News for Parents and Guardians
Parents,
In 2022 our focus will be a book study on The Hatchet Series. We are learning about survival in the wilderness; in addition to the different geographic areas in the United States and Canada. The class is also studying the types of wild life found in upper New York state and Canada.
Hatchet was written by Gary Paulsen. In this novel, thirteen year old Brian is flying on a bush plane when the pilot suddenly has a heart attack and dies. Brian manages to keep the plane level until it crashes into a lake. Brian survives the crash, but that is just the beginning.
In addition to our book studies we are using the Failure Free Reading Methodology, Steck-Vaughn Vocabulary, Making Words, and Reading Eggs. Failure Free Reading is for students who have difficulty with phonics. Steck-Vaughn increases vocabulary. Making Words is another reading methodology targeting word families (e.g. an, ag, ot, etc.). All of the words rhyme. Each reading methodology and book study has a writing component, as writing is an extension of reading. Reading Eggs is an online program which targets individual needs.
In math, we are learning with Zearn and the Numeracy Project. Our class uses Zearn for small group and individualized learning and the Numeracy Project to target individual needs. Additionally, we use MathSeeds as another individualized online math program.
All of our reading and math programs have data on each student.
Every Monday students receive a packet of weekly homework which is due by Friday morning. The only exceptions are weeks three days or shorter and weeks with multiple special schoolwide events.