Testing Week

Next week is Testing Week. Please refer to your schedule that went home in Tuesday Folder to see when your child will be testing. Here at St. Ann's we take the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills. This test is actually quite different from tests you will see at most schools. It might seem strange to be testing in September, however the reason we do this is to actually help identify the best ways to help your child throughout the year. Your child should feel no pressure about this test, however we do want them to do their best in order to assess them properly, which allows you and the teachers to get the best reading of their strengths and weaknesses. The best way to prepare your child for testing week is to simply allow them to have plenty of sleep, get a good breakfast, and arrive on time. It is especially important to be on time during this week so they do not miss any tests. You should also expect your child to have no homework during testing week in order to rest and have a fresh mind. We will test Tuesday through Thursday.

Some have asked about bringing a snack to school during testing. A healthy snack can often bring an energy boost and help your child concentrate. Your child may bring a small snack for testing this week if they wish. Keep in mind that we only have about 10 minute breaks that also include using the restroom if necessary, so snacks should be very simple. Some good choices are dried fruits or apple slices. Any snack packed with protein is a great option too, like cheese cubes or string cheese, but please keep the peanuts, peanut butter, and any kind of nuts at home as we do have students with allergies. Pretzels, goldfish, and crackers are good options as well. Really any snack that is healthy and easy to eat quickly will be good for breaks. It is not necessary that you bring a snack. We will provide plenty of breaks and our lunchtime will be the same as normal.

I hope this helps in preparing your child for testing, but the best way to get ready is to get plenty of rest, eat a good breakfast, arrive on time, and above all else...RELAX. The purpose of testing is to help the teachers learn how to educate your child the best way we can, so please remind them that they should feel no pressure, but to simply do their best work. Thanks so much for all of your help!

Fun Ways to Count Money

Looking for some fun ways to count money? These are so enjoyable you won't even realize you're doing math!

1.     Money Memory- Make a money concentration game with 20 index cards, magazine pictures and coin stickers or stamps.  Have your child look through magazines and cut out pictures of ten items that he would like to purchase.  Have him glue each picture on an index card.  Draw a price tag on each picture.  On the other ten cards, put coin stickers or stamps that equal the prices of the objects shown on the other cards.  To play, shuffle and spread the cards face down on a playing surface.  One player chooses two cards.  If she gets a match, she gets to go again.  If they do not get a match, the cards are returned and the next player picks two cards.

2.     Penny-a-Day- Purchase four disposable plastic cups.  Label each cup with a different coin name (penny, nickel, dime, quarter).  Each day give your child a penny to place in the penny cup.  When he reaches 5¢ in the penny cup, allow him to trade for a nickel and put in the correct cup.  Encourage them to keep trading for larger and larger coins as they save money.

3.     Coin Toss- Place a plastic bowl on the floor several feet away from your child.  Give her 10 play coins.  Instruct her to toss the coins into the bowl.  She then counts the coins that land in the bowl.

3.     How Many Ways? - Each day review counting money by asking your child to show you different combinations of coins that equal the date.  For instance: Today is the 21^st.  Show me how many different ways you can make 21¢ using coins.

4.     Grocery Store- Buy a package of garage sale stickers or use a roll of masking tape to make price tags.  Place them on several grocery items and write a price on each.  Place the priced items on the table and invite your child to go ‘shopping’.  He can use real or play coins to purchase the items.  Older children can practice making change.

5.     Egg-celent Shake-up- Recycle your old cardboard egg cartons.  Place a handful of coins in a cardboard egg carton.  Close the lid and have your child shake it up.  When she opens the lid, ask her to count the coins in each section of the carton.

6.     Race to a Dollar- Grab a pair of dice, a bag of coins, a partner and you’re ready to go!  To play, one person rolls the dice.  She takes the same number of coins as the number that they roll.  Play continues until one player reaches a dollar. 

7.   Create a Catalog- Get several pieces of construction paper and have your child create their own catalog by drawing pictures of things that they like.  You can even write descriptions beside the drawings.   Help him accurately price each item.  Using play coins and bills, allow him to ‘purchase’ the item and count out the money needed.

Rosary Prayers

Don't Forget! No School on Monday!

Pizza Day Tomorrow!

Don't forget that Pizza Day is tomorrow! The students should still be in mass uniforms and we will have lunch at our normal time, but we will have PIZZA for lunch!

Thank You!

I was so happy to see such a wonderful turn out at our Parent Night. Thank you to everyone that attended. I hope I was able to answer any questions, but you can always refer to the Parents section to review the classroom procedures. If you ever need anything, please don't hesitate to contact me. Thank you again. Looking forward to our year together!

September News!