Author: Windows User

October News
Topics of the Month / In social studies, we will wrap up our First PYP unit “Who we are”. We will also introduce October’s Cookies for Character learner profile and attitude which is “Inquirer/Thinker”. This trait teaches your child about creativity, enthusiasm, and independence. We will also begin our new IB unit called “How We Express Ourselves,” which is an inquiry into the ways in which we discover and express ideas, feelings, nature, culture, beliefs and values; the ways in which we reflect on, extend and enjoy our creativity; our appreciation of the aesthetic. The central idea is that symbols are used to represent information, beliefs, and values of a culture. / In math, we will also wrap up our counting unit, and begin our next math unit of the year which will be on shapes! Students will need to identify both 2D and 3D shapes and recognize them regardless of their orientations or overall size. Students will also learn to describe objects in the environment using names of shapes, and describe the relative positions of these objects using terms such as above, below, beside, in front of, behind, and next to. Can your student make a picture book about some of the shapes you have around your house? What shapes did they find? Were they 2D or 3D? / In writing, our new writing unit consists of If/Then writing and labeling. We will discuss observing, labeling, and listing like scientists. This unit is designed to help children develop the foundational skills that will put them in good stead as they move from emergent toward conventional reading and writing. / In reading, we will continue to make our way through the “Units of Study” curriculum. This unit is divided into three bends or sections throughout our time of study. Throughout Bend I, the kids will learn that readers reread and look closely at books they know well to make their reading sound like a story. In Bend II, the kids will learn that readers reread and write words to look closely and notice more in the story, and in Bend III, the kids will learn that readers invent fun things to do with books they know really well and have studied closely. We will also be continuing our phonics lessons, read-aloud, and shared text that teachers will read every day. Students will be working to answer comprehension questions to better understand what they have read.
Upcoming Important Dates / October 5th– No school for kids / October 6th– Conferences / October 9th– No School for / Columbus Day! / October 13th– Riverwood Homecoming / parade / October 19th- Report cards go home / October 18th– Fall Picture re-takes / October 21st– Harvest Festival / October 31st– Storybook Character Day	Standards for the Month / Math / MGSEK.G.1. Describe objects in the environment using names of shapes, and describe the relative positions of these objects using terms such as above, below, beside, in front of, behind, and next to. / MGSEK.G.2. Correctly name shapes regardless of their orientations or overall size. / MGSEK.G.3. Identify shapes as two-dimensional (lying in a plane, “flat”) or three dimensional (“solid”). / MGSEK.G.4. Analyze and compare two- and three-dimensional shapes, in different sizes and orientations, using informal language to describe their similarities, differences, parts (e.g., number of sides and vertices/“corners”) and other attributes (e.g., having sides of equal length). / MGSEK.G.5. Model shapes in the world by building shapes from components (e.g., sticks and clay balls) and drawing shapes. / MGSEK.G.6. Compose simple shapes to form larger shapes. / MGSEK.MD.3. Classify objects into given categories; count the numbers of objects in each category and sort the categories by count. / Reading / ELAGSEKRL1: With prompting and support, ask and answer questions / about key details in a text. / ELACCKRF4: Read emergent-reader texts with understanding. / Social Studies / Our new unit is called How We Express Ourselves / SSKCG2 Positive Character Traits / SSKH1: Holidays and Celebrations / SSKH2: American Symbols / SKPI: Sorting objects by attribute (Veterans Day, Independence Day, Memorial Day, / Flag Day)
October Challenge: / To extend what we are learning at school, have your student create a pumpkin seed counting book! You can use skip counting or counting by ones!

IB Corner
We have started our first IB unit “Who we are”. We are discussing roles and responsibilities of citizens, communities and community helpers not only in our community, but around the world. Students are also inquiring about their roles in the community and how they can make a difference in the world around them. We are so excited to be able to talk to the community helpers that have volunteered and learn more about their roles in their communities in different countries!
Transdisciplinary theme: How We Express Ourselves
Central Idea: Symbols are used to represent information, beliefs, and values of a culture.
Lines of Inquiry:
Symbols and people that represent our country and our community (perspective)
Symbols and people that represent countries around the world (perspective)
How positive character traits can shape an individual (reflection/responsibility)
Related Concepts: Beliefs, Interpretations, Values
Transdisciplinary skills: Thanking Skills, Communication, Social Skills
Learner Profile: Inquirer/Thinker
Key Concepts: perspective, connection, responsibility
Attitudes: appreciation, creativity, respect
Thanks so much for helping us raise global learners!

Digital Citizenship
Our school is also working to become a “Digital Citizenship” certified school. What is digital citizenship? This is when students learn to stay safe on computers and devices such as IPads. Our media/technology specialist, Ms. Severson, will be teaching students different lessons on the following: searching online using the alphabet, following rules online to stay safe, not giving out private information, giving themselves and others credit for work, and staying away from “cyberbullies.”
For more information, please visit the following website:
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/educators/digital-citizenship