Seth Paine Elementary
Classroom Highlights
Lodewyck Room 102
November 29, 2015
50 Miller Rd.
Lake Zurich, IL 60047
847-540-4761
K a r e n . L o d e w yc k @ l z 9 5 . o r g
“Promise me you will always remember, you’re braver than you believe, stronger than you
seem, and smarter than you think.” ~ Christopher Robin to Winnie the Pooh
Curriculum Continued
Message to PARENTS:
Thank you for taking time to meet with me to
discuss your child’s progress during parent –
teacher conferences. I truly enjoyed the time we
shared discussing your child. I appreciate the
guidance and support that you give your child
on a daily basis. Please continue to contact me
if you have any questions or concerns.
Curriculum in Review
Reading
We’ve been exploring fiction by taking a close look at
traditional literature, realistic fiction, and fantasy fiction.
Lately, we’ve read a variety of folktales and fables which are a
type of traditional literature. In our reading, the children are
carefully identifying literary language (once upon a time…),
cultural language (una principessa), characters or events in
threes (three sisters), trickery to resolve a problem, and a happy
ending. In the upcoming weeks, we’ll study characterization,
how to compare texts, use context clues, and make text
connections.
All of these concepts will help as the children become the
“author” and write fables of their own.
Math
Last week, we completed our unit on telling time. However,
we’ll continue reviewing and practicing telling time to the
nearest five minutes and expressing the time in different ways
using quarter after, quarter til, and half past throughout the year.
This week, we’ll work on addition strategies using the hundred
chart, the number line, and our knowledge of place value.
Social Studies
We began our unit on cultures. We’ve discussed why we study
other cultures and the importance of understanding and
appreciating other’s cultures.
On Friday, November 20, a family tree and cultural poster
project was sent home. The children were shown examples. If
you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
The due date is Wednesday, December 9.
Operation Gratitude
Thank you to everyone who donated candy to “Operation
Gratitude”. Seth Paine raised 106 pounds! All donations were
truly appreciated. The children should be proud of their efforts!
Toys
In reading, we’ve also continued to work on comprehension and
fluency. Try to have your child read aloud as much as possible
and take a few moments to discuss what he/she is reading.
Please remind your child to keep toys at home. They should not
be brought to school for recess time. Balls are still acceptable.
Thank you for understanding!
Spelling
Compliments
On November 19th, the children only took a test. They were not
given a new list due to Thanksgiving break. On Thursday,
December 3rd, the children will receive their new word sort, and
we will return to our regular schedule.
After a discussion about being “thankful”, the children watched
each other carefully and wrote compliments for one another.
Every day, I am impressed by their thoughtfulness!
Writing
We are still practicing writing friendly letters. The letters
should include the date, a salutation (Dear ___, ), a paragraph, a
closing, and the student’s name.
Soon, we’ll begin writing fables.
Important Dates
December
21 – Winter Break Begins
January
4 – School Resumes