Ms. Sinicropi's class will be learning about the letter J and its sound. They will continue working on phonics, reading comprehension, and writing skills. The homework activities focus on numbers, letters, spelling, and retelling stories. An author will be visiting the school to discuss her book and sign copies. Upcoming events include a science fair, mobile dentist visit, and a second grade musical.

1. Crossroads Charter
Academy
Big Rapids, MI
March 7, 2010
Ms. Sinicropi’s Classroom News
This Week’s Highlights Homework
Phonics Here are some activities that you and your child
We will learn about the letter Jj and the sound it can do at home that will give them practice with
makes. We will continue to work on listening for what we are learning at school.
specific sounds in words and learn how every  Monday – Practice identifying and ordering
word has an accented syllable that is louder than numbers 0-30. Also, practice writing numbers
the rest. 0-20, correcting reversals.
Reading  Tuesday – Practice writing the letters J and j while
We will read a story called The American Wei to saying their sound. Discuss the difference
wrap up our unit on patriotism. We will continue
between uppercase and lowercase.
to work on the reading skill of drawing
conclusions.
 Wednesday – Practice writing the sounds heard
when spelling. Dictate a sentence, word, or have
Writing your child write a story.
We will learn how to focus on the most important
 Thursday – Practice counting to 130 or higher.
part of our stories and work on writing some
Also, practice writing name with only first letter
words in a snap.
capitalized and the rest lowercase.
Math  Friday – Read a story and work on retelling skills
We will continue to work on estimation, problem
by discussing the beginning, middle, and end of
solving, with nickels, and do a fun graphing
the story. Also, discuss the characters, setting,
activity with jelly beans.
problem, and solution.
Science/Social Studies
We will learn about plants and animals that live - If you notice your child having difficulty with
on land and in water. any of these activities, please keep practicing
them at home. It will help them greatly in
- mastering that skill quicker.
Special Notes Upcoming Events
Famous Author Coming to CCA!
Children’s author, Leslie Helakoski is visiting CCA
 Mar. 11 – Friday Treat 25¢
elementary on Tuesday, March 8th. Mrs. Helakoski’s
book, Big Chickens was the 2007 Michigan Reads! One
State One Picture Book award winner. Mrs. Helakoski  Mar. 14 – No School
will deliver 3 presentations for CCA students. Many
thanks to our PTO for sponsoring our author’s visit. If  Mar. 22 – Science Fair 6:30pm
you are interested in purchasing a book, Great Lakes
Books and Supply located at 840 Clark St., will have
copies prior to the author’s visit. Please support local  Mar. 24 – Mobile Dentist
businesses. Our author will be signing books at the
conclusion of her presentations.  Mar. 25 – 2nd Grade Musical 7pm