiplication facts.  Some students have mastered multiplication as planned, and have even moved on to division.  Some are working in addition.  One student has already mastered all four areas--multiplication, division, addition and subtraction facts--and has moved out of the class.  The goal is to have all the students participating in the programs master all four areas by December, which is when the program will end.  So, please ask your child if they are a participant in the Big Brainz program, and if they are--ask them what area they have mastered!  Encouragement is always welcomed!!