Lil’ Mountaineer News You can view our elementary newsletter by visiting our website www.bbsd.com

October 2017 Caterpillar Craze

In September students in the kindergarten classrooms studied the life cycle of butterflies. The students had the opportunity to watch each monarch caterpillar form their chrysalis and emerge as a beautiful butterfly. The kindergarten classes released more than 15 butterflies into the Berlin community! Be sure to be on the lookout for these orange and black marvels!

Weather WondersStudents in first grade have been

keeping their eyes to the skies! First graders have been busy studying the weather by using thermometers, recording rain amounts with rain gauges and creating flags to measure wind speed. They have really enjoyed these experiences and are learning a lot about everyday weather!

Bugs! Bugs! Bugs!

Second graders have just finished a fun unit on the life cycle of frogs. In October, they will begin to observe and study a variety of bugs. If you see a second grader be sure to ask what creepy, crawly critters have made their way to class!

Know the FactsThird Graders will begin Unit 2 which

focuses heavily on number stories involving multiplication and division. Please use the fact triangles that were sent home as a way to practice multiplication with your child. They are working toward mastering the foundational multiplication facts (x2, x5 and x10). 3rd Grade is also looking forward to the 21st Century Parent Math Night on October 3 where Mrs. Miller will present third grade math strategies on topics including multi-digit addition/subtraction, multiplication, and fractions.

Understand the WordsStudents in fourth grade are gearing up

to practice basic multiplication fact fluency.

While practicing their facts, they continue to learn and practice their math vocabulary word rings. As fourth graders work through word problems they are encouraged to “Mark It Up!” by highlighting, circling, or underlining all important information and key words. The fourth-grade parents’ math night will be October 10th.

Growth MindsetEducators encourage students to take on

challenges, stretch their abilities, and to step out of their comfort zones. They do this by creating positive learning environments that reach all learning styles and skill levels, Dr. Carol Dweck researched students’ mindsets in connection to their motivation and achievement. Dweck uses the terms fixed mindset and growth mindset. A fixed mindset would think, “This is too hard!” while a growth mindset would think, “This may take time.”

When students believe they will succeed, they understand that effort will get them further. Once students believe in their own success, they put forth the additional time and effort towards achievement. Dweck states, “Students need to try new strategies and seek input from others when they are stuck.” The growth mindset concept has several components and can be practiced in both schools and homes.

Growth mindset – you can “grow your intelligence.” Take some time to view this great video:https://www.mindsetkit.org/growth-mindset-parents/how-parents-can-instill-growth-mindset/3-ways-parents-can-instill-growth-mindset

9 Ways to Develop Your Child’s Language Skills

Information adapted from www.parents.com.

1. Talk – Narrate the day to increase your child’s vocabulary.

2. Read – Read a bedtime story every night.

3. Listen to Music – Sing together and have fun acting out parts of the song with movement.

4. Tell stories – Make up stories together with interesting plots.

5. Follow your Child’s Lead – If your child is interested in a particular topic, try to provide them with more information or talk about things that intrigue them.

6. Keep it Positive – If your child says a phrase incorrectly, repeat it back to them using the correct pronunciation/word usage.

7. Use TV/Computers Sparingly – Educational shows and computer games can be great learning tools, but children are not able to interact with them as much as they could with a family member or friend.

8. Watch for Ear Infections – Young children are at a higher risk for ear infections, which can lead to hearing difficulties.

9. Field Trips – Going on adventures and talking about what you saw is a great way to foster learning and increase communication skills.

Dates to KnowFall Colors – Join the elementary in wearing fall colors to celebrate the Fall season! *Check student folders for details!3rd Grade Parents’ Math Night 10/03ACT 80 Day 10/09 No school for studentsK-2 Fire Safety Presentation 10/104th Grade Parents’ Math Night 10/10Red Ribbon Week 10/23 – 10/27 Fall Fun Day 10/27Future 2-hour delays for staff professional development: Wednesday, Dec 13, 2017Friday, Feb 16, 2018Wednesday, April 25, 2018

PTSOFall Book Fair:

October 18 8:30a-5pOctober 19 8:30-7

October 20 8:30-12 Students will have the opportunity to visit the book fair during the school day. The book fair will be open to the public during after school hours only.

Our PTSO Box Top Wars will begin in October. Each grade level homeroom will be challenged to bring in the most box tops. At the end of each month, the homeroom, within each grade level, that brings in the most box tops, will receive a small reward.

Red Ribbon WeekAdults and youth will join together in

wearing a Red Ribbon to show their commitment in raising awareness of drug prevention. Celebrate with our district, the week of October 23rd. This year’s daily themes:

‘Merica Monday 10/23Tropical Tuesday 10/24Wild Wednesday 10/25

Reach for the Sky Thursday 10/26Your Future is Key Friday 10/27

*Check your student’s folder this month for more details.