Addendum for Spelling

I have had a few parents voice concern regarding spelling. I was able to speak to parents at Parent Orientation about the program more in depth but I will again share my confidence in this program. I can remember when I was in elementary school, as I am sure many of you will, when my teacher gave me a list of 20 words that I memorized one week, took a test, and promptly put them from my mind to make way for the new words. I believe that can be an effective spelling tool. However, I utilize Words their Way as a program that helps not only spelling improve, but in other academic areas as well. I love that this program functions to help students notice patterns in words, so that not only does it help them spell that one word for that week but it translates into their writing and their reading. The focus on patterns will help solidify an understanding of language.

I have had a few parents worry that their child is used to getting 90-100 percent on spelling tests, as it has been that way for the last two years. Some have said their student is frustrated that the scores are not as high this year. While I do not mean to say the score doesn't matter, a high score on a spelling test is not my main objective. I want your students to benefit from the objectives of this program and use the strategies they learn in spelling in all academic areas. This program is specifically built to streamline understanding of language patterns into those areas.

I have also noticed a trend with spelling scores these past few weeks. We did a few practice weeks, getting everyone acquainted with the new program, they were practicing spelling words every day at school, and should have done the same for homework. Many of the students are spelling their words correctly,however they do not put the word in the correct column. The test is scored out of 20 points, each of the ten words will be awarded a possible 2 points, one for correct spelling, and one for correct placement. When they are practicing their spelling words at home focus on the patterns, have them identify the sort headers, and explain the distinctions between them. This will help them on Friday spelling tests.


Please know I want to see your children succeed and that starts with building their repertoire, expanding their vocabulary, increasing their exposure to literature. That repertoire is based on SO much more than a percentage. These students are bright, creative, artistic, academic minded students who will become lifelong learners. It is my goal to set them up for success, to teach them skills, and give them tools to help them on their path in education.

Thank you for letting me have a part in their learning, and allowing me to do my job and love it.

September Book Orders

Parents,
I sent home September book orders, I am going to be sending in an order this weekend, so the LAST DAY I will accept book orders is this Friday, September 23rd. Please make sure you have them turned in by Friday!

Thanks!

September 19-23rd

This Week's Vocabulary Words
1. photographer
2. explored
3. hobby
4. imagination
5. camera
6. through
7. artist
8. thought
9. favorite
10. amusement

Week of September 12th-16th

Our vocabulary words for this week are:
1. victory
2. confidence
3. consoled
4. encouraged
5. improve
6. probably
7. rarely
8. squad
9. suddenly
10. tryouts

Spelling Program

Dear Parents,

Some of you have asked how your child is to complete their homework. Every day your child is expected to practice their spelling words. I use a program called Words their Way, which is a program designed to better meet the needs of your student rather than a set list for everyone. Every Monday I introduce the sort to the students and they cut them out and sort them. After they sort it in class, they write the words in their spelling notebooks.


Your child will take a page of words home to practice during the week. They are to cut out and sort their words at home the same way they have practiced in class. Once they have sorted their words they should be written on the homework packet in the appropriate column. Depending on the words that week, your child may have up to 5 groups of words. Each group has a sort header which is to be written at the top of the column on the homework page. For example,





I know how beneficial this program will be for your students and want to make sure they are getting the most of it.
Once students have mastered the new spelling routine I will also include math and writing prompts. There will most often be 4 math pages, one to be completed a day and 1 writing prompt that can be completed at any point during the week. All portions of homework are to be returned on Fridays.


Miss Foster

Field Trip

Parents,
We are going on a walking field trip on September 21st. We had to do a little shifting when our farm field trip was switched to the Spring. A note is coming home tomorrow, Thursday September 8th. Please make sure it is sent back to school on Friday so that we can turn in our lunch count and have enough sack lunches for those who do not bring them from home.

Also, the link with homework policies and instructions will be up and running by Friday.

Miss Foster

Week of September 6th

We had A TON to get through today, seeing as we had a lovely Labor Day holiday. We have not had a chance to complete our vocabulary words, but for reference later this week so your students can earn a treat here are the vocabulary words...

1. tiptoed
2. murmured
3. whispered
4. scribbled
5. beautiful
6. announced
7. modeled
8. recited
9. coincidence
10. pleasant


And, in case they need them here are our spelling words...
zip, bit, but, big, jug, pin, tub, rip, will, him, cut, rub, hum, win, fun, six, nut, run, put, did, gum.


I appreciate all that you do, for your support both for me and the students. Enjoy this short week!