Dear Families,
Wow…I feel like the past few weeks have been a whirlwind! We’ve been busy getting caught up with old friends and making new ones. I’ve enjoyed learning so much about each one of your children…they are an inquisitive bunch! It promises to be a fun year!
We began our read aloud this week, The Hobbit by JRR Tolkien. We will be using this as an exemplar of quality literature in our class discussions. Our class discussions so far have centered around story elements such as sense of place, characterization and plot as well as what the author is doing well. We have also began work on metacognitive strategies such as making connections and questioning. In addition, we are discussing reading goals and choosing books to meet our goal. We shared an example of what a reading goal looks like and how it is so much more then just a summary or book report.
In writing, we are beginning to brainstorm ideas for writing and find ways to help us organize our thoughts when writing. The students have decided on a writing goal and we will be working in class to help meet these goals. We are also beginning to discuss how to publish and the components involved in quality writing. Contracts with reading and writing goals will be sent home and need to be signed and returned (you will get a copy to keep as a reference).
In math, we are really delving into the world of Number Sense. Number Sense is the way we think about numbers and their relationships and is formed through daily problem solving. We brainstormed what mathematicians do, tools they use and ways they communicate. Through this we determined that we are all mathematicians! We all solve numerous problems everyday! Also, in our study of Number Sense, we’ve been working with estimation and sharing some estimation strategies as well as examining place value in our Base 10 number system. We’ve also been looking at ways mathematicians group numbers and how that
relates to basic operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Its exciting to hear all of the connections your children are making!
In math, we introduced Nature Journals and discussed how they are used. We were extremely lucky that Ms. Krebs, one of our Wesley College students, brought in her nature journal to share with the class. It was certainly inspiring to see her beautiful illustrations and diagrams. We are also beginning to examine our school wide theme of Structure, Change and Balance. We are spending some time defining “structure” and trying to determine the relationship between structure, change and balance. This is just an introduction to the theme which will be studied all year long.
Just a reminder, planners go home each night with a brief description of our day. This can be used as a conversation starter to help you child talk about their day. Please make sure to sign the planner each night and return to school the next day. The planners are also an excellent place to write a brief note if needed. Email is also a great way to contact me as well. Of course, you can always call the school and leave a message as well or contact me at home.
Thank you again for all of your help and support! I appreciate everything you do!

Charmaine Herrera
herrera@ccs.k12.de.us
736-3300 (school)




Important Dates:

September 9, 2008 CCS’s 10th Anniversary
Pep Rally at 9:00



September 9, 2008 PTA Meeting at CCHS at 6:30



September 15th 2008 Parent Night at CCS
Come learn more about 4/5s !!!
(Time has not been set yet)