Week 6

Class Notes

Reminders:

Our students have been writing up a storm! As we dive into the new Fishtank Learning program, I’ve found that students would benefit from having a 1-inch, 3-ring binder to keep their writing organized and easy to access. If possible, please send one in for your child within the next few weeks. If this presents a hardship, please don’t worry—I’ll have extras available so every student has what they need to be successful.

Please send in a family snapshot for our "We are Family" classroom display; we are waiting for just a few more.

There will be no school on Thursday in observance of Yom Kippur.

Fundations
We will continue with Unit 2, focusing on adding suffixes to root words. Students will review the following suffixes: -s, -es, -ed, -ing, -ive, -able, -en, -er, -est, -ish, -y, -ful, -less, -ness, -ly, -ty, and -ment. They will learn that: Vowel suffixes begin with a vowel (-es, -ed, -ing, -ive, -able, -en, -er, -est, -ish, -y). Consonant suffixes begin with a consonant (-s, -ful, -less, -ness, -ly, -ty, -ment). Suffixes are added to the end of a word to create new words (for example, stronger or tallest).

Reading
We are beginning our second chapter book, My Name is María Isabel by Alma Flor Ada. In this story, students explore different aspects of identity and reflect on how we should treat people whose identities may differ from our own. Through María Isabel’s experiences, they will learn the importance of respecting and valuing names while also considering their own identities and getting to know more about their classmates.

Writing
Students are editing their realistic fiction stories and learning how to add dialogue to bring their stories to life. Students will practice punctuating dialogue so their readers can easily follow the conversation. 

Math
We are continuing Section B; Understanding Multiplication, which focuses on representing and solving multiplication problems involving equal groups. Students are developing a strong understanding of multiplication in terms of equal groups.

Science
Our scientists are learning about the adaptations of isopods and other animals, exploring how these adaptations help them survive in their habitats. We’ll also consider how changes to habitats affect survival.

Social-Emotional Learning

Students will learn about the “Size of the Problem,” a strategy to help them match their reactions to the size of a problem. Through games and role-play, they will practice telling the difference between small, medium, and big problems and discuss appropriate ways to respond. This helps students build self-control, problem-solving skills, and empathy.

Mystery Reader
A big thank-you to our room parents, Carolyn and Kim, for organizing our Mystery Reader program! Would you like to be our next Mystery Reader? Click HERE to sign up.

Repeat Announcements

Scholastic Book Ordering:

If you would like to order books through Scholastic Book Clubs, our online ordering code is DPC2T (purchasing online is required).  SHOP OUR CLASS PAGE. By building your home library with Scholastic, you will also be helping to build our classroom library. The more books students order, the more free books we get for our classroom library!

Library Reminder: 

Our book swap day in the Media Center is every Wednesday. Please help your child remember to return their library books.

Links for more information: 

Click HERE for home support materials for  Unit 2 of Fundations

Click HERE  for home support materials for Unit 1 of Fundations

Special Subject Schedule

Monday -- Art

Tuesday -- P.E. & Spanish

Wednesday -- Media

Thursday -- P.E.

Friday -- Music & Spanish

Important Dates

Thursday, October 2nd -- No School, Yom Kippur

Wednesday, October 8th -- Early Release Day, 12:15 dismissal

Monday, October 13th -- No School, Indigenous Peoples Day

Thursday, October 16th -- Curriculum Night

Wednesday, October 22nd -- Early Release Day, 12:15 dismissal

Created 9/2025

Jennifer_ramras@needham.k12.ma.us