We've been very busy this week learning about contractions.  Contractions are pairs of words that are combined with an apostrophe.  For example, couldn't is the contraction for could not, didn't is the contraction for did not and we're is the contraction for we are.   How many contractions can you find in this message?  Tell me tomorrow and get three tickets!   Use the attached link to play a fun contraction concentration game! http://www.learninggamesforkids.com/word_games/vocabulary-games/contract...   Remember to practice your addition and subtraction facts every night.  Use the strategy sheet that was sent home to help.  The more you practice, the better you'll be!   Fast ForWord is going very well. Many of you have finished Reading 1 and have moved on to Reading 2.  Keep working hard!   Our Skype with Dallas this week was fun.  I can't wait to talk to them next week and hear about the Nor'easter they were supposed to get!   Keep thinking about your costume for Come in Character day (Wednesday, January 26).  Remember that Robert Munsch characters are easy and fun to put together.  Pinkalicious, Junie B. Jones and Fancy Nancy are great ideas too!   Note to parents: We are looking for volunteers to read at the PJ Literacy party on January 27th.  If you'd like to volunteer, please contact the school. Thanks!

We have started a new unit in Math on Addition and Subtraction to 18.  In this unit, your child will be developing strategies for adding and subtracting 1-digit numbers.  The learning goals for the unit are:  • Developing and using mental math strategies to add and subtract two 1-digit numbers, including zero. • Looking for patterns in digits when adding and subtracting.   • Understanding and using the relationship between addition and subtraction; for example, 2 + 7 = 9 and 9 – 7 = 2   • Finding out if 2 sides of a number sentence are equal or not equal; for example, 10 = 6 + 4 and 3 + 6 ≠ 10

News for the last week of school for 2010:   There is no homework this week.  Students will be taking books home with them for the holidays.  Please read with your child over the break.   Show and Tell: We will be having show and tell on Tuesday, December 21st.  Bring in something that is different and interesting to share.   Santa Hat Day:  You can wear a Santa/Christmas hat to school on Wednesday.   Red and Green Day is on Thursday.  Thursday is also a half day of school!!!!   I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas break with your families.  See you in the New Year!