We have had a busy week! The students tested everyday this week on the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS). Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday were the longer testing days covering reading, language arts, and math. Social studies and science tests on Thursday and Friday were shorter. I think all went well, but we are not through yet. Next Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, students will take the Cognitive Abilities Tests. All of these tests are rigorous and tiring, but the information they will provide will be useful in noting areas of strength and weakness as your child compares to students their age across the nation. Please continue to see that your child is well rested and has eaten a good breakfast each day. 
 
In reading class, students spend, on average, 30 minutes reading independently. They are learning to make good choices that are just right for them. We are looking for vocabulary words we do not know in our books, and we are noticing examples of figurative language the authors use. They are noticing through books they are reading how a writer uses techniques to keep his reader interested. They are using those sticky notes you bought to jot down these new words or examples of descriptive writing. They then share them with the group, and the words become part of our "New Vocabulary Bank." 
 
Figurative language has been the highlight in our writing this week. Students have practiced writing similes, metaphors, and alliterations. They added the terms onomatopoeia and hyperbole to the list of figurative language definitions they are keeping in the "Notes" section of their Writer's Notebooks. Ask your child to tell you the meaning of some of these terms and see if he or she can give you an example. You can also ask your child to share examples found in the books being read at home. Encourage your child to write at home by providing a special notebook for jotting down ideas. When something special or interesting happens, the time to write the idea down is then. Later, that seed of an idea can become a story, poem, play, etc... 
 
Overall, it has been a busy and productive week. Next week will bring new ideas, lessons, and opportunities for all of us. I anticipate we will continue to grow as a class community, and I appreciate your support from home. It makes such a difference in how well prepared your child feels for each day. Thank you! 
 
Until next time, 
K.Persinger