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The Harrahill Herald
Mrs. Harrahill's News for Sept. 7th-11th, 2015
Anderson Grove's Purpose & Direction
Direction: In collaboration with families and community, our direction is to support and prepare all students for success through high expectations and individualized learning in a safe and positive environment.
Values & Beliefs:
Family Atmosphere
Collaboration and Communication
Integrity
Continuous Improvement
3 Be’s – Be Safe, Be Respectful, Be Responsible
Be Known
Anderson Grove is Known for Being a. . .
Collaborative
Dedicated
Positive
Community
Upcoming Events
Sept. 7 - NO SCHOOL- Labor Day
Sept. 8 - Boosterathon Pep Rally
Sept. 14 - PTO Meeting - 6:30 in the Library
Sept. 17 - Boosterthon FUN RUN at AG! (3rd grade @ 9:30-10:25)
Sept. 17 - Skate Night at Skate City - 5:30-7:30
Sept. 22 - School PicturesSept. 23 - Boosterthon Fun Run money due
Sept. 25 - NO SCHOOL - Staff Development
Notes from the Editor
- No School: There is no school on Monday, September 7th due to Labor Day. Enjoy your three-day weekend!
- Homework: There is no homework this week. Students should still read for at least 20 minutes a day and practice spelling words for at least 15 minutes a day.
Sports News - by Mr. McMahon, P.E. Teacher
"The Fun Run is Coming! The Fun Run is Coming!" by PTO
Specials Schedule
Tuesday (Day 4) - Art
Wednesday (Day 5) - Music
Thursday (Day 6) - Media & Library Checkout
Friday (Day 7) - P.E.
Current Events
Reading
In Class: Readers will continue practicing the comprehension strategy "Plan and Monitor" as they learn about characteristics of realistic fiction texts. This week they'll focus on the reading skill analyzing characters.
At Home: When reading with your child, practice analyzing characters. Remind them that readers can learn about characters by finding examples of what they say and do. (This gives clues about characters' traits and feelings. As you read, think of what you're learning about the main characters based on the evidence you read in the book. Ask questions like, "What do _______'s words tell you about him and his feelings?" or "_________ says ... This shows that he/she..."
Writing
In Class: Writers will continue to build their stamina for writing as they begin the first unit - personal narratives. (This builds off of the "small moments" they studied in 1st and 2nd grade.) The first strategy that writers will learn is how to generate ideas for a story.
Spelling
In Class: Students continue to learn about spelling routine activities ("Must Do") and choice activities ("May Do") as they practice their understanding of the short a (like in "cat") and short o (like in "sock") vowel patterns.
At Home: Students brought home a blue "sort" with their handwritten words (along with a list of their new words). Help your child create heading cards on two of the blank ones: "short a" and "short o." Have your child cut out each card. Help him/her practice sounding out the words, specifically listening for one of the short vowel sounds. Once the vowel sound/pattern is identified, your child can sort that card under the appropriate heading.
Math
In Class: Mathematicians will review basic addition facts and work on understanding equivalent numbers (same number, different combinations). They'll also be reinforcing their understanding of place value and "Make 10" facts by learning to play the game "Close to 100."
At Home: Encourage your child to practice his/her addition facts by playing Close to 100 at home! You can find the directions and recording sheet at these links. For digit cards, use a deck of cards that you have at home. Remove all face cards and "10" cards. Aces are worth 1. (The last link is a resource for Papillion La Vista parents with students in 3rd grade. It has an informational video for parents to better understand how our addition and subtraction units are taught via Math Investigations.)
Close to 100 Recording Sheet
PAPLV Math HelpDesk for Parents
Social Studies
In Class: Historians will review facts they learned about explorers, early communities and colonies, and how they influenced our lives today. They will begin studying about the causes and effects of the American Revolution - how the English colonies got tired of the King's taxes and laws. Vocabulary: tax, protest, legislature, patriot, independence, revolution, constitution, government, democracy, represent, liberty, legislative branch, executive branch, judicial branch, Congress, representatives, bill, veto, Cabinet, mayor, council, governor, & census.
At Home: Discuss what independence means to your child and family today. Connect it with the patriots that stood up against King George back in the late 1700s. Check out the following links with your child!
U.S. History
Stamp Act
Road to Revolution
Branches of Government Game