Week of December 6th and 13th

The next two weeks, we have several days that will be dedicated to celebrating Christmas' around the world and Kwanzaa.  We will be discussing traditions, celebrations & symbols.  On the days we have guided reading, I will be reviewing some of the skills we have learned over the last semester.  Our focus will be a mixture of Writing and Building Words.

Week Review:  Levels D and E will review their understanding of the endings of words.  We will build/write words with the -ed or -ing ending.  We will search for words in our stories that have blends (2 consonants blending together).  Level F will review how to break/chunk words into smaller parts, searching for little words they may already know.  We will further that exercise by building/writing those new words.  Level G will be reviewing all of the rules that we have discussed through out their time: blends, vowel rules (silent e, two vowels coming together, chunking unknown words).  This will help us prepare for our new focus, fluency.  Levels H and higher will review our strategies when coming to new vocabulary, continue with predictions and continue finding answers to questions by looking back in our book to support our answer. 

Book/Author Suggestion:  Only a few of the fabulous books to celebrate this holiday season:
                 The Legend of the Poinsettia* by Tomie dePaola is a wonderful story retold by the endearing author and illustrator, Tomie dePaola.  It is a Mexican legend of how the poinsettia came to be.  A little girl unselfishly gives a gift to the Christ Child and is filled with the true meaning of Christmas. 

                 My First Kwanzaa Book* by Deborah M. Newton Chocolate is a simple book that your child is sure to help you read.  A great way to share the traditions and celebrations of Kwanzaa with your child. 

* indicates if it can be found in the Sappington Library. 

Parent Tip:  Consider going to your local library or digging through your personal home library and collect holiday books.  You can stick with the holiday that your family celebrates, or pick a new one to learn about this year.  Books are always great for cuddling up (perhaps with some cocoa by the fire?) or reading before bed, but this holiday, it might be fun to make it a countdown for Christmas, or a celebration of each day of Kwanzaa or Hanukkah.  Instead of purchasing gifts or a partridge in a pear tree, trying creating your own "12 Days of Christmas".  When celebrating Hanukkah, the candle is lit each evening after the sun goes down, perhaps you could start the day with a picture book celebrating Hanukkah.  Books are a great way to get minds thinking and questions asked.  If you check them out from your library, it is also a great way to celebrate the season without the extra cost!