SINGAPORE MATH:
We have received some excellent questions about Singapore math. Math is the same this year as years past. The only difference is completing the workbook in class rather than at home so teachers can better assess what students need. When workbooks were completed at home, it was difficult to know when and how much students were being supported by parents. This prevented teachers from knowing where exactly students struggled. There will also be more individualized attention given to students during Lyceum when our day is differentiated to meet all students’ needs. If there are too many learning gaps, students may participate in our math intervention program if the Math Specialist’s tests show it is necessary. Please note that, as teachers, we will do our best to communicate struggles and send home extra practice if necessary. You are also welcome to contact us with questions about your child. Please do not hesitate to contact me to schedule a meeting as well.
THE IMPORTANCE OF XTRAMATH:
We focus heavily in the first weeks of school on numbers 0-10 to build a foundation. We want them to be able to make tens, then be able to take away tens, and add tens in more complex mathematics in the coming months. The concept of “ten” may seem easy at first but it is foundational and it is what we build on when we are adding and subtracting 2 and 3 digit numbers from 2 digit numbers with regrouping in the later months. The concepts will begin to get more challenging towards the end of first quarter. Knowing the addition and subtraction math facts will also help when learning those harder concepts. In first grade, students are expected to know math facts within ten for addition and subtraction. That is the guage for xtramath.
XTRAMATH HOMEWORK:
The Xtramath homework is as important as daily reading and the daily Spalding practice. Please be sure your child is completing a session at least 4 times per week. This is the requirement for homework participation. We encourage you to practice sessions everyday if you are able. The extra practice will allow students to memorize math facts quicker and build confidence as they move through the program. The purpose of the program is to memorize facts. So the more exposure, the routine, and the practice is the trajectory toward memorization.
Please also note that Xtramath participation is 25% of your child’s math grade. You will receive weekly reports about your child’s progress through the program. The number score is related to the actual mastery they have accomplished. Our goal for first grade addition facts for the end of the first quarter is a score of 50. Scores above 50 are exceeding standards and scores below 40 are considered approaching and/or below standards. This is a good gauge to track how your child is doing. Our first quarter is finished October 4th. The standards will change each quarter. I will communicate our goals to you as we progress through each quarter.
SPALDING:
Students will learn 7 new words on Tuesday, 7 new words on Wednesday, review on Thursday, and the test will be on Friday.
MATH:
Addition within 10
HISTORY:
Ancient Mesopotamia
LITERATURE:
"Different Lands, Similar Stories"
GRAMMAR:
Common nouns and proper nouns
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Wednesday, September 12 - Singapore Clinic for Parents,
6pm at Archway Trivium East
Friday, September 14 -School Picture Day
Tuesday, September 18 - New Date: Volunteer Fingerprinting, 8-10 AM
Thursday, September 20 -Spalding Phonics Clinic for Parents, 6pm
Hosted by Archway Trivium West, 2001 N. Bulllard Ave.
Friday, Septemer 28 -Half Day Dismissal: 12 PM
* Trivium Spirit Day *
(No Lunch is served on half days. Please send a healthy snack for your child to eat at recess.)
Please see the Athenian Echo for more details about upcoming events.
Have a lovely week!
