Dear Parents: September 6, 2011
The 2011-2012 school year has started. I am very excited to be with your children from last year. I have the advantage of knowing them personally and am familiar with their learning/studying abilities. Since they all have been promoted, the work will be more difficult and more intense. I will be telling them, my usual, retort, “No grousing allowed.” By now they should all be familiar with that expression, and that vocabulary word.
I am sure with the cooperation of your child and your support, this will be a successful school year. Please know that I am available before 8:00 A.M. and will happily return all phone calls. I will be keeping a weekly update as to what your child is currently learning in his various subjects. Looking forward to seeing you all again.
Most sincerely,
AJ Crane
Dear Parents:
Just as I expected, this week has really flown by, albeit, one less day. Nevertheless, it has been productive. The first week is usually one of review and schedule acclamation. I am so very pleased to see that your child has remembered so much of what was taught last year, and I credit you with that accomplishment. The school day is longer and consquently the instruction and intensity will deepen. Next week will be more reading, writing, math, social studies and homework. I look forward to seeing you all this Tuesday for Open House.
Most Sincerely,
A.J.Crane
Dear Parents: Sept. l6, 2011
Even without a day off, this week really went by quickly. In language arts we completed a story accompanied with new vocabulary words, discussed, compared/contrasted characters. Every week we read a new story, and each story involves more in-depth work/discussion. To reinforce our reading fluently skills we read another story in our workbook reader. This also follows with comprehension questions, vocabulary, synonyms, antonyms, main idea and topic sentence In writing, I work with each group. We restate the writing prompt, and web for detail, connections, opinions, and conclusion. Although the writing may be their least favorite activity, they know that the more they practice, the better they will become. At the end of the week, before we start our new story, we have a vocabulary test. This week, everyone of my students did exceptionally well. If you have the opportunity to visit the room, you will notice compositions on the bulletin board. While they have room for improvement, I think they all started off well.
In math, we are focusing more on story problems. Finding the key phrases (altogether, add; how much less, what is the difference, subtract; how much in each, divide; and adding like sums, multiply.) Computation with a calculator, which they are permitted to use, obviates any struggle having to remember time tables. However, they really should know them by now, especially when it comes time to factor.
In social studies, the students who remain in room 202 are learning about communities, climate, suburbs, population, and will soon broaden their knowledge when they start learning about regions next week. (This entails what region is indicative of what kind of climate and which plants/animals inhabit said region
I hope you know how much I appreciate your support.
Thank-you.
A.J.Crane
Dear Parents Sept. 22, 2011
This was only a four day week for your child, but it was pack full of learning new information. Three of these four days our class tested in the computer room in reading, science, and math.
In language arts there are new stories accompanied with new vocabulary words, comprehension exercises, and discussion. This is usually followed up with a writing prompt. We are reinforcing the writing format…restate the question, give detail, opinion, fact, a connection, and a conclusion.
In math we are still focusing on word problems. It is not enough to calculate and compute. Your child must read a problem and determine which process to utilize in order to come up with the correct answer. These questions may involve more than one step.
Social science is focusing on communities, regions, natural resources, and recycling – how and why we use it in our everyday life.
Next week should be more of the same. I can’t thank you enough for your support. Encouraging you child to read is the best thing you can do.
Enjoy your three day weekend, as you probably know, the teachers will be here Friday attending meeting.
Sincerely,
A.J. Crane
Dear Parents: Sept. 30
Sometimes the five day school week seems shorter than the four day. At any rate, the days/weeks seem to fly.
In language arts we continue to read new stories, increase our vocabulary and develop new strategies to enhance our comprehension. The writing is the part that is the least popular. However, as I tell them, we must persevere and endeavor to develop our writing skills. Every week we have a different prompt, sometimes two or three, to write about. It is of paramount importance that their writing be honed and improved.
In math some are still struggling. Since we cannot dwell too long on the multiplication tables, we are on to fractions…adding/subtracting so far. The word problems involving two steps after awhile can become too tedious, and we have to take a short break and move on.
Social studies involve recycling, the importance of it, cities, climate, regions, and communities.
Hope everyone has a nice weekend. Please ask your kids to read something to you.
Thanks again for your continued support,
A.J. Crane
Dear Parents Oct. 7, 2011
Another long weekend is on the horizon. This past week, as all the previous weeks, seem to fly. We had new stories in language arts, accompanied with new vocabulary, discussions and comprehension exercises. Writing which has proven to be the one activity they enjoy the least, is a struggle for them. However, as I have explained, the more they do…restate the prompt, give detail, make a connection, ending – the more adept and proficient they will become.
In math those students that I have are either working with fractions or coins/value. This is one activity that requires constant reinforcement.
In social studies more reading/learning about regions and vocabulary words.
This is a three day week-end. Please ask your child to read to you. I cannot stress how important this activity is. The more they read the better reader they will become.
Next week will be more of the same, only different information and more concentrated since it is only a four day week.
Have a wonderful weekend,
AJ Crane
Dear Parents: October 14, 2011
Seems like the 4 day school week goes by slower than the 5 day week. In language arts, your child has read a new story, learned some new vocabulary words. talked about the conflict, summary, setting, and plot. Our writing prompts this week were to restate the question, give details, and conclusion. The writing activity always elicits the greatest moans. Perhaps you can let them know how important writing is, and the more practice they have, the better they will become.
Math continues to be challenging. By now, if they have not memorized their multiplication tables, we are moving on. Reducing fractions, adding, subtracting, and now converting improper fractions to mixed numbers. Just when they finally get the knack, they are told we must move on to a different challenge.
Social studies is still learning about our community, and the regions beyond.
Once again, I ask you to read with your child, ask him/her about any new vocabulary words. I encourage them to use these words appropriately.
Thanks for your support,
AJ Crane
Dear Parents October 21, 2011
This past week was spent with new reading stories accompanied with new vocabulary words, exercises in comprehension, inferences, and main ideas. We discussed plot setting, characters (compare/contrast) and summaries.
In writing, which is probably their least favorite subject, they were given new prompts and told to restate, web for details, and conclusions (wrap up all loose ends.) The more practice in writing, the better writers they will become.
Math involves two of my students practicing with coins, their value, and how much more/less they would need to buy an item. The other students are working on adding/subtracting mixed numbers, and multiplication with mixed numbers.
Social studies is learning about the various Indian tribes and their contribution to our culture
Another weekend, another opportunity to have your child read to you, and you to take turns reading (and asking questions.)
Thanks for your continued support,
AJ Crane
Dear Parents: Oct. 28, 2011
Next week, starting Tuesday and Wednesday your child will once again be tested in math and reading. The entire school will also be tested. This may curtail our regular schedule, however, the subject matter will be made up.
In language arts, we will continue our reading with exercises in comprehension, inferences, main idea, and character development. As usual, every new story is accompanied with a new set of vocabulary words. Writing will entail a prompt, with rewriting so that it is a statement with details, and a conclusion.
Math is more of the same, multiplication/division of mixed numbers, spotting key words to determine what process to utilize when dealing with a story/word problem, and the reinforcement of coins/value/change.
Social studies continues with the expansion of our United States, and a knowledge of the first Americans, the various Native American tribesl.
As always, I leave you with the message of thanking you for your support, and to read. Read with your child, have your child read to you. AJ Crane
Dear Parents Nov. 4, 2011
This week we took Common Core Tests on Tuesday and Wednesday in reading and math. That was a bit of detour from our normal schedule, however it was just in the morning, and these scores are important.
In language arts this past week we read new stories, new vocabulary words, followed with exercises in comprehension. In writing we wrote about different prompts, remembering to restate the question, detail, and conclusion.
Math is still challenging but we’re moving on–percent, decimals, fractions.
Social science is about the U.S. expanding and getting acquainted with the various regions.
Have a great weekend, thank you for your continued support. Ask your child to read to you and keep your ears ready for new vocabulary words. I’ve asked them to try and use them in their everyday conversations.
A.J.Crane
Dear Parents: Nov. 9, 2011
With just three days for this past week, we managed to accomplish quite a bit.
In language arts we read/discussed a new story, vocabulary words, and exercises for comprehension. I have seen a marked improvement in your children. I hope that you find the time to have them read to you. Our writing consisted of different prompts followed by the usual webbing, details, and conclusion.
Math for some were coins/value/ and purchase power. For others it was fractions and conversion to decimals and percents.
Social science consists of the U.S. expansion and becoming familiar with the different regions.
Have a great weekend, enjoy your child for the four days. Nothing more valuable is reading. Please encourage he/she to read to you.
Thanks for your continued support,
AJ Crane
Dear Parents November 18, 2011
I was delighted to see most of you on report card pick-up night. I was happy to show you the work your child has done thus far in my class. We continue to read, learning new vocabulary words, doing exercises that demonstrate comprehension, and analyzing plot, character traits, and resolution.
Writing, just like reading, is a never ending activity. The more we read/write the better we become. This activity requires concentration and a willingness to stretch their own capabilities. I am quite certain at times my students feel I should be helping them more, however, as I explained to them, they must learn to have confidence and try, at least attempt, on their own before I will help.
Math is always met with resistance. However, we are coming along, and also advancing. Just when it appears that they have mastered one concept, now they have to learn another. Fractions dealing with like denominators, and reducing are of great importance. As I often repeat, never walk away from a fraction until it is reduced.
Social studies keeps us busy learning about the expansion of the U.S. We start out small, with just the community and progressing to cities, states, natural resources, and boundaries.
This past week was a short one, and next week will be short too with Thanksgiving. We shall carry-on at our usual pace, in spite of the brevity of the school week.
Thanks again for your support,
A.J. Crane
Dear Parents: Dec. 2, 2011
This five day week flew by. We did something a little different in language arts. Some of your children wrote their own script from a story they read in class. They were so excited, they read it to two other classes. Language arts also includes reading comprehension, vocabulary, and writing. Writing continues to be the subject they like the least. We are doing webbing, and generating ideas to put on paper. Later, they can always revise and organize.
Math is progressing. Once they learn a new concept they know they have to expand and apply it to another. The multiplication tables, by now, should be memorized so that they don’t require a calculator.
Social studies continues with the expansion of the United States. I believe they enjoy this subject because it is so relevant.
Have a great weekend, please ask your child to read something to you.
Sincerely, AJ Crane
Dear Parents December 9, 2011
This week flew by quickly and I expect the next two remaining weeks before Christmas vacation will be more of the same.
In language arts we are reading, expanding our vocabulary, doing exercises testing our comprehension, and writing. This activity, proves to be the most difficult for them. The strategies…webbing, graphic organizers, which are meant to facilitate this activity, are met with resistance. Like every other subject, the more you practice, the better you become. This is my mantra to them. I am pleased that they are using some of their vocabulary words outside of school.
Social studies is dealing with the expansion of the United States. Every week they are learning new words and understanding how the U.S. came to be 50 states.
My math students are doing area, perimeter questions. Once they find the area/perimeter they are given the price per sq. ft. of carpeting, or wire fence to determine what is needed to be spent. Other students are still working with and identifying coins and their value.
Hope this weekend enable you to find some time with your child so that he/she can read to you.
Thanks for your continued support.
A.J. Crane
Dear Parents Dec. 16, 2011
This week went by with new stories in language arts, new vocabulary words, comprehension exercises, and writing. Your children tell me that they use some of their new vocabulary words in their conversations. I am so pleased to hear this.
In math we are reinforcing what we have already covered. Two step problems with area and perimeter, and figuring out what the final amount for any given item on sale. We are converting per cents to decimals, and then to fractions.
Some of the students are still identifying coins and their value.
Social studies continues with the expansion of our states, the different topography, and commerce.
One more week before school vacation, but, as I tell your children, there is still work to be done, lessons to be learned up until the last Friday before our Christmas vacation.
Keep encouraging your child to read and to read to you.
Enjoy the weekend. As always, your support is appreciated.
A.J. Crane
Dear Parents: Dec. 22, 2011
While this may not be the official last day of school before vacation, I know tomorrow will be very hectic and chaotic, so I am writing today.
Your children have done a commendable job of ‘containing themselves,’ and working these past four days, in spite of their excitement. We have been doing a lot of reviewing this week before heading into our two week hiatus. Over vacation, while I am loathe to give any homework or assignments, I did ask for a book report. This means that they are to read a book, not less than fifty pages, write about the main characters, and to give a summary. This should entail the setting, the conflict (problem) and the resolution (solution.) We have been doing this with all of our reading selections, so this should not come as any surprise or merit any “I don’t know what to do.”
Have a wonderful holiday, encourage your child to read, and see you next year at some time.
Most Sincerely,
A.J. Crane
Dear Parents: January 13, 2012
I hope all of you and your family enjoyed the Christmas holiday. I know your child did. He/she couldn’t wait to tell me all that happened during vacation and the toys received. This week slowly got back to its routine. I think most of the children were shell-shocked from the previous two weeks, sleeping and going to bed late.
Our week composed of new stories, vocabulary, comprehension exercises, and writing in language arts.
Math required some initial review of where we left off, but once the week progressed they were all back in the regular routine. Scantron testing will begin next week, but will end on Thursday.
Social studies includes knowledge about our expanding country, cultures, ethnicities, and diversity.
I hope everyone will enjoy the three day weekend. Please find time to have your child read to you.
Thanks for your continued support,
A.J. Crane
Dear Parents Jan. 20, 2012
Another week has flown by, albeit only four days. This week the students took Scantron testing in reading, science, and math. It will be some time before we know the results. In March we will take our ISAT tests.
In language arts we read, wrote, increased our vocabulary, and honed our analytical skills. Writing still presents the most groans, however, as I told them, practice makes perfect. The more they write the better they will become.
In math we are progressing nicely. Fractions to decimals, decimal to per cents. Two step word problems seem to be received with less trepidation as they were earlier in the school year.
In social studies, we are learning about the expansion of our country, accompanied with vocabulary terms.
Have a good weekend. Please ask your child to read to you. Believe me, you will be so pleased.
A.J. Crane
Dear Parents: Jan. 27, 2012
Even with a four day week, the time flew by more than usual. Language arts consists of more book reading excerpts for the advanced reading group. We read short stories and did our own dialogue to further continue the story. The children love doing this, and even the ones not reading the excerpt, enjoy the end result and the enthusiasm. These readings also provide vocabulary and imagery that give them a new perspective. All groups are learning new vocabulary words and more critical thinking when discussing their selection.
In math, it’s more of the same…reinforcements, review, and practice. Although we have calculators, it sure would facilitate learning if they knew their multiplication tables by heart. Fractions, reducing, factoring are all easier without having to resort to a multiplication chart, or calculator.
Social studies is more of the U.S. expansion and vocabulary terms. They all enjoy this subject. Evidently, traveling does enhance their learning when they can recall visiting a state they are studying.
Enjoy the three day weekend with your child. Please ask him/her to read to you. You will be pleasantly surprised how improved he/she is.
Most sincerely,
A.J. Crane
Dear Parents: February 3, 2012
Hard to believe, we are already into the month of February. This was another four day week for your child. We managed to read another selection, learn new vocabulary words, take comprehension exercises, and go into greater analysis with each new story. The writing requires more attention to detail, rewriting the prompt, giving a conclusion.
Math is requiring two to three step problem solving. Looking for key words in order to determine what process to use is very important, and half the battle. Everyone seems to becoming along in this subject. This may be the one subject where review is the most vital. Although calculators are permitted, learning the multiplication tables by heart would be a great aid.
Social studies is continuing with U.S. expansion, ethnicities and the role of government. They seem to enjoy this.
Once again, I ask that you tell your child you want to hear him/her read. It doesn’t have to be a book, maybe a magazine or just an advertisement.
Thanks for your continued support,
A.J. Crane
Dear Parents: Feb. 10, 2012
We have had a full week, 5 days, of school. We finished one story with one reading group, and working on a quasi novel with another. The latter should take two more weeks to complete, and it’s a story the children can really relate to…a diary written by contemporary. Each story brings new vocabulary words and comprehension exercises to reinforce their understanding. In writing, we have combined a thank-you with an invitation letter to someone special in their life.
Math is continuing with fractions, area, perimeter, and discounts. This includes converting fractions to decimals, decimal to percent.
Social studies is more U.S. expansion with new vocabulary terms.
Next week, as you know, will be four days of school. Monday we celebrate Lincoln’s birthday. Ask your child to tell you something about our sixteenth president…why he is special, what did he do.
To all of you, I thank you for your continued support and please have your child read to you.
Sincerely,
AJ Crane
Dear Parents: Feb. 17, 2012
Another four day week has gone and next week more of the same. However, our studies continue…reading, learning new vocabulary words, comprehension exercises, writing new topics.
In social studies more geography/ learning about our states, and accompanied vocabulary words…governor, mayor, capital cities, elections, income, and budget.
Math consists of review and more processes to find the circumference and area of a circle. We already know how to find the area/perimeter of rectangles, squares. Next week we’ll start angles. I am in constant collaboration with the gen ed teacher of your child’s grade. This way they are learning the same content. Coins… value, addition, subtraction for other students.
Enjoy another three day weekend and thanks for your continued support.
Sincerely,
A.J. Crane