We Are 100 Days Smarter

We celebrated the 100th day of school on  February 11th.

Sadly Mrs. Wegner was ill and was not able to be there for the big day, so we celebrated again on February 16th.  This is our 100th day song.

Thank you to all of the students for bringing in 100 things.

We made a treat with 100 things.

Our art at the Art Show.

Spelling

Now that we are 100 days smarter we are going to start weekly spelling.  Every Monday the students will receive their spelling lists.  Not all children will have the same lists because not all children are writing at the same level.  Please check your child's agenda for their spelling words.  We will be practicing words at school.  Practice at home would be helpful.
Here are some ways to help at home.

1. Create a set of flashcards. Have your child write her spelling word in pencil on one side an index card. There are some ways to use flashcards other than using them to quiz her. She can:

• Trace the word in pen or marker to reinforce knowing the letters and shape the word makes when it’s spelled correctly.

• Read the word, turn the card over, write it again and flip to check her accuracy.

2. Create a second set of flashcards with the definition of the word on it. If possible, use a different color index card then the first set.She can:

• Have you read or show her the definition and tell you the word that goes with it.
• Flip the card over and write the correct spelling word on the back.
• Test herself by writing the words on a separate piece of paper as she looks at the card.

3. Use both sets of flashcards to play spelling Memory.

• Arrange the flashcards in rows, face down on the table.
• Each player takes a turn to pick up a two cards, one of each color. If the word and definition match, the player keeps the cards. If not, she puts them back in the same place and it’s the next player’s turn.

• The players will have to remember the position of the cards in order to match them up. When all the cards are gone, the player with the most matches wins.

4. Use alphabet magnets or Scrabble tiles to spell out each word.

5. Write the word  list on a piece of construction paper. Then cut the words apart into strips.

Then, cut those words into letters and have your child reconstruct the list.

6. Write sentences for each word. Make sure to your child is using it in context to show that she understands the definition and part of speech her spelling words.

7. Type her spelling words on the computer. This will help to reinforce how to spell each words and help her recognize what the words will look like in a book or other reading material.

8. Write or type a story using all of her spelling words. The story doesn’t have to be a masterpiece, but it should show that she knows how to spell and use each word properly.

9.  Use the Spelling City website.  Parents can register for the free version  and input your child’s spelling word lists. Your child can then play games and activities or take practice tests on the site.

10. Use Discovery Education’s puzzlemaker tool. You can create word searches using your child’s spelling words.

11.  Alphabetize the word list. This can be done either by writing them in alphabetical order or by using the flashcards.

12.  Sit down with your child, two pencils and a piece of paper. Tell her the spelling word you’ll be practicing and write the first letter of the word. Pass the paper to her so she can add the next letter. You add the letter after that, repeating until the word is spelled.

You can do this with all of her words and up the ante by having her write the next two or three letters before passing the paper back to you.