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Mrs. Matthews's Language Arts Class

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Literacy Workshop Update 11/18/19

Hello Parents!

This week we will introduce the /th/ digraph. Students will reflect on their first non-fiction writing sample and we will begin a new writing piece as a class. Students will continue to investigate non-fiction text features while building stamina. 
Word Work: Students will listen for, read, and spell words that begin and end with the /th/ sound. Our spelling words for the week include this, that, thin, think, thank, bath, path, math, cloth, moth.
Reading: This week we will continue identifying if a book is fiction or non-fiction. Students will use informational text to learn about the world around them and then transfer that knowledge into their writing. Students will use sticky notes to mark interesting facts or information they want to share with their reading buddy. 
Writing: Students will reflect on their first writing sample from last week. We will then move forward with writing our next non-fiction piece as a class. This will support understanding of informational writing as well as set the standard for what is expected in their next writing piece. Students will also continue writing daily in their W.O.W. (work on writing) journals. 
Supporting Your Student at Home:
You should have received an email with your student's login information for the Super Kids Website. Students can access engaging literacy games and leveled reading materials at home.
You can also look in your student's backpack for our December book order! This is a great time of year to build your home library with non-fiction books that your student might be interested in. The National Geographic readers are always a hit in our classroom. If you order online and need a classroom code please use P78N3 

 

6 days ago by Morgan Matthews 0

Literacy Workshop Update 11/12/19

Hello Parents!
This week we will begin exploring our /wh/ words, also called question words, in relation to non-fiction reading and writing. Students will complete their first non-fiction writing sample and brainstorm topics for future non-fiction writing. 
 
Word Work: We will continue to look at /wh/ words such as what, where, who, when, which, and why as well as the grammar rules that go along with questions. 
Reading: This week we will continue identifying if a book is fiction or non-fiction. Students will use informational text to learn about the world around them and then transfer that knowledge into their writing. Non-Fiction books really ignite a love of reading and a passion for seeking out new information. Students will continue to practice buddy reading and supporting the success of each other. Over the coming weeks students will increase accountability by reading a non-fiction text and then documenting three interesting facts they would like to share with a buddy. 
Writing: Students will complete a non-fiction writing sample (pre-assessment) and then begin their study of Non-fiction text features. Students will learn the difference between fiction and non-fiction writing and begin writing daily in their W.O.W. (work on writing) journals. 
Supporting Your Student at Home:
You should have received an email with your student's login information for the Super Kids Website. Students can access engaging literacy games and leveled reading materials at home.
You can also look in your student's backpack for this month's book order! This is a great time of year to build your home library with non-fiction books that your student might be interested in. The National Geographic readers are always a hit in our classroom. If you order online and need a classroom code please use P78N3 

2019 WCS k-8 field trip permission slip- Drums Around the World

Hello Parents, 
Your student should have come home this weekend with a PINK permission slip for the Symphony. In all of our excitement we printed the wrong version of the permission slip. The date should read Tuesday, December 3rd. I apologize for the confusion. You can find the correct version of the permission slip attached. Feel free to print it out and send in prior to Thanksgiving Break. 

Literacy Workshop Update: 11/4/19

Hello Parents!
Because of the cold weather, low attendance numbers, and snow day last week we will continue our learning plan from last week into this week. We will welcome Ms. Valenza into our clasroom to begin our Non-Fiction reading and writing unit! We will begin the week observing and investigating Westgate's Goats, Lupe and Luna. Students will write about the life of Lupe and Luna and include non-fiction text features such as labels, zoom in boxes, and headings. 
 
Word Work: We will continue to grow our sight word bank this week by looking at /wh/ words such as what, where, who, when, which, and why. We will also continue our study of the digraph /sh/ at the beginning and ending of words. We will have a spelling test on Friday over words that have the /wh/ and  /sh/ spelling pattern. Our spelling words include: where, what, why, when, which, who, cash, dash, crash, trash
Reading: This week we will begin identifying if a book is fiction or non-fiction. Students will use informational text to learn about the world around them and then transfer that knowledge into their writing. Non-Fiction books really ignite a love of reading and a passion for seeking out new information. I am really excited to begin this unit! Students will continue to practice buddy reading and supporting the success of each other. Over the coming weeks students will increase accountability by reading a non-fiction text and then documenting three interesting facts they would like to share with a buddy. 
Writing: Students will complete a non-fiction writing sample (pre-assessment) and then begin their study of Non-fiction text features. Students will learn the difference between fiction and non-fiction writing. 
Supporting Your Student at Home:
You should have received an email with your student's login information for the Super Kids Website. Students can access engaging literacy games and leveled reading materials at home.
You can also look in your student's backpack for this month's book order! This is a great time of year to build your home library with non-fiction books that your student might be interested in. The National Geographic readers are always a hit in our classroom. If you order online and need a classroom code please use P78N3 

Halloween Party Sign-Up! 10/31/19

Hello Parents! 
We have had several parents already sign up to volunteer their time and resources to help make our Halloween party a success. We still have a few spots open that need filled before Thursday. A few examples are:
Halloween Games
Juice Boxes
Gluten Free & Dairy Free Snacks
Adults to supervise the food table (must have background check completed)
After Party POD clean up
Please click the link below to sign up. If you have any questions feel free to reach out any time. 
 

Literacy Workshop Update: 10/28/19

Hello Parents!
This week we will welcome Ms. Valenza into our clasroom to begin our Non-Fiction reading and writing unit! We will begin the week observing and investigating Westgate's Goats, Lupe and Luna. Students will write about the life of Lupe and Luna and include non-fiction text features such as labels, zoom in boxes, and headings. 
 
Word Work: We will continue to grow our sight word bank this week by looking at /wh/ words such as what, where, who, when, which, and why. We will also continue our study of the digraph /sh/ at the beginning and ending of words. We will have a spelling test on Friday over words that have the /wh/ and  /sh/ spelling pattern. Our spelling words include: where, what, why, when, which, who, cash, dash, crash, trash
Reading: This week we will begin identifying if a book is fiction or non-fiction. Students will use informational text to learn about the world around them and then transfer that knowledge into their writing. Non-Fiction books really ignite a love of reading and a passion for seeking out new information. I am really excited to begin this unit! Students will continue to practice buddy reading and supporting the success of each other. Over the coming weeks students will increase accountability by reading a non-fiction text and then documenting three interesting facts they would like to share with a buddy. 
Writing: Students will complete a non-fiction writing sample (pre-assessment) and then begin their study of Non-fiction text features. Students will learn the difference between fiction and non-fiction writing. 
Supporting Your Student at Home:
You should have received an email with your student's login information for the Super Kids Website. Students can access engaging literacy games and leveled reading materials at home.
You can also look in your student's backpack for this month's book order! This is a great time of year to build your home library with non-fiction books that your student might be interested in. The National Geographic readers are always a hit in our classroom. If you order online and need a classroom code please use P78N3 

Halloween Part Sign-Up!

Hello Parents! 
We will be having a Halloween Party in the Kinder Pod on Halloween Day. The party will take place in our pod area with games and activities in each classroom. The party will be from 2:15-3:15. Half day students are welcome to join us if you like, but must be picked up at their normal time an then dropped off again at the time of the party. 
We need your help to make this party a success for our Kinders. Please click here to view our sign up genius and commit to donating your time or items for our party. As always, your support is so appreciated!
 
***REMEMBER!!! Students should come to school dressed in their normal attire and will change in to their costumes before the celebration begins.***
 
If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to your student's advocacy teacher. 
Thanks! 
Mrs. Matthews

Miller Farm Field Trip Canceled!

Hello Parents, 
Regretfully we will be canceling tomorrow's field trip to Miller Farm. With the snow and temperatures in the 30's and many of our students battling colds we don't feel like it would be in their best interest. We are working on planning a field trip to replace this learning experience and will keep you updated with details as soon as we have them ironed out. 
Thank you all so much for your patience and understanding! This was not an easy decision šŸ™ 
 
**Also, if your student typically has hot lunch they will need to bring their sack lunch because hot lunch will not be available on such short notice. So, all full day kiddos need to bring a sack lunch and 2 snacks tomorrow.  
Kind Regards,
Morgan Matthews 

Literacy Workshop Update: 10/21/19

Hello Parents!
This week we will continue reviewing current knowledge to learning new reading strategies, setting more challenging goals, and reflecting more deeply on our progress as readers and authors. This week I will be administering a diagnostic reading assessment (DRA). This will give me an idea of your student's current reading and comprehension level so that I can better meet their needs in a small group setting. I am really excited to begin small group, targeted instruction!
Word Work: We will continue to grow our sight word bank this week by looking at pronouns such as he/she, his/hers, I/me. We will also begin our study of the digraph /sh/ at the beginning and ending of words. We will have a spelling test on Friday over words that have the /sh/ spelling pattern. Our spelling words include: fish, wish, rush, brush, I, my, she, her, him, he 
Reading: Students will practice making a plan for their reading and using their reading mat to keep track of their book count each day. Students will continue to practice buddy reading and supporting the success of each other. Students will increase accountability by completing a writing reflection during their reading time. This reflection may include characters, setting, problem, solution, or retelling the story focusing on beginning, middle, and end. Students will reflect on their progress using a success rubric. 
Writing: Students will complete the Personal Narrative writing sample that they began last week. Students will set individual goals for their writing that could include Writing neatly, phonetic spelling, using the word wall to spell sight words correctly, or writing more than one sentence.  We will continue to fine tune our writing skills by reflecting on our progress using a student checklist to guide our next steps.  
Supporting Your Student at Home:
You should have received an email with your student's login information for the Super Kids Website. Students can access engaging literacy games and leveled reading materials at home. I know some parents have asked for a password. I will be sending those home with your student this week so keep an eye on their backpacks. Take the time with your student to check it out! 

Literacy Workshop Update: 10/14/19

Hello Parents!
This week we will begin More Adventures of the Super Kids. We will move from reviewing current knowledge to learning new reading strategies, setting more challenging goals, and reflecting more deeply on our progress as readers and authors. Students have done a great job mastering routines for reader's and writer's workshop. This week and possibly next I will be administering a diagnostic reading assessment (DRA). This will give me an idea of your student's current reading and comprehension level so that I can better meet their needs in a small group setting. I am really excited to begin small group, targeted instruction!
Word Work: We will continue to grow our sight word bank this week by looking at pronouns such as he/she, his/hers, I/me. We will also begin our study of the digraph /ch/ at the beginning and ending of words. We will have a spelling test on Friday over words that have the /ch/ and /tch/ spelling pattern. Our spelling words include: chip, lunch, inch, chop, bunch, ranch, branch, pinch, chick, check
Reading: We will review grow our reading stamina using our tools and strategies. Students will practice making a plan for their reading and using their reading mat to keep track of their book count each day. Students will continue to practice buddy reading and supporting the success of each other. Students will increase accountability by completing a writing reflection during their reading time. This reflection may include characters, setting, problem, solution, or retelling the story focusing on beginning, middle, and end. Students will reflect on their progress using a success rubric. 
Writing: Students will begin and complete at least one more Personal Narrative writing sample this week. Students will brainstorm, organize their thoughts, and write across multiple pages with independence. Students will set individual goals for their writing that could include Writing neatly, phonetic spelling, using the word wall to spell sight words correctly, or writing more than one sentence.  We will continue to fine tune our writing skills by reflecting on our progress using a student checklist to guide our next steps.  
Supporting Your Student at Home:
You should have received an email with your student's login information for the Super Kids Website. Students can access engaging literacy games and leveled reading materials at home. I know some parents have asked for a password. I will be sending those home with your student this week so keep an eye on their backpacks. Take the time with your student to check it out! 

Literacy Workshop Update: 9/22/19

Hello Parents!
This week we will wrap up our journey learning about the Super Kids Adventures. Students have done a great job mastering routines for reader's and writer's workshop. I am really excited to begin small group, targeted instruction, when we return from Fall Break!
Word Work: We will continue to grow our sight word bank this week and dive deeper into manipulating short vowel sounds. We will practice reading and spelling CVC words, switching out the vowel to make new words. 
Reading: We will grow our reading stamina using our tools and strategies. Students will continue to practice making a plan for their reading and using their reading mat to keep track of their book count each day. Students will continue to practice buddy reading and supporting the success of each other. Students will reflect on their progress using a success rubric. 
Writing: Students will refer to their current plan to organize the details of an important moment in their life. They will use their plan to spread their writing over many pages, to include a beginning, middle, and ending. We will continue to fine tune our writing skills by reflecting on our progress using a student checklist to guide our next steps.  
Supporting Your Student at Home:
You should have received an email with your student's login information for the Super Kids Website. Students can access engaging literacy games and leveled reading materials at home. Take the time with your student to check it out! 

Missoula Children's Theatre Auditions!!

Westgate, in conjunction with Missoula Childrenā€™s Theatre, presents, Pinocchio!

Westgate is pleased to announce our new partnership with Missoula Childrenā€™s Theatre (MCT) for the 2019-2020 school year! Missoula Childrenā€™s Theatre is the nationā€™s largest traveling childrenā€™s theater and has been touring the US for 50 years. Over the period of one week, MCT holds auditions and rehearsals and finishes the week with two performances. They provide the directors, sets, lights, costumes and props, makeup and everything else it takes for a production, except the cast. Westgate will be holding open auditions for students K-12 to cast the 50-60 roles for the production. Students must be able to attend the entire audition to be eligible to be cast.  

Auditions:

Who: Any student K-12 may participate in auditions

When: Auditions will be held Monday, October 14th from 4:00-6:00PM in the gym

If students are cast, the rehearsal schedule is as follows:

Monday, October 14, 2019 6:15pm-8:15pm

Tuesday, October 15, 2019 3:45pm-8:00pm (15 minute break from 5:45-6:00)

Wednesday, October 16, 2019 3:45pm-8:00pm (15 minute break from 5:45-6:00)

Thursday, October 17, 2019 3:45pm-8:00pm (15 minute break from 5:45-6:00)

Friday, October 18, 2019 3:45pm-8:00pm (15 minute break from 6:45-7:00)

Please note-not all students are required at every rehearsal. Individual schedules will be given out after auditions. Students who are cast should pack a snack for before rehearsal and for during the break.

Cost: If cast, the cost for participation is $60 payable to Westgate by 3:30pm on October 15th

Performances:

Performances of Pinocchio will be held at Westgate on Saturday, October 19th at 3:00 and 5:30pm. Tickets will be $5.

Parent Support:

Homestays: We are in need of a homestay for our two wonderful directors. Each must have their own private bedroom to sleep. Our directors do not need to stay in the same house, but only have one vehicle. If you are interested, please contact Chelsea Crow at [email protected] for additional information.

Accompanist: We will need a piano accompanist for the performance. The accompanist must be able to read music and must be available for rehearsal from Wednesday on. A meeting with the directors will be held before or after the audition on Monday to pick up the score. If you are interested, please contact Chelsea Crow at [email protected] for additional information.

Literacy Workshop Update: 9/16/19

Hello Parents!
This week we will continue mastering the routines and expectations of reader's and writer's workshop. We will also begin week two of our journey learning about the Super Kids Adventures while reviewing handwriting the letters of the alphabet and spelling CVC words. 
Word Work: We will grow our sight word bank this week and dive deeper into short vowel sounds. We will practice reading and spelling CVC words, switching out the vowel to make new words. 
Reading: We will grow our reading stamina using new tools and strategies. Students will learn how to make a plan for their reading using their reading mat, and keeping track of their book count each day. Students will continue to practice buddy reading and supporting the success of each other. Students will reflect on their progress using a success rubric. 
Writing: Students will share and reflect on their first complete personal narrative piece. Students will then make a plan to write about something new that they care about to begin their second personal narrative piece. We will continue to fine tune our writing skills by reflecting on our progress using a student checklist to guide our next steps.  
Supporting Your Student at Home:
You should have received an email with your student's login information for the Super Kids Website. Students can access engaging literacy games and leveled reading materials at home. Take the time with your student to check it out! 
 

StudentRubricNarrativeK

This rubric will help you to better understand the steps we will be taking to grow our writing as well as the grading expectations for our personal narrative unit. Your student and I will also be referencing this rubric to reflect on your student's writing and set individual writing goals. Should your student exceed these expectations we will expand his/her writing by utilizing the 1st grade rubric when necessary. 

Literacy Workshop Update 9/9/19

Hello Parents!
This week we will continue mastering the routines and expectations of reader's and writer's workshop. We will also begin week two of our journey learning about the Super Kids Adventures while reviewing handwriting the letters of the alphabet and spelling CVC words. 
Word Work: We will wrap up our handwriting practice this week with the letters H, R, B, M, P, V, K, Q, J, X, Y, and Z. We will practice reading and spelling CVC words, switching out the vowel to make new words. 
Reading: We will grow our reading stamina using new tools and strategies. Students will learn how to make a plan for their reading using their reading mat, and keeping track of their book count each day. Students will continue to practice buddy reading and supporting the success of each other. 
Writing: We will look over the single page personal narrative students began last week. Students will stretch their favorite memories over multiple pages by writing a beginning, middle, and end. 
Supporting Your Student at Home:
You should have received an email with your student's login information for the Super Kids Website. Students can access engaging literacy games and leveled reading materials at home. Take the time with your student to check it out! 
Also, I am adding a separate post to include our writing rubric. This will help you to better understand the steps we will be taking to grow our writing as well as the grading expectations for our personal narrative unit. Your student and I will also be referencing this rubric to reflect on your student's writing and set individual writing goals.