Chess Club
Both clubs will meet this week. This past week the students shared strategies on how to keep from making blunders. I was impressed with the many strategies the student use and were willing to share.
Holiday Reading
One way to enjoy your holiday decorations and your family is to listen to a book on CD together. Make some hot chocolate, warm apple cider, or herb tea. Then turn on the holiday lights and sit around and enjoy listening to a chapter of a good book. Listening to good books helps increase vocabulary. What a great way to relax at the end of a busy day.
Friday, December 6, 2013
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
For the Week of December 2nd
Chess Club
Both chess clubs will meet this week.
Prairieview School-Community Service Project
proudly
collected
$550
to sponsor an Edward Hospital Animal Assisted
Therapy Program!!!
Thanks to
everyone who donated!!!
Monday, November 25, 2013
For the Week of November 25th
I want to thank everyone for the privilege of teaching your children. It is a great honor to have a small part in helping students to grow into mature, well-functioning adults. I have a lot to be thankful for.
I hope that all of you have a wonderful holiday and that the students will come back refreshed and excited to be back in school.
I hope that all of you have a wonderful holiday and that the students will come back refreshed and excited to be back in school.
Friday, November 15, 2013
For the Week of November 18th
Wednesday, November 20th is a half day. Students will be dismissed at 11:00.
Chess Club
Only Thursday's chess club is meeting this week.
Community Service Project
Community Service Project
The Edward Hospital therapy dog collection will be extended to next
Tuesday, Nov. 26th!
So, for those of you who would like to donate, please send money in!
Our goal is $500, and we are now at $300.
So, for those of you who would like to donate, please send money in!
Our goal is $500, and we are now at $300.
Prairieview School-Community Service Project
Animal Assisted Therapy Program-Edward Hospital
Prairieview School, in Downers Grove, (3rd, 4th and 5th Graders) is proud to have an opportunity to sponsor an Edward Hospital therapy dog. The students are looking forward to sponsoring, Kodi.
Prairieview School will take donations until November 19th!
If you want to learn more about this Animal Assisted Therapy Program go the the following link: httpwww.edward.org/animalassistedtherapy
Reading at Home
Many parents ask me for tips on what they can do at home to help their child with his/her reading. The best advise I can give is to read! Just like practicing an instrument or an athletic skill, practicing helps. The student should spend time reading to themselves, reading to a parent/guardian and listening to reading. Discussing what the student read will also help them build their comprehension skills. The books your child reads to themselves should be very easy for them to read. They should be able to read almost all of the words on each page and understand what they are reading. Those books that he/she reads to you can be a little bit harder (but not too discouraging) because you can help him/her with some words. The books that you read to him/her can be even harder, because that will increase vocabulary and help him/her to understand the way good writing sounds. Please do not underestimate how important reading with your child is for improving your child's reading skills.
Gifts
There are many fun ideas to help parents incorporate reading into their holidays.
One great idea is to wrap a book to read together for each day counting down to your holiday. The child then opens the book and you read it together as a family. As the book pile dwindles, your child anticipates the coming holiday. These could be new books, or books from the library.
Another idea is to purchase games that have to do with reading. Some examples are Scrabble, Boggle, Apples-to-Apples or a trivia game where the participants have to read what is on the cards.
Baking holiday treats together is a great way to learn to read, follow directions and work on math all at the same time.
As we get even closer to the holidays, I will be sharing more ideas with you.
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Thursday, November 7, 2013
For the Week of November 11th
Monday, November 14th - Veteran's Day - No School!
Chess Club
Wednesday Chess Club and Thursday Chess Club will meet this week. Thank you to all of the parents who have volunteered to help. You have been great!
Community Service Project
Community Service Project
Prairieview
School-Community Service Project
Animal Assisted
Therapy Program-Edward Hospital
Prairieview School, in Downers Grove, (3rd,
4th and 5th Graders) is proud to have an opportunity to
sponsor an Edward Hospital therapy dog. The students are looking forward to
sponsoring, Kodi.
Prairieview School will take donations
until November 19th!
If you want to learn more about this Animal Assisted
Therapy Program go the the following link: httpwww.edward.org/animalassistedtherapy
Reading at Home
Many parents ask me for tips on what they can do at home to help their child with his/her reading. The best advise I can give is to read! Just like practicing an instrument or an athletic skill, practicing helps. The student should spend time reading to themselves, reading to a parent/guardian and listening to reading. Discussing what the student read will also help them build their comprehension skills. The books your child reads to themselves should be very easy for them to read. They should be able to read almost all of the words on each page and understand what they are reading. Those books that he/she reads to you can be a little bit harder (but not too discouraging) because you can help him/her with some words. The books that you read to him/her can be even harder, because that will increase vocabulary and help him/her to understand the way good writing sounds. Please do not underestimate how important reading with your child is for improving your child's reading skills.
Gifts
There are many fun ideas to help parents incorporate reading into their holidays.
One great idea is to wrap a book to read together for each day counting down to your holiday. The child then opens the book and you read it together as a family. As the book pile dwindles, your child anticipates the coming holiday. These could be new books, or books from the library.
Another idea is to purchase games that have to do with reading. Some examples are Scrabble, Boggle, Apples-to-Apples or a trivia game where the participants have to read what is on the cards.
Baking holiday treats together is a great way to learn to read, follow directions and work on math all at the same time.
As we get even closer to the holidays, I will be sharing more ideas with you.
Friday, November 1, 2013
Friday, October 25, 2013
For the Week of October 28th
Chess Club
Both the Wednesday and Thursday Chess Clubs will meet this week. We are working on getting the knights and bishops out into the middle at the beginning of the game and castling as fast as we can.
Many parents ask me for tips on what they can do at home to help their child with his/her reading. The best advise I can give is to read! Just like practicing an instrument or an athletic skill, practicing helps. The student should spend time reading to themselves, reading to a parent/guardian and listening to reading. Discussing what the student read will also help them build their comprehension skills. The books your child reads to themselves should be very easy for them to read. They should be able to read almost all of the words on each page and understand what they are reading. Those books that he/she reads to you can be a little bit harder (but not too discouraging) because you can help him/her with some words. The books that you read to him/her can be even harder, because that will increase vocabulary and help him/her to understand the way good writing sounds. Please do not underestimate how important reading with your child is for improving your child's reading skills
Coupon Books for Sale through Tuesday the 29th!
Both the Wednesday and Thursday Chess Clubs will meet this week. We are working on getting the knights and bishops out into the middle at the beginning of the game and castling as fast as we can.
Reading at Home
Many parents ask me for tips on what they can do at home to help their child with his/her reading. The best advise I can give is to read! Just like practicing an instrument or an athletic skill, practicing helps. The student should spend time reading to themselves, reading to a parent/guardian and listening to reading. Discussing what the student read will also help them build their comprehension skills. The books your child reads to themselves should be very easy for them to read. They should be able to read almost all of the words on each page and understand what they are reading. Those books that he/she reads to you can be a little bit harder (but not too discouraging) because you can help him/her with some words. The books that you read to him/her can be even harder, because that will increase vocabulary and help him/her to understand the way good writing sounds. Please do not underestimate how important reading with your child is for improving your child's reading skills
Coupon Books for Sale through Tuesday the 29th!
The PTO is selling coupon books this year to help fund the purchase of tablets for our students. If you wish to purchase a book, please send in $25 made payable to the Prairieview PTO. If you do not wish to buy the book, please send it back with your student. The deadline is October 29th. The books have some great local coupons in them and really pay for themselves while the school gets half the money of all books sold! The grade that sells the most books (15 books minimum) will get a movie and a treat on Tuesday, November 26th and each grade level student who sells the most books (5 book minimum) will get a $100 Target gift card! Please contact Pam Topp (pam_topp@yahoo.com) or Maureen Gibbons (maureen.gibbons@comcast.net) if you have questions or would like more books to sell. There are some great holiday shopping discounts available....take a look!!!!
Friday, October 18, 2013
For the Week of October 21st
Half Day on Thursday
Students will be dismissed at 11:00 on Thursday, October 24th
Chess Club
Only Wednesday Chess Club will meet this week because of a half day on Thursday.
Many parents ask me for tips on what they can do at home to help their child with his/her reading. The best advise I can give is to read! Just like practicing an instrument or an athletic skill, practicing helps. The student should spend time reading to themselves, reading to a parent/guardian and listening to reading. Discussing what the student read will also help them build their comprehension skills. The books your child reads to themselves should be very easy for them to read. They should be able to read almost all of the words on each page and understand what they are reading. Those books that he/she reads to you can be a little bit harder (but not too discouraging) because you can help him/her with some words. The books that you read to him/her can be even harder, because that will increase vocabulary and help him/her to understand the way good writing sounds. Please do not underestimate how important reading with your child is for improving your child's reading skills
Coupon Books for Sale!
Students will be dismissed at 11:00 on Thursday, October 24th
Chess Club
Only Wednesday Chess Club will meet this week because of a half day on Thursday.
Reading at Home
Many parents ask me for tips on what they can do at home to help their child with his/her reading. The best advise I can give is to read! Just like practicing an instrument or an athletic skill, practicing helps. The student should spend time reading to themselves, reading to a parent/guardian and listening to reading. Discussing what the student read will also help them build their comprehension skills. The books your child reads to themselves should be very easy for them to read. They should be able to read almost all of the words on each page and understand what they are reading. Those books that he/she reads to you can be a little bit harder (but not too discouraging) because you can help him/her with some words. The books that you read to him/her can be even harder, because that will increase vocabulary and help him/her to understand the way good writing sounds. Please do not underestimate how important reading with your child is for improving your child's reading skills
Coupon Books for Sale!
The PTO is selling coupon books this year to help fund the purchase of tablets for our students. If you wish to purchase a book, please send in $25 made payable to the Prairieview PTO. If you do not wish to buy the book, please send it back with your student. The deadline is October 29th. The books have some great local coupons in them and really pay for themselves while the school gets half the money of all books sold! The grade that sells the most books (15 books minimum) will get a movie and a treat on Tuesday, November 26th and each grade level student who sells the most books (5 book minimum) will get a $100 Target gift card! Please contact Pam Topp (pam_topp@yahoo.com) or Maureen Gibbons (maureen.gibbons@comcast.net) if you have questions or would like more books to sell. There are some great holiday shopping discounts available....take a look!!!!
Friday, October 11, 2013
For the Week of October 14th
Columbus Day
There will be no school Monday, October 14th in observance of Columbus Day.
Many parents ask me for tips on what they can do at home to help their child with his/her reading. The best advise I can give is to read! Just like practicing an instrument or an athletic skill, practicing helps. The student should spend time reading to themselves, reading to a parent/guardian and listening to reading. Discussing what the student read will also help them build their comprehension skills. The books your child reads to themselves should be very easy for them to read. They should be able to read almost all of the words on each page and understand what they are reading. Those books that he/she reads to you can be a little bit harder (but not too discouraging) because you can help him/her with some words. The books that you read to him/her can be even harder, because that will increase vocabulary and help him/her to understand the way good writing sounds. Please do not underestimate how important reading with your child is for improving your child's reading skills
Coupon Books for Sale!
There will be no school Monday, October 14th in observance of Columbus Day.
Chess Club
Both chess clubs meet this week. We will be looking at ways to check mate our opponents.
Reading at Home
Many parents ask me for tips on what they can do at home to help their child with his/her reading. The best advise I can give is to read! Just like practicing an instrument or an athletic skill, practicing helps. The student should spend time reading to themselves, reading to a parent/guardian and listening to reading. Discussing what the student read will also help them build their comprehension skills. The books your child reads to themselves should be very easy for them to read. They should be able to read almost all of the words on each page and understand what they are reading. Those books that he/she reads to you can be a little bit harder (but not too discouraging) because you can help him/her with some words. The books that you read to him/her can be even harder, because that will increase vocabulary and help him/her to understand the way good writing sounds. Please do not underestimate how important reading with your child is for improving your child's reading skills
Coupon Books for Sale!
The PTO is
selling coupon books this year to help fund the purchase of tablets for our
students. If you wish to purchase a book, please send in $25 made payable to
the Prairieview PTO. If you do not wish to buy the book, please send it back
with your student. The deadline is October 29th. The books have some great
local coupons in them and really pay for themselves while the school gets half
the money of all books sold! The grade that sells the most books (15 books
minimum) will get a movie and a treat on Tuesday, November 26th and each grade
level student who sells the most books (5 book minimum) will get a $100 Target
gift card! Please contact Pam Topp (pam_topp@yahoo.com) or Maureen Gibbons (maureen.gibbons@comcast.net) if
you have questions or would like more books to sell. There are some great
holiday shopping discounts available....take a look!!!!
Friday, October 4, 2013
Friday, September 27, 2013
For the Week of September 30th
Chess Club
Both club's first meeting went well this past week. We will be meeting again this week. We will be working on making sure we understand check mate and how to win the game.
Reading at Home
Many parents ask me for tips on what they can do at home to help their child with his/her reading. The best advise I can give is to read! Just like practicing an instrument or an athletic skill, practicing helps. The student should spend time reading to themselves, reading to a parent/guardian and listening to reading. Discussing what the student read will also help them build their comprehension skills. The books your child reads to themselves should be very easy for them to read. They should be able to read almost all of the words on each page and understand what they are reading. Those books that he/she reads to you can be a little bit harder (but not too discouraging) because you can help him/her with some words. The books that you read to him/her can be even harder, because that will increase vocabulary and help him/her to understand the way good writing sounds. Please do not underestimate how important reading with your child is for improving your child's reading skills.
Both club's first meeting went well this past week. We will be meeting again this week. We will be working on making sure we understand check mate and how to win the game.
Reading at Home
Many parents ask me for tips on what they can do at home to help their child with his/her reading. The best advise I can give is to read! Just like practicing an instrument or an athletic skill, practicing helps. The student should spend time reading to themselves, reading to a parent/guardian and listening to reading. Discussing what the student read will also help them build their comprehension skills. The books your child reads to themselves should be very easy for them to read. They should be able to read almost all of the words on each page and understand what they are reading. Those books that he/she reads to you can be a little bit harder (but not too discouraging) because you can help him/her with some words. The books that you read to him/her can be even harder, because that will increase vocabulary and help him/her to understand the way good writing sounds. Please do not underestimate how important reading with your child is for improving your child's reading skills.
Friday, September 20, 2013
For the Week of September 23rd
Chess Club
Chess Club begins this week. Both the Wednesday and Thursday clubs will be meeting. Please make sure to pick up your student by the 3rd grade door by 3:30. Thank you!
Friday is Half Day!
Friday, September 27th, is a half day of school. Children will be dismissed at 11:00 AM.
Chess Club begins this week. Both the Wednesday and Thursday clubs will be meeting. Please make sure to pick up your student by the 3rd grade door by 3:30. Thank you!
Friday is Half Day!
Friday, September 27th, is a half day of school. Children will be dismissed at 11:00 AM.
Friday, September 13, 2013
For the Week of September 16th
Chess Club
Chess Club is full! It was great to see the enthusiastic response that I received right away to join chess club. Slips will be going home the week of the 16th saying which club your child is in.
Daily Five
When your child comes home talking about the Daily Five, they are talking about a system that the teachers use to help students become better readers. The Daily Five includes five areas of reading that the students work on. Read to themselves, read to someone else, listen to reading, word work, and writing. The goal of the Daily Five is to foster literacy independence so that the teacher is free to work with small groups or individuals. Every student is engaged in literacy activities at the same time. They know what they are to be doing and they have a sense of urgency that what they are doing is important and meaningful.
Chess Club is full! It was great to see the enthusiastic response that I received right away to join chess club. Slips will be going home the week of the 16th saying which club your child is in.
Daily Five
When your child comes home talking about the Daily Five, they are talking about a system that the teachers use to help students become better readers. The Daily Five includes five areas of reading that the students work on. Read to themselves, read to someone else, listen to reading, word work, and writing. The goal of the Daily Five is to foster literacy independence so that the teacher is free to work with small groups or individuals. Every student is engaged in literacy activities at the same time. They know what they are to be doing and they have a sense of urgency that what they are doing is important and meaningful.
Friday, September 6, 2013
For the Week of September 9th
MAP and Aimsweb Testing
The majority of the MAP and Aimsweb testing is finished. The teachers are now reviewing the data to decide how best to meet the academic needs of each student.
Chess Club
Chess Club sign-up sheets will be going home this week. There will be a cut-off of 20 students per club and there will be two clubs. One will meet on Wednesdays after school and the other on Thursdays. Students who want to do more than one activity on the same day should be encouraged to decide which activity they would most like to be involved in.
The majority of the MAP and Aimsweb testing is finished. The teachers are now reviewing the data to decide how best to meet the academic needs of each student.
Chess Club
Chess Club sign-up sheets will be going home this week. There will be a cut-off of 20 students per club and there will be two clubs. One will meet on Wednesdays after school and the other on Thursdays. Students who want to do more than one activity on the same day should be encouraged to decide which activity they would most like to be involved in.
Friday, August 30, 2013
For the Week of September 2nd
Welcome Back!
I have been assigned to morning door duty every year I have been at Prairieview - and I enjoy it! It is fun to see the students come through the door eager to see what new things they will learn that day. It is especially fun the first week of school. I get to meet the new 3rd graders and all of the new students who have entered our school. So welcome back everyone. I am glad you are here.
Tests this Week
MAP testing is taking place this week. Tips for a successful test taker are:
I have been assigned to morning door duty every year I have been at Prairieview - and I enjoy it! It is fun to see the students come through the door eager to see what new things they will learn that day. It is especially fun the first week of school. I get to meet the new 3rd graders and all of the new students who have entered our school. So welcome back everyone. I am glad you are here.
Tests this Week
MAP testing is taking place this week. Tips for a successful test taker are:
- Get a good night's rest.
- Eat a nourishing breakfast.
- Receive encouragement from parents that they will do a good job on the test.
AIMSWEB benchmarking will also happen this week.
These tests are very important because teachers use the results to plan their instruction.
Friday, May 31, 2013
For the Week of June 3rd
Have a Wonderful Summer!
I hope each family has a wonderful summer. I am looking forward to next school year. Be safe.
End of Year School Picnic
I hope each family has a wonderful summer. I am looking forward to next school year. Be safe.
End of Year School Picnic
In the interest of ensuring that all students remain safe
while having fun during the school picnic, gym shoes will be the only
acceptable foot wear of the day. Little
toes and feet cannot play when bruised and abraded. If feet are not in proper
attire, students will not be allowed to participate in outdoor activities. Thank
you.
Friday, May 24, 2013
For the Week of May 27th
Looking Back
At the end of one school year there are a lot of things to get ready for the next school year. One of the things we do is review the data on each child. Where did they start this school year and where did they end? It is hard to measure growth on a daily basis because you may not be able to notice it. But when you look at the beginning and ending data you can see that they really did learn a lot this year. They worked hard. They know more. They are more mature. They can handle more responsibilities on their own. Thank you for another great school year with your children!
Prairieview Picnic
At the end of one school year there are a lot of things to get ready for the next school year. One of the things we do is review the data on each child. Where did they start this school year and where did they end? It is hard to measure growth on a daily basis because you may not be able to notice it. But when you look at the beginning and ending data you can see that they really did learn a lot this year. They worked hard. They know more. They are more mature. They can handle more responsibilities on their own. Thank you for another great school year with your children!
Prairieview Picnic
The PV picnic is scheduled for Monday, June 3. The PTO is asking that
students NOT wear flip flops that day due to the scheduled activities.
Friday, May 17, 2013
For the Week of May 20th
Summer Reading - It is not too early to begin thinking how you, as parents, are going to keep your child reading this summer. Many libraries have summer book clubs that help to encourage summer reading. If your child is a stubborn reader, it may help to hire an older student to come at a set time to read with your child each day. A junior high student would be perfect for this job, (maybe some budding teacher), and would probably be willing to work for a relatively small amount of money. Another idea is to have a set family reading time when everyone sits down and reads. This can be especially helpful if everyone gets a chance to tell the other members of the family what they have just read about or a favorite part of what they have read. So, I encourage you to be proactive about your child's summer reading program. Think carefully about what would fit into your family's schedule and plan ahead to make reading an important part of your child's summer activities.
Friday, May 10, 2013
For the Week of May 13th
Early Dismissal
Friday, May 17th is early dismissal. Students will be dismissed at 11:00 a.m.
MAP tests - I have been studying the MAP tests results and one trend I have noticed is that many student's scores go down in the fall after being away from school all summer. This doesn't have to happen. Providing children with fun but meaningful activities during the summer can help them to retain what they have learned. Some examples of ideas are to work on projects together which require reading and math. Baking can help their measurement and fraction skills along with reading and following directions. Making projects out of wood could require reading the directions and measuring accurately. Having your child plan and plant a small vegetable or flower garden where they have to read the directions about when to plant, how deep and how far apart can help them with their reading, and measuring. Maybe you want to teach your child about baseball averages and how they work. Planning your family vacation can be a very worthwhile learning adventure as the child figures out how far it is between stops, and how long it will take. They can research places of interest that your family might enjoy visiting. These examples will not seem like to school to your child, but will require them to do the same types of learning activities that we require of them. That is a win-win combination.
Summer Reading - It is not too early to begin thinking how you, as parents, are going to keep your child reading this summer. Many libraries have summer book clubs that help to encourage summer reading. If your child is a stubborn reader, it may help to hire an older student to come at a set time to read with your child each day. A junior high student would be perfect for this job, (maybe some budding teacher), and would probably be willing to work for a relatively small amount of money. Another idea is to have a set family reading time when everyone sits down and reads. This can be especially helpful if everyone gets a chance to tell the other members of the family what they have just read about or a favorite part of what they have read. So, I encourage you to be proactive about your child's summer reading program. Think carefully about what would fit into your family's schedule and plan ahead to make reading an important part of your child's summer activities.
Friday, May 17th is early dismissal. Students will be dismissed at 11:00 a.m.
MAP tests - I have been studying the MAP tests results and one trend I have noticed is that many student's scores go down in the fall after being away from school all summer. This doesn't have to happen. Providing children with fun but meaningful activities during the summer can help them to retain what they have learned. Some examples of ideas are to work on projects together which require reading and math. Baking can help their measurement and fraction skills along with reading and following directions. Making projects out of wood could require reading the directions and measuring accurately. Having your child plan and plant a small vegetable or flower garden where they have to read the directions about when to plant, how deep and how far apart can help them with their reading, and measuring. Maybe you want to teach your child about baseball averages and how they work. Planning your family vacation can be a very worthwhile learning adventure as the child figures out how far it is between stops, and how long it will take. They can research places of interest that your family might enjoy visiting. These examples will not seem like to school to your child, but will require them to do the same types of learning activities that we require of them. That is a win-win combination.
Summer Reading - It is not too early to begin thinking how you, as parents, are going to keep your child reading this summer. Many libraries have summer book clubs that help to encourage summer reading. If your child is a stubborn reader, it may help to hire an older student to come at a set time to read with your child each day. A junior high student would be perfect for this job, (maybe some budding teacher), and would probably be willing to work for a relatively small amount of money. Another idea is to have a set family reading time when everyone sits down and reads. This can be especially helpful if everyone gets a chance to tell the other members of the family what they have just read about or a favorite part of what they have read. So, I encourage you to be proactive about your child's summer reading program. Think carefully about what would fit into your family's schedule and plan ahead to make reading an important part of your child's summer activities.
Friday, May 3, 2013
For the Week of May 6th
MAP tests - I have been studying the MAP tests results and one trend I have noticed is that many student's scores go down in the fall after being away from school all summer. This doesn't have to happen. Providing children with fun but meaningful activities during the summer can help them to retain what they have learned. Some examples of ideas are to work on projects together which require reading and math. Baking can help their measurement and fraction skills along with reading and following directions. Making projects out of wood could require reading the directions and measuring accurately. Having your child plan and plant a small vegetable or flower garden where they have to read the directions about when to plant, how deep and how far apart can help them with their reading, and measuring. Maybe you want to teach your child about baseball averages and how they work. Planning your family vacation can be a very worthwhile learning adventure as the child figures out how far it is between stops, and how long it will take. They can research places of interest that your family might enjoy visiting. These examples will not seem like to school to your child, but will require them to do the same types of learning activities that we require of them. That is a win-win combination.
Summer Reading - It is not too early to begin thinking how you, as parents, are going to keep your child reading this summer. Many libraries have summer book clubs that help to encourage summer reading. If your child is a stubborn reader, it may help to hire an older student to come at a set time to read with your child each day. A junior high student would be perfect for this job, (maybe some budding teacher), and would probably be willing to work for a relatively small amount of money. Another idea is to have a set family reading time when everyone sits down and reads. This can be especially helpful if everyone gets a chance to tell the other members of the family what they have just read about or a favorite part of what they have read. So, I encourage you to be proactive about your child's summer reading program. Think carefully about what would fit into your family's schedule and plan ahead to make reading an important part of your child's summer activities.
Friday, April 26, 2013
For the Week of April 29th
Chess Club - Chess club is over for this school year. I have enjoyed working with your children. They have come a long way since the beginning of the year and it is nice to see the growth they have made in their game skills along with the growth they have made in good sportsmanship.
MAP testing and Benchmarking - This is a good week to make sure your child is well-rested and well-fed in the morning. Both the MAP testing and Aimsweb benchmarking are happening this week. We all want to see each child do their best and that can only happen if they feel awake and satisfied.
Summer Reading - It is not too early to begin thinking how you, as parents, are going to keep your child reading this summer. Many libraries have summer book clubs that help to encourage summer reading. If your child is a stubborn reader, it may help to hire an older student to come at a set time to read with your child each day. A junior high student would be perfect for this job, (maybe some budding teacher), and would probably be willing to work for a relatively small amount of money. Another idea is to have a set family reading time when everyone sits down and reads. This can be especially helpful if everyone gets a chance to tell the other members of the family what they have just read about or a favorite part of what they have read. So, I encourage you to be proactive about your child's summer reading program. Think carefully about what would fit into your family's schedule and plan ahead to make reading an important part of your child's summer activities.
MAP testing and Benchmarking - This is a good week to make sure your child is well-rested and well-fed in the morning. Both the MAP testing and Aimsweb benchmarking are happening this week. We all want to see each child do their best and that can only happen if they feel awake and satisfied.
Summer Reading - It is not too early to begin thinking how you, as parents, are going to keep your child reading this summer. Many libraries have summer book clubs that help to encourage summer reading. If your child is a stubborn reader, it may help to hire an older student to come at a set time to read with your child each day. A junior high student would be perfect for this job, (maybe some budding teacher), and would probably be willing to work for a relatively small amount of money. Another idea is to have a set family reading time when everyone sits down and reads. This can be especially helpful if everyone gets a chance to tell the other members of the family what they have just read about or a favorite part of what they have read. So, I encourage you to be proactive about your child's summer reading program. Think carefully about what would fit into your family's schedule and plan ahead to make reading an important part of your child's summer activities.
Friday, April 19, 2013
For the Week of April 22nd
Chess Club - This is the final week of chess club for this year. Both Wednesday's and Thursday's chess clubs will meet.
Open House and Book Fair - The open house and book fair has been rescheduled to Tuesday, April 23rd from 6:30 to 8:00. We hope that you will be able to join us to see all of the hard work your children have done in school and to enjoy some new books and ice cream.
Summer Reading - It is not too early to begin thinking how you, as parents, are going to keep your child reading this summer. Many libraries have summer book clubs that help to encourage summer reading. If your child is a stubborn reader, it may help to hire an older student to come at a set time to read with your child each day. A junior high student would be perfect for this job, (maybe some budding teacher), and would probably be willing to work for a relatively small amount of money. Another idea is to have a set family reading time when everyone sits down and reads. This can be especially helpful if everyone gets a chance to tell the other members of the family what they have just read about or a favorite part of what they have read. So, I encourage you to be proactive about your child's summer reading program. Think carefully about what would fit into your family's schedule and plan ahead to make reading an important part of your child's summer activities.
Open House and Book Fair - The open house and book fair has been rescheduled to Tuesday, April 23rd from 6:30 to 8:00. We hope that you will be able to join us to see all of the hard work your children have done in school and to enjoy some new books and ice cream.
Summer Reading - It is not too early to begin thinking how you, as parents, are going to keep your child reading this summer. Many libraries have summer book clubs that help to encourage summer reading. If your child is a stubborn reader, it may help to hire an older student to come at a set time to read with your child each day. A junior high student would be perfect for this job, (maybe some budding teacher), and would probably be willing to work for a relatively small amount of money. Another idea is to have a set family reading time when everyone sits down and reads. This can be especially helpful if everyone gets a chance to tell the other members of the family what they have just read about or a favorite part of what they have read. So, I encourage you to be proactive about your child's summer reading program. Think carefully about what would fit into your family's schedule and plan ahead to make reading an important part of your child's summer activities.
Thursday, April 11, 2013
For the Week of April 15th
Chess Club - Both Wednesday's and Thursday's Chess Clubs will be held this week. We will be looking at some games and letting the student figure out what move should come next.
Talent Show - Flyers about the annual talent show will be going out next week. Please watch for them to come home in your child's binder.
Good Reads - www.goodreads.com is a web site in which you can keep track of the books you have read, you can write notes or reviews about the books, keep track of books you want to read and can view other peoples posts about books. I have found it helpful. There are times I want to refer back to a book and if I look at my list and reviews, it helps to jog my memory on which book I am thinking of. You might enjoy Good Reads also.
Talent Show - Flyers about the annual talent show will be going out next week. Please watch for them to come home in your child's binder.
Good Reads - www.goodreads.com is a web site in which you can keep track of the books you have read, you can write notes or reviews about the books, keep track of books you want to read and can view other peoples posts about books. I have found it helpful. There are times I want to refer back to a book and if I look at my list and reviews, it helps to jog my memory on which book I am thinking of. You might enjoy Good Reads also.
Friday, April 5, 2013
For the Week of April 8th
Chess Club - There is no chess club this week because of parent-teacher conferences.
Tuesday - Inservice Day
Tuesday, April 9th, there will be no school. The teachers are having an inservice day.
Friday, April 12th - no school.
Reflection
Today, my small group of 4th grade students got finished with their lesson early. They had seen that I had started the 3rd grade students on the books we read together at the end of the year. These 4th graders had read the same books at the end of last year and they were begging me to read them again. I had been telling them that they were too old for these books (although I still enjoy them very much!) But, since we had a little extra time today, I said that we could read one of them together until the end of the period. With great excitement and relish they began to read out loud to each other. What caught my attention was the way they were reading - easily, with expression and confidently. A little progress in reading every day adds to a whole lot of progress by the end of the school year - but it is hard to notice that progress when it is such a gradual thing. I remembered how they had read that same book a year ago, and I was thrilled with their progress.
Tuesday - Inservice Day
Tuesday, April 9th, there will be no school. The teachers are having an inservice day.
Friday, April 12th - no school.
Reflection
Today, my small group of 4th grade students got finished with their lesson early. They had seen that I had started the 3rd grade students on the books we read together at the end of the year. These 4th graders had read the same books at the end of last year and they were begging me to read them again. I had been telling them that they were too old for these books (although I still enjoy them very much!) But, since we had a little extra time today, I said that we could read one of them together until the end of the period. With great excitement and relish they began to read out loud to each other. What caught my attention was the way they were reading - easily, with expression and confidently. A little progress in reading every day adds to a whole lot of progress by the end of the school year - but it is hard to notice that progress when it is such a gradual thing. I remembered how they had read that same book a year ago, and I was thrilled with their progress.
Friday, March 22, 2013
For the Week of April 1st
Chess Club
Chess club will meet both Wednesday and Thursday. The students are working on ways to put a king in check mate.
Earth Shirts
The Earth Shirts have arrived and will be sent home this week. Watch for them if you ordered one.
Chess club will meet both Wednesday and Thursday. The students are working on ways to put a king in check mate.
Earth Shirts
The Earth Shirts have arrived and will be sent home this week. Watch for them if you ordered one.
Friday, March 15, 2013
For the Week of March 18th
Early Dismissal
Tuesday, March 19th is early dismissal day. Students will be dismissed from Prairieview at 11:00.
Chess Club
Both Wednesday's and Thursday's chess clubs are meeting this week. We have been studying the difference between a check, checkmate and stalemate. We will also be reviewing pawn rules including promotion.
Tuesday, March 19th is early dismissal day. Students will be dismissed from Prairieview at 11:00.
Chess Club
Both Wednesday's and Thursday's chess clubs are meeting this week. We have been studying the difference between a check, checkmate and stalemate. We will also be reviewing pawn rules including promotion.
Friday, March 8, 2013
For the Week of March 11th
Chess Club
Chess Club will meet both Wednesday and Thursday. We have a lot of students in Thursday's club. If anyone would like to switch to Wednesday, it would be helpful. Please email me if your child can switch.
Community Service Project
The Prairieview PBIS team is extending a wonderful opportunity to begin the new year with a community service project. We will be holding a Food Pantry Drive at school for the West Suburban Community Pantry in Woodridge from March 11-15. Boxes will be provided in each classroom to collect the non-perishable food items. Girl Scout Troop 50251, comprised of third and fourth grade students from Prairieview, has graciously volunteered to pack up and deliver the donated food on March 16th. Thank you in advance for your generosity of spirit and deed!
Chess Club will meet both Wednesday and Thursday. We have a lot of students in Thursday's club. If anyone would like to switch to Wednesday, it would be helpful. Please email me if your child can switch.
Community Service Project
The Prairieview PBIS team is extending a wonderful opportunity to begin the new year with a community service project. We will be holding a Food Pantry Drive at school for the West Suburban Community Pantry in Woodridge from March 11-15. Boxes will be provided in each classroom to collect the non-perishable food items. Girl Scout Troop 50251, comprised of third and fourth grade students from Prairieview, has graciously volunteered to pack up and deliver the donated food on March 16th. Thank you in advance for your generosity of spirit and deed!
Friday, March 1, 2013
For the Week of March 4th
Chess Club
Both chess clubs will meet this week. We will be studying the rules of moving the pawn.
ISAT Tests
ISAT tests begin this week. This is a very important week for all students to get a good night's sleep and to eat a nourishing breakfast. We want everyone to be able to do their personal best on these tests.
Both chess clubs will meet this week. We will be studying the rules of moving the pawn.
ISAT Tests
ISAT tests begin this week. This is a very important week for all students to get a good night's sleep and to eat a nourishing breakfast. We want everyone to be able to do their personal best on these tests.
Friday, February 22, 2013
For the Week of February 25th
Chess Club
Chess club will meet on Wednesday and Thursday this week. We have been working on making sure that we have a true checkmate and not a stalemate.
Early Dismissal
Tuesday, February 26th is early dismissal day. Prairieview students will be dismissed at 11:00 a.m.
Earth Day Shirts
The deadline for submitting the Earth Day Shirt order form is this Friday, March 1st. If you lost your form, you can print one off from the Prairieview website.
Lexia
Prairieview has licenses to use the Lexia reading program at home. Among other things, it helps students to use their phonics skills to read two syllable words. It also helps students to read and spell sight words. If this sounds like something you would like your child to do, please email me and I will set it up and send the paperwork home with your child.
Chess club will meet on Wednesday and Thursday this week. We have been working on making sure that we have a true checkmate and not a stalemate.
Early Dismissal
Tuesday, February 26th is early dismissal day. Prairieview students will be dismissed at 11:00 a.m.
Earth Day Shirts
The deadline for submitting the Earth Day Shirt order form is this Friday, March 1st. If you lost your form, you can print one off from the Prairieview website.
Lexia
Prairieview has licenses to use the Lexia reading program at home. Among other things, it helps students to use their phonics skills to read two syllable words. It also helps students to read and spell sight words. If this sounds like something you would like your child to do, please email me and I will set it up and send the paperwork home with your child.
Friday, February 15, 2013
For the Week of February 11th
Chess Club
Both Wednesday's and Thursday's chess clubs will meet this week. Wednesday's will be learning about stalemate and Thursday's will be learning about check and check mate. Please remember to pick your child up by 3:30.
Listening Skills
Make a game out of listening skills. Give your child a direction and see if they can repeat it back to you. Then give them two directions and see if they can repeat both of them back to you. See how many directions your child can repeat back to you as you increase the number. You can also play this where the child carries out the directions. An example might be: Pick up the pencil on the table and put it in the drawer and then straighten the pillows on the sofa. Many children are so used to listening while being presented with visual clues that it is difficult for them to comprehend while only listening. Listening skills are important in a school setting and anything we can do to help our children to listen more carefully will be beneficial to them.
Both Wednesday's and Thursday's chess clubs will meet this week. Wednesday's will be learning about stalemate and Thursday's will be learning about check and check mate. Please remember to pick your child up by 3:30.
Listening Skills
Make a game out of listening skills. Give your child a direction and see if they can repeat it back to you. Then give them two directions and see if they can repeat both of them back to you. See how many directions your child can repeat back to you as you increase the number. You can also play this where the child carries out the directions. An example might be: Pick up the pencil on the table and put it in the drawer and then straighten the pillows on the sofa. Many children are so used to listening while being presented with visual clues that it is difficult for them to comprehend while only listening. Listening skills are important in a school setting and anything we can do to help our children to listen more carefully will be beneficial to them.
Friday, February 8, 2013
For the Week of February 11th
Chess Club
Wednesday's chess club will meet this week. There will be no Thursday chess club. We will be learning about and reviewing how to check mate your opponent.
Happy Valentine's Day
Happy Valentine's Day. I hope everyone feels a special love and appreciation for people in your lives. I appreciate your children as my students. They are a wonderful group of children and they help to make my life happy.
Wednesday's chess club will meet this week. There will be no Thursday chess club. We will be learning about and reviewing how to check mate your opponent.
Happy Valentine's Day
Happy Valentine's Day. I hope everyone feels a special love and appreciation for people in your lives. I appreciate your children as my students. They are a wonderful group of children and they help to make my life happy.
Friday, February 1, 2013
For the Week of February 4th
Chess Club
Both Wednesday and Thursday Chess Clubs meet this week. Please make sure to pick your students up by 3:30.
Books on Tape
If your student feels like they are too old to be read to, introduce them to audio books. Listening to books that are too hard for them to read to themselves will help them improve their vocabulary. It can be a relaxing, enjoyable, experience that may transition into reading on their own if they are a reluctant reader. Check out the local library - they have a wide selection of audio books.
Both Wednesday and Thursday Chess Clubs meet this week. Please make sure to pick your students up by 3:30.
Books on Tape
If your student feels like they are too old to be read to, introduce them to audio books. Listening to books that are too hard for them to read to themselves will help them improve their vocabulary. It can be a relaxing, enjoyable, experience that may transition into reading on their own if they are a reluctant reader. Check out the local library - they have a wide selection of audio books.
Friday, January 25, 2013
For the Week of January 28th
Chess Club
Wednesday's chess club will meet February 6, 13, 20, 27; March 6, 13, 20; April 3, 17, 24.
Thursday's chess club will meet January 30; February 7, 21, 28; March 7, 14, 21; April 4, 18, 25.
I can still use more parent helpers. You do not need to know how to play chess to help out. You do not have to commit to being there every session. Pick the sessions you are available. Please send me an email if you are interested in helping.
Car Games
Someone starts by saying either a 3 letter word such as "man" or a 4 letter word such as "came." The next person in the car must change one letter in the word to make a new word. So "man" might become "map" and "came" might become "name." You keep taking turns changing the word until you run out of words. You can only use each word once. Someone can keep track and see how many words you can make before you can't think of any more.
Wednesday's chess club will meet February 6, 13, 20, 27; March 6, 13, 20; April 3, 17, 24.
Thursday's chess club will meet January 30; February 7, 21, 28; March 7, 14, 21; April 4, 18, 25.
I can still use more parent helpers. You do not need to know how to play chess to help out. You do not have to commit to being there every session. Pick the sessions you are available. Please send me an email if you are interested in helping.
Car Games
Someone starts by saying either a 3 letter word such as "man" or a 4 letter word such as "came." The next person in the car must change one letter in the word to make a new word. So "man" might become "map" and "came" might become "name." You keep taking turns changing the word until you run out of words. You can only use each word once. Someone can keep track and see how many words you can make before you can't think of any more.
Friday, January 18, 2013
For the Week of January 21st
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
There will be no school on Monday, January 21st due to the celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Chess Clubs
The registration deadline for joining chess club is Wednesday, January 23rd. There are a lot of students who have signed up for chess club so we may have to split Wednesday's group and Thursday's group into two groups and have the students come every other week. I will be sending notices home with each child as to the dates that their club meets shortly after registration closes.
Friday, January 11, 2013
For the Week of January 14th
Chess Club
Now is the time to sign up for Chess Club. Forms went home last week. If you did not see one come home with your child, have him or her pick one up in the office or print out one from the Prairieview website. Forms are due back by Wednesday, January 23rd.
Big Words
Don't be afraid to use big words with small children. Small children can learn the definitions even if it is hard for them to pronounce the words, especially if they hear the words used over and over again. Understanding and using academic vocabulary is part of the new common core state standards. The more we use this type of language, the easier it will be for our students to understand it.
Now is the time to sign up for Chess Club. Forms went home last week. If you did not see one come home with your child, have him or her pick one up in the office or print out one from the Prairieview website. Forms are due back by Wednesday, January 23rd.
Big Words
Don't be afraid to use big words with small children. Small children can learn the definitions even if it is hard for them to pronounce the words, especially if they hear the words used over and over again. Understanding and using academic vocabulary is part of the new common core state standards. The more we use this type of language, the easier it will be for our students to understand it.
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