Dunn Digest
November 21, 2014
Reading Workshop Highlights
2nd Graders (Mrs. Druckmiller)
Second graders have been digging deep into a
nonfiction unit. They have been learning how to use
nonfiction text features to be a good researcher. They
have learned to use a QR codes to scan themselves to
directly link to articles that they used in their
research. They are finding key details in nonfiction
text about specific bats. We are applying our
nonfiction text features’ knowledge to their writing as
we work to create a nonfiction class book authored by
the 2nd graders about bats. Nonfiction text features
include table of contents, glossary, index, captions, key
words-bold, italic, and more.
!st Graders (Mrs. Nelson and Ms. Taylor)
Students have been working on a variety of activities
and skills during reading workshop.
 Writing a friendly letter after reading The Day
the Crayons Quit.
 Reading a variety of non-fiction text and then
finding the main topic and key details. Today
students read Time for Kids-Thanksgiving is Here!
 Identifying nonfiction text and fiction text, find
text evidence to prove whether it is nonfiction or
fiction.
 Students will begin a book talk project next week!
They will choose a book and create a Book Talk
using the Educreations App on our Ipad minis. I
shared a book talk project I created along with
the rubric to guide them through the expectations
and requirements. Upon completion we will view the
projects in class and I will share the projects with
families via email!
Kindergartners (Ms. Dunn)
We have been busy reading different types of books!
Students have been working on recognizing what makes
a book fiction or nonfiction. When reading fiction texts
we focus on characters, setting and major events. With
nonfiction we find the main idea and supporting details.
We have also been comparing the “jobs” of the author
and the illustrator. Without looking at the pictures we
read the story, Don’t Need Friends. We realized how
much the illustrations help the reader to understand
the story. Students continue to build their phonemic
awareness, phonics and sight word knowledge during
center time and small group work with me.
Solids and Liquids
During theme students predicted and identified if specific objects
would sink or float when placed in water. They created a boat made
of clay and tested specific objects to see what their boat could hold
before it began to sink. Students predicted and determined if certain
items dissolved or not when mixed in water. They also learned that
solids can become liquids and liquids can become solids. Your child
was able to list and describe the properties of both a solid and a
liquid. Students were able to ask and answer questions about solids
and liquids and also how their states can change. Throughout this
week and before the unit comes to an end your child will have made
homemade ice cream and oobleck.
Thanksgiving Feast
On Monday, we will prepare
the food served at our annual
Thanksgiving Feast. Please
remember to bring ingredients assigned to you. On
Tuesday, students do not need a lunch but they do
need to bring a drink. They can get milk or use their
water bottle.
Feast Set-Up 10:15-10:45
Serve Feast 10:45-11:15
Clean-Up 11:15-11;45
Winter Gear
Cold weather has officially arrived! Students need
warm gear to play outside-coats, hats, and mittens.
Snow pants and boots are required when snow is on
the ground. Student independence is encouraged with
zippers, snow pants, and mittens. Please have your
child practice doing the fastening and zippering at
home. Make sure that children have working zippers.
It is very common for young children to put on their
mittens and leave their coat unzipped. They need to
learn the best sequence for
accomplishing getting bundled up.
Thanks for your help with building
student independence with these skills.
Important Dates
November 26 –No Casimir Pulaski observance
November 27/28- No school Thanksgiving
December 12-Report Distribution