October 22,2001

Dear Parents,

It was wonderful to meet and talk with all of you again. Parent conferences allow us to begin a real partnership in the continuing education of your child. It is a treat for me as a teacher to learn more about each child from a parent, the real expert. Thank you! I know some of you were unable to make it in; I've talked with most of you to reschedule an appointment. If we haven't yet arranged a new time, please send in a note or give me a call.

Since I last wrote to you our classes have visited Wolfe Neck Farm. What a treat! The weather was perfect, and the farm was wonderful.

We saw lots of animals, got to feed some of them, rode on a hayride, ate apples, picked pumpkins and had a picnic there. Thank you to all the parents who helped out. We talked, drew, and wrote about the farm. First we made a list of all that we did and saw. Then each student chose one thing to draw, and then they wrote a label for the animal or object they remembered. Our illustrated list is on display in the classroom. You may notice that the words on the chart are all spelled correctly; this is because it is "public" writing. When your children write in their journals or on some other tasks, they will be writing sounds they hear, and the words will not be spelled right (there will probably be no vowels!). This is all part of the process, a step towards making independent writers.

We have read several stories that are somewhat seasonal. We've read and reread In a Dark Dark Wood. We've also read Pumpkin Eye by Denise Fleming, and The Biggest Pumpkin Ever by Steven Kroll. We've sung "Witches' Brew" and chanted "Who Stole the Pumpkin from the Pumpkin Patch?" and "Have You Ever Seen a Pumpkin?" We've been singing a song, which is for all seasons, called "May There Always Be Sunshine." We sign along with it, and the children all think it's beautiful.

I hope to see you all again at Open House (Thursday, 5:30). Your child will be your guide through the classroom and the school.

Sincerely,

Joanna VanOrden

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