Updates

Greetings Owl Families,

A couple updates and in depth explanations are below.

Math:  Your child has started a new unit on story problems.  Because most children this age are learning to read, your child may need help reading the story problems.  Offer help when it is needed, but do not give the answer.    To solve story problems, child first need to know which number is unknown.  Is it the total or one of the partners?  This program helps children focus on this important issue by using "Math Mountains".  In a math mountain, the total sits at the top and the partners sit at the bottom of the mountain.  Children can quickly see the relationship  between the partners and the total when they look at the mountain.

Math Mountains are especially helpful in showing children how to find an unknown partner, as in the following problem: I see 9 horses.  5 are black, the others are white.  How many horses are white?Children can find the answer by drawing the mountain to see which number is unknown.  Then they count on from the partner they know to the total.  In this way, they can find the partner they don't know.  See picture below.



We also have an anchor chart helping us through the steps of a story problem.  First, we need to understand the story problem; to read and think about it.  Then we need to plan it out; to choose a strategy (math mountain, circle drawing, equation.).  Finally we need to do the problem--solve it.  See the picture below for the picture of the anchor chart.



Book Exchange:  You received a note home yesterday about our classroom book exchange.  We will be doing this in the afternoon after our party and recess.  Please be sure to wrap and book and label it!  If you are unable to participate, please let me know.  I want to make sure that all of the kiddos receive a book!  You can start sending in books at any time between now and the 17th.  Our Scholastic Book Club is a great place to find cheap, first grade reading level books.  Right now, there are a lot of books for only $1!  Please be sure to place this order with our book club before the 8th, that is when I am placing the order to be shipped.  If you order any later, it may not get to us before our break!

Christmas Party:  There is a note being sent home today.  Please read over it and return it to me with a note regarding volunteering/donating by December 7th. 

Thank you for your continued support! ~Mrs. Vos