Ms. Ambrose's Web Page

June - Our studies in math will center around fact families.

Unit 9, in Fundations, will help us learn a little about syllables.  The children will be working with only one kind of syllable - a closed syllable.  A closed syllable is defined as having one short vowel followed by one or more consonants. 

The children will learn much more about syllables as a part of their second grade curriculum.

Our reading workshop time is one of the most exciting times of the day.  We have started using a new center which we call the trick word center.  The children work in a small group at this center.  After reviewing the trick (sight) words, the children choose a card with a trick word on it.  They spell the word using letter tiles and write the word twice.

At our word work center the children will be doing activities utilizing consonant blends and contractions.

The children are now reading a variety of types of books.  When we are using our reading a to z books, I am trying to alternate between fiction and nonfiction (informational text). 

May is zoo month.  During this month, we will work on a variety of activites to learn how to be a writer of nonfiction.  We will start by using a graphic organizer for note taking.  Each child has chosen an animal to research.  On our trip to the zoo, the children will visit their animal and spend some time observing it.  Upon our return, during the weeks of May 17 and 24, the children will write an animal report including details from their original note taking forms and their observations of the animal at the zoo.

Our science studies this month will include learning about animals in a variety of habitats - the rain forest, the grasslands, woodland.  The main focus will be on the animals of the rain forest and the African plains.