Reading News! I am excited to share that this week every student in my class is becoming a part of a literature circle which is a shared experience of reading, talking and writing about a common novel. Students will work together to decide how many pages they will be responsible to read before their next meeting and each student also has a “job” to do before meeting together in a group again. It is very important that each student complete their assignment and not let the other members of the group down. This week at some point I’m going to create a page on my website dedicated to Literature Circles. Students and their parents will be able to go to this page to see what their current reading assignment is. Please be aware, class time will be provided to read their assignment, but many times students will need to bring home their books as well to read or to work on their “job”. This definitely could be completed during the 30 minute daily reading assignment they have been given. Please talk to your child about this – by tomorrow they will have their first assignment and are very excited! Copeland Class Newsletter November 25, 2014 Permission Slips Please return permission slips for the Chicago field trip even if you don’t plan on paying the fee until later. I want to be able to let parents know who the chaperones will be and I need to know your “vote” regarding the fundraising opportunity. Thank You!!

Heads up – A visitor is coming to your house!!!! Visitor Letters ~ Starting next week students will begin to bring home a special guest! Each child will have a turn to bring a guest home for a visit to see your holiday decorations and learn about some of the traditions you have in your family. Your child will write a letter from the guest’s perspective about everything they experience. This assignment is a two- day project. A note explaining the project in more detail will be coming home with the guest! It is very important that your child only keep the visitor for two days so everyone has time for a turn!!! Gifts – A request from the teacher Each year I have families who feel compelled to buy me a Christmas present. While this is such a sweet gesture it is really unnecessary. Rather – if you truly feel you must do something, please consider purchasing something for the class. I think the students would agree we are in need of recess equipment (balls, jump ropes, etc.) or board games and Legos for indoor recess. I just recently received a Walmart gift card and purchased a large Lego assortment package and the games Sorry, and Hedbanz Christmas Reading!! One of the ways we are practicing reading fluency this month is by reading “The Night Before Christmas”. Each student will be given a stanza of this famous poem to memorize. Please look for this reading assignment to be coming home soon. Children should be practicing their stanza at home to help them memorize it. We may be performing the poem in a few classrooms right before break. Christmas Party Information soon!