It's Spring Time!!

 Welcome to Ms. McCann's Class Webpage!

We hope you will visit the site often to check out what

we're learning and what exciting activities are going on

in our classroom.  You may also find ways that you can

help out.

 

I am sure your child has told you about our wonderful interns from ASU.  Ms. Sechlar and Ms. McGraw are in our class full time right now, and we are all benefitting from the experience.  It is great to have the extra help, and they are planning new and exciting lessons for your child.  Of course, your child is able to have more one-on-one and small group instruction as well.  We are very grateful for the fine job they are doing! 

 
April 2009

What are we learning?

Language Arts : 

We are studying characteristics of poetry.  Ask your child to share their favorite poem with you.  Ask them about repetition, rhythm, rhyme, structure, puncutation, mood, etc. of poetry.

Please ask how many Reading Counts Points your child has acquired.  Ask about their favorite parts of their RC books.  The deadline for 4th 9 weeks: May 14.  Remember they not only are required to earn at least 20 points this quarter, but also to have a percentage of at least 80%. Students, you don't want to miss out on our last reward, trust me!                                                 

                      (Picture from jlminneapolis.org)

Math: 

We are using the Smart Board to practice working and creating our own fraction and mulit-step problems.  Have your child practice their basic skills at home and out in public, such as in the grocery store.  Our interns are in the process of teaching a unit on transformations; reflections, rotations, and translations.  Ask your child to draw these for you.  And as always we continue to work on problem solving skills.                                        

                                   (Picture taken from pickettsmill.com)

  Science: 

We are studying animal adaptations and their habitats. Ask your child to tell you what they have researched and learned about their particular animal's environment!

Social Studies:

We are working on a unit about Coastal North Carolina.  Today we did research on plants and animals from that region and observed and fed a venus fly trap brought in by one of our interns.  We have also studied N.C. lighthouses and pirates.  Ask your child why N.C. was a good place for pirates.

                  Health:  We are reading plays and leveled readers on healthy foods versus unhealthy foods.  Ask your child what foods they should be eating for a healthy lifestyle.

Technology:

We continue to utilize our Smart Boards and Handhelds! Ask your child how we incorporated them today!

                                                      (picture from techieteaching.com)

Homework:

Each week your child should be reading at least 80 minutes at home. Please monitor this AND ask questions such as "What is your favorite part and why?" and "How are you alike and different from the characters?"

Look for Math sheets for extra practice.  They may also practice their basic math facts with their handhelds.


Dates to Remember:

April 22 - Earth Day

April 23-26 - Merlefest

How Can You Help??????

  I hate to say this, but we need more kleenex.  Also, our school is asking for donations of latex or latex-free gloves.  If you can help by just purchasing one box, it would be much appreciated. 

As always, contact me any time you have questions or concerns.  Thank you for your continued support!