Happy Birthday Kansas!

Happy Birthday Kansas!
Last week we celebrated the birthday of our great state! We have spent so much time studying the Native American tribes and first explorers from Kansas. Last Monday we reviewed out state symbols, sang our state song, and even made our own “edible Kansas”!
In math we have been studying about “smart groupings”. Smart groups are pairs of numbers that equal 10. The equation (8+2)+3=13. By using this strategy and identifying a 10 team, we are learning a quicker way to count on when adding three digit numbers. This week we are beginning adding and subtracting with an unknown addend. 12-___= 5. This is probably the hardest concept of the quarter. Thank you for all of your support at home with homework!
In Storytown we have really been focusing on long vowel patterns. It is fun to see the kids pick out these patterns in their reading! This week we are working on long A patterns –ay, ai, and a_e. Our comprehension skill of cause and effect will carry over into this week. Have conversations with your child at home when reading about cause and effect examples you might find in their book.
In social studies we are working on our mapping skills and have been taking a look at our place on a map. This was a great subject to transition into after studying so much about our state. Your kiddos are excited to share many of the projects we have been working on at conferences with you next week! Speaking of conferences…. Thank you so much for returning conferences schedules! I am looking forward to seeing you and having your child share many special things from this quarter with you! If you have any questions on time please let me know.