March 2010

Music! Music! Music!

Our wonderful music teacher, Mrs. Bresenden, would like to invite parents to observe a lesson to see what the curriculum involves.  Although your first choice would be to attend your child’s lesson, you may attend one more convenient for your schedule.  The class will be held in the MPR or art/music classroom off the MPR.   The class times are:March 25, Heard and Schneider, 11:35-12:15April 1, Harlow/Rollins and Liggett, 1:15-1:55                       

Family Field Trip Recommendations

In social studies students are learning how communities all over California began, grew, and changed.   There are many interesting places to visit right here in Irvine.  Two favorites are the Irvine Historical Society next to the San Joaquin Golf Course and the La Quinta Inn off Sand Canyon.  On a trip to Heritage Park Library take a few moments to read the circular timeline on the sidewalk. 

     

Math

This month students are demonstrating they can pass their times facts in a specified time.  No time to count on or use other strategies.   Check with your child to see which days are scheduled for the timed tests and how much time is allowed.  The order of the tests is 5, 2, 10, 9, 3, 4, 6, 8, and 7. 

At least five minutes of practice a day is recommended to achieve automaticity.  You can also make your own flashcards at www.aplusmath.com.  

Practicing multiplication facts requires immediate feedback. (No worksheets) It is most effective to chunk the facts. Work on fives; when mastered, move on to twos, etc.  Practice mixed facts when they are fluent.

Go to Extra! Extra! below for websites to practice. 

                                                               

Language Arts

The theme of our current selections is “animal habitats.”  Skills we are practicing are:  the verb “be”, helping verbs, irregular verbs, multiple meaning words, prefixes, and suffixes.

Social Studies

We are completing the study of the three levels of government:  local, state, and national; and the three branches of government:  executive, legislative, and judicial.  We will next look at the roles of citizens, how some citizens serve their communities, and how to be a good citizen.

Science

Students are studying energy forms and light. They are completing hands-on science activities in class as well as reading their text to follow-up on their observations with factual information.

                                                                    

Jog-A-Thon

Students are working on building stamina and fitness in p.e. to prepare for the upcoming Jog-A-Thon on March 17.  You can encourage daily jogs before or after school.