Happy Holiday Break!! I hope all my students and families have a wonderful, relaxing, and safe break. This first half of the year has gone by SO very quickly. I have truly enjoyed everyday with your students and look forward to working with them in the new year! We have a lot to learn and a lot to accomplish in he next part of the year together. Please remember to try to find a little time to do homework over break and READ everyday!! :)
Other reminders- keep collecting those box tops over break! The school gets back so much $ from these and it is used to purchase materials and support programs for the kids :) Also, please try to practice flashcards and/or handwriting over break (if I asked you to work on these things during conferences).
Friday, December 17, 2010
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Thursday, Dec. 16th
Today was a very busy day for us. We are trying to wrap everything up before break and sure is tiring! most of us finished our gingerbread person story today. They will be taking them home to read to you over break :) We also practiced identifying quadrilaterals and line segments. We looked at some 3D shapes and practiced drawing them. After break we will be exploring volume.
Remember to send a dollar in so your students can wear slippers tomorrow (the 5th grade camp fundraiser!) Also, our party will take place from 1-2pm if you wish to attend :)
Remember to send a dollar in so your students can wear slippers tomorrow (the 5th grade camp fundraiser!) Also, our party will take place from 1-2pm if you wish to attend :)
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Wednesday, Dec. 15th
Today in class we talked about the importance of a n interesting setting when writing a fantasy story. We used a graphic organizer to help us plan the 5 different settings for our Gingerbread person stories. Ask your child what the setting of his/her story is going to be!
In reading we read another version of the gingerbread man and took a scholastic reading test. Today was library so the kids got to have a little extra reading time to spend with their new books :)
In math we did a little re-teaching with paralell lines and quadrilaterals. We also did some math boxes to review elapsed time, adding, subtraction, measuring, and in/out machines.
We had inside recess for both recesses again today. We played with games in the classroom for first recess and watched part of Louis' Santa Paws movie (thanks for sending that in!) for the second recess. I think the kids are starting to get restless being inside all day so let's hope it warms up a little so we can go out again!
Reminders: Bring 1 dollar tgo school this week and you can wear slippers to school on Friday! This is a camp fundraiser for the 4th and 5th graders.
Holiday party in the classroom on Friday between 1 and 2 pm. Everyone is welcome :)
Louis won the drawing to take the Guinea Pig home over break- thanks to all of you who offered! I really appreciate your help with this :)
In reading we read another version of the gingerbread man and took a scholastic reading test. Today was library so the kids got to have a little extra reading time to spend with their new books :)
In math we did a little re-teaching with paralell lines and quadrilaterals. We also did some math boxes to review elapsed time, adding, subtraction, measuring, and in/out machines.
We had inside recess for both recesses again today. We played with games in the classroom for first recess and watched part of Louis' Santa Paws movie (thanks for sending that in!) for the second recess. I think the kids are starting to get restless being inside all day so let's hope it warms up a little so we can go out again!
Reminders: Bring 1 dollar tgo school this week and you can wear slippers to school on Friday! This is a camp fundraiser for the 4th and 5th graders.
Holiday party in the classroom on Friday between 1 and 2 pm. Everyone is welcome :)
Louis won the drawing to take the Guinea Pig home over break- thanks to all of you who offered! I really appreciate your help with this :)
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Tuesday, Dec. 14th
Today in class we talked about Character Traits and made a poster of different traits. We then made a character sketch of a gingerbread person for our own individual gingerbread stories. The kids used an outine of a gingerbread person and filled it with describing words that tell about their made-up character. Tomorrow we will work on the setting of our story as well as the plot.
In math we are working on parrell lines. We are also continuing to work on naming line segments.
In math we are working on parrell lines. We are also continuing to work on naming line segments.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Monday, Dec. 13th
Well, today we only had 11 students in class!! This allowed us to work on some fun projects (reindeer writing) and also do some things to get ready for break (clean out our desks, finish up our centers work, etc). Hopefully tomorrow won't be as cold and we will see our friends come to school- or, school will be cancelled if the temp drops too low (check to news in the morning!) I know the roads were BAD out there this morning (it took me 2 hours to drive in to school!!) so please be careful if you have to go out tonight and be sure to bundle up those sweet 2nd graders when bringing them in the morning!
Christmas party- It will be Friday from 1pm-2pm. Everyone is invited to join and help make gingerbread houses and play games with the kids. Our room moms have been organizing and have already sent notes home with those who are assigned to bring food this time. Please let me know if you can't bring your assigned item. Thanks :)
Christmas party- It will be Friday from 1pm-2pm. Everyone is invited to join and help make gingerbread houses and play games with the kids. Our room moms have been organizing and have already sent notes home with those who are assigned to bring food this time. Please let me know if you can't bring your assigned item. Thanks :)
Friday, December 10, 2010
Friday, Dec.10th
Happy Friday! Sorry my posts have been a bit sporadic-- this time of year can be so busy, I barely have time to post! Today in class we read another gingerbread Man (fantasy) story and enjoyed some Gingerbread Cookies (thank you!) while practicing some graphing in the process. We added "made-up creatures" to our list of "What makes some books Fantasy books?" and finished making a story map of the Gingerbread man story. We will be making a story map for our own individual Gingerbread man stories next week.
In math we learned about points and line segments. The kids seemed to pick this up pretty quickly. We also did some math boxes which consisted of some review problems. The biggest challenge with the review problems were: telling time and then telling what time it will be in 15 minutes and counting quarters. On Monday we will start learning about parallel lines.
Please note that the New HW came home today (thanks!) and notes about the Holiday party on the 17th. Only those who are assigned to bring something have a note. The note will be in the binder or orange folder. The party will take place from approx. 1-2pm If you have questions, let me know!
Also, the PANCAKE SUPPER is tonight from 6-9pm. My room will be used as the "movie room" so stop in and say hi if you are attending :)
Have a good weekend!
In math we learned about points and line segments. The kids seemed to pick this up pretty quickly. We also did some math boxes which consisted of some review problems. The biggest challenge with the review problems were: telling time and then telling what time it will be in 15 minutes and counting quarters. On Monday we will start learning about parallel lines.
Please note that the New HW came home today (thanks!) and notes about the Holiday party on the 17th. Only those who are assigned to bring something have a note. The note will be in the binder or orange folder. The party will take place from approx. 1-2pm If you have questions, let me know!
Also, the PANCAKE SUPPER is tonight from 6-9pm. My room will be used as the "movie room" so stop in and say hi if you are attending :)
Have a good weekend!
Tuesday, December 07, 2010
Tues. Dec 7th
In class we have been talking about Fantasy stories and started our own little poems. I took a few fun pictures of the kids on Friday in their fantasy character to attach to their poem- here are a few cute ones :) Today we published our poems and I hung them up in the hallway with their pictures.
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| If I were Santa... |
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| If I were a Reindeer... |
We also took the Unit 4 test in Math today. The next unit will have a lot of geometry (shapes, 3D shapes, etc.) We will also keep measuring in the next unit in order to get a bit more practice with inches and centimenters.
Friday, December 03, 2010
Friday, Dec. 3rd
Today in class we started our new genre unit: fantasy. So far we have read a fantasy book (the gingerbread baby) and decided that fantasy books are pretend (fiction), and have REALLY unrealistic things in them such as talking animals and magic. We will be reading tons of fantasy books in the next couple weeks and writing our own fantasy story using a gingerbread bog/girl as the main character. To get the kids excited about this, we made gingerbread man-shaped pancakes! They didn't really turn out looking so much like gingerbreadmen, but they still tasted good!
We also wrote a "If I were a ______" poem. We took a fun picture as ourselves dressed up as the character we wrote about to go with the poem. They are TOO cute! You will love them when you see them and it was a great way to get the kids using more details and sensory images in their writing.
In math we worked on more double-digit addition. We made a string of lights with math addition problems on them. I was very impressed with all the students who are starting to have a "lightbulb moment" with this concept and starting to catch on and become confident!! They were very excited to get to write their facts on the lightbulbs- I think they would have done 100 more if I would have let them. Its great to see them so excited but I am really running out of space to put all of our projects on the walls & ceiling in here!
Homework binders went home today. There is new WEEKLY reading log in the binder and a MONTHLY genre tally chart and graph. Please take time to look it over. Learning the different genres is a very important part of the elementary curriculum- as well as graphing. Doing this will help your child internalize both concepts.
Have a good weekend!
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| Here's what the pancakes ended up looking like... |
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| but they still tasted good! |
We also wrote a "If I were a ______" poem. We took a fun picture as ourselves dressed up as the character we wrote about to go with the poem. They are TOO cute! You will love them when you see them and it was a great way to get the kids using more details and sensory images in their writing.
In math we worked on more double-digit addition. We made a string of lights with math addition problems on them. I was very impressed with all the students who are starting to have a "lightbulb moment" with this concept and starting to catch on and become confident!! They were very excited to get to write their facts on the lightbulbs- I think they would have done 100 more if I would have let them. Its great to see them so excited but I am really running out of space to put all of our projects on the walls & ceiling in here!
Homework binders went home today. There is new WEEKLY reading log in the binder and a MONTHLY genre tally chart and graph. Please take time to look it over. Learning the different genres is a very important part of the elementary curriculum- as well as graphing. Doing this will help your child internalize both concepts.
Have a good weekend!
Wednesday, December 01, 2010
Wed. Dec 1st
Today the kids had a substitute during the day but I am back in the classroom tonight and tomorrow for conferences. I look forward to seeing everyone :)
Reminders: No school Thursday. Book Exchange Tuesday, Dec. 7th- send a 2nd grade book that you have already read and trade it for a new grade level book to enjoy :)
Reminders: No school Thursday. Book Exchange Tuesday, Dec. 7th- send a 2nd grade book that you have already read and trade it for a new grade level book to enjoy :)
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Tuesday, Nov. 30
Wow! We accomplished SO much today!! We played a spinner game to help us remember the difference between proper and common nouns, finished writing our legends (we will be typing them in the lab tomorrow!), finished our reading group story (A Trip to the Firehouse), completed our math boxes, and made 3D trees for our ceiling :) We were full of energy and going from one task to the next! We will be starting our new writing unit at the end of this week- Fantasy. We will also be starting a new in-class reading log as well as a new homework reading log that will help us keep track of the different genre of books we are reading. We have been reading a loooott of legends in the past few weeks so it will be nice to start reading more fantasy and fairytales :)
Reminders: Pancake Dinner on Friday Dec. 10th at 6pm. Those who attend conferences will be getting a free family photo coupon.
Reminders: Pancake Dinner on Friday Dec. 10th at 6pm. Those who attend conferences will be getting a free family photo coupon.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Monday, Nov. 29th
Welcome back! It's time to move on from all the turkey and mayflower stuff and get out the holiday activities! Today we kicked off our new December centers (which include a lot of grammar practice, word family activities, and a focus on writing and spelling) and learned to make snowflakes :)
In math we are starting measurement with inches and centimeters. Today we used a measuring tape and a ruler to measure things around the classroom like our desks and the door frame. We are still practicing double digit addition by adding the inches together to find total lengths and widths of objects.
Reminders: Conferences this week! I have 100% of our families confirmed for a conference this week with me :) Please let me know if you need a reminder of your appointment. See you all then!
In math we are starting measurement with inches and centimeters. Today we used a measuring tape and a ruler to measure things around the classroom like our desks and the door frame. We are still practicing double digit addition by adding the inches together to find total lengths and widths of objects.
Reminders: Conferences this week! I have 100% of our families confirmed for a conference this week with me :) Please let me know if you need a reminder of your appointment. See you all then!
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Tuesday, Nov. 23rd
Happy Thanksgiving Break! All the kids left today with full bellies! We had our feast and it went very well. Thank you to those who sent in food and helped served. The kids had great manners and did a GREAT job performing their skits for the K's and 1st graders. They really made me proud :)
We will be practicing skits and drama little by little all year until Spring- then we will be having a play for parents :)
Unfortunately, my camera died this morning when I got it out to take pictures of their costumes :( but I did take some video that I will post on the blog over the weekend.
We will be practicing skits and drama little by little all year until Spring- then we will be having a play for parents :)
Unfortunately, my camera died this morning when I got it out to take pictures of their costumes :( but I did take some video that I will post on the blog over the weekend.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Monday, Nov. 22
One day down, one to go! The kids were on a high today trying to wrap-up all of our Thanksgiving themed reading and writing projects! They worked so hard all day- I am so proud of them! We did get a little break for Ciera's birthday treat in the afternoon so that was a nice reward for all of them.
In math today we started adding dollars instead of just coins (example: 46 dollars plus 31 dollars). We will be working on this concepts for some time (at least until Christmas break) and will of course review it (and use our skills in this area) for the rest of the year.
Hope everyone has a good night- I think the kids should be tired tonight after such a busy day! Remember, we have a half day tomorrow. Be here to pick up at 11:30. Thanks!
In math today we started adding dollars instead of just coins (example: 46 dollars plus 31 dollars). We will be working on this concepts for some time (at least until Christmas break) and will of course review it (and use our skills in this area) for the rest of the year.
Hope everyone has a good night- I think the kids should be tired tonight after such a busy day! Remember, we have a half day tomorrow. Be here to pick up at 11:30. Thanks!
Friday, November 19, 2010
Friday, Nov. 19th
Today we began the day in reading groups by taking about main idea. We are working on sumarizing a story by telling about the main idea instead of telling allllllllllllllllllllllll the details (which I am sure you have heard a retelling from your student before that included EVERYTHING that happened). Our goal is to be able to tell the main idea of a story without "giving all the other parts" away.
During writing and whole-class reading we working on a poem and reviewed rhyming words that sound alike but are spelling differently (said, bed). We also practiced our reader's theatre so that we would be ready to show the Kindergarteners our play on Tuesday.
We also had our long-anticipated popcorn part after math time in the afternoon. We watch the Charlie-Brown version of the pilgrims trip on the Mayflower- very cute!
On Tuesday we will be having a little Thankgiving dinner in the morning before we go home. We will have a turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, cornbread muffins, corn, apple juice and cranberries. The students will enjoy this after they do their skit for the Kindergarteners.
Also, I want to say THANK YOU to Meghan's friend Mike for helping us with spelling this week, Louis' mom for helping with homework binders, and Clara's mom for helping me with copies and games, etc. for me to use with the kids in the next few weeks. I appreciate all of you! I know this is a VERY busy time for everyone!
During writing and whole-class reading we working on a poem and reviewed rhyming words that sound alike but are spelling differently (said, bed). We also practiced our reader's theatre so that we would be ready to show the Kindergarteners our play on Tuesday.
We also had our long-anticipated popcorn part after math time in the afternoon. We watch the Charlie-Brown version of the pilgrims trip on the Mayflower- very cute!
On Tuesday we will be having a little Thankgiving dinner in the morning before we go home. We will have a turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, cornbread muffins, corn, apple juice and cranberries. The students will enjoy this after they do their skit for the Kindergarteners.
Also, I want to say THANK YOU to Meghan's friend Mike for helping us with spelling this week, Louis' mom for helping with homework binders, and Clara's mom for helping me with copies and games, etc. for me to use with the kids in the next few weeks. I appreciate all of you! I know this is a VERY busy time for everyone!
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Thursday, Nov. 18th
Today we got read to board the Mayflower by making a suitcase and "filling it" with writing about waht we would pack. Ask your child what they packed in their suitcase :)
In math we practiced with thermometers again and double digit addition. We also practiced a little with estimating and reviewed counting change.
Reminder: HW due tomorrow!
In math we practiced with thermometers again and double digit addition. We also practiced a little with estimating and reviewed counting change.
Reminder: HW due tomorrow!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Wed. Nov. 17th
Today we continued to work on our legends, visited our centers, practiced with thermometers in math, and practiced our Thanksgiving play!
We also had computer lab today and the kids were able to start out their time in the lab by taking some scholastic reading tests. Each week when the kids should be checking out at least one book from the library that has a scolatic reading test online. The books with tests have stickers on them so the kids kow which ones to get. Please make sure your child is returning their books on time so that they are ablet o check out new test-ready books on Library day. Our next Library day is next Tuesday.
We also had computer lab today and the kids were able to start out their time in the lab by taking some scholastic reading tests. Each week when the kids should be checking out at least one book from the library that has a scolatic reading test online. The books with tests have stickers on them so the kids kow which ones to get. Please make sure your child is returning their books on time so that they are ablet o check out new test-ready books on Library day. Our next Library day is next Tuesday.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Tues. Nov. 16th
Today was out virtual field trip to Plimouth Village! We watched pilgrims and Native Americans live from their village. We learned about what they wore, how they talked, and how they lived. The kids really liked seeing them in action! We made a KWL chart as we watched (this will be coming home next Tuesday so you can read all about it).
We also practiced double digit adding in math by adding change. This concept is still tricky but we are improving quickly! :)
In solcial studies we are still talking about patriotism and have added a new class job- Pledge Leader. The students are very serious when it comes to the pledge and we are talking about other was we can show our patriotism.
Picture retake day is tomorrow!! If you want your child to get picture retakes, please send the entire original package to school tomorrow so that we can return it and get the new picture taken. Thanks!
We also practiced double digit adding in math by adding change. This concept is still tricky but we are improving quickly! :)
In solcial studies we are still talking about patriotism and have added a new class job- Pledge Leader. The students are very serious when it comes to the pledge and we are talking about other was we can show our patriotism.
Picture retake day is tomorrow!! If you want your child to get picture retakes, please send the entire original package to school tomorrow so that we can return it and get the new picture taken. Thanks!
Monday, November 15, 2010
Monday, Nov. 15th
Today in class we started planning out our Legend writing pieces. We all started with a question about nature. Some of the questions the kids came up with were: Why do dogs bark? Why is the grass green? Why are the clouds in the sky? Where did butterflies come from? Our next task is to answer our question by telling a story as the Native Americans did in the books we have been reading. The characters are either Native Americans, animals, or spirits (as those are the character types in the Native American legends we are modeling after). Ask you child what their question is for their legend.
In reading we started examining a play about the first Thanksgiving. We will be practicing it all week and then performing it for the 1st and K's next Tuesday. We will be using paper grocery bags to make pilgrim and Native American outfits for the play and will be eating a Thanksgiving Dinner after we have performed our play. I got the bags already from the grocery but I do still need feathers and someone who is skilled at making Pilgrim hats :) I have a template for this but mine always turn out a bit funny looking. Let me know if you are willing to help or if you are able to send anything Thanksgiving-ish in for our Dinner (which will be taking place in next Tuesday morning!)
In math we examined lbs. and in. by looking at the measurements of different fish. We also used our balance to compare dry and wet goods to see which were heavier. Finally, we began looking at the concept of algebra (in a very simple form) by posing questions such as: If the fish weighed 5lbs and later he weighed 12lbs, how much did he gain in between the two weigh-ins? 5 + ? = 12 The kids were great at this! I am so glad to be moving to the double digit addition and subtraction unit this week in math. This concept comes up a lot in the work they do and it will benefit them all to explore it deeper & gain a better understanding of the process in the upcoming weeks.
In reading we started examining a play about the first Thanksgiving. We will be practicing it all week and then performing it for the 1st and K's next Tuesday. We will be using paper grocery bags to make pilgrim and Native American outfits for the play and will be eating a Thanksgiving Dinner after we have performed our play. I got the bags already from the grocery but I do still need feathers and someone who is skilled at making Pilgrim hats :) I have a template for this but mine always turn out a bit funny looking. Let me know if you are willing to help or if you are able to send anything Thanksgiving-ish in for our Dinner (which will be taking place in next Tuesday morning!)
In math we examined lbs. and in. by looking at the measurements of different fish. We also used our balance to compare dry and wet goods to see which were heavier. Finally, we began looking at the concept of algebra (in a very simple form) by posing questions such as: If the fish weighed 5lbs and later he weighed 12lbs, how much did he gain in between the two weigh-ins? 5 + ? = 12 The kids were great at this! I am so glad to be moving to the double digit addition and subtraction unit this week in math. This concept comes up a lot in the work they do and it will benefit them all to explore it deeper & gain a better understanding of the process in the upcoming weeks.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Friday, Nov. 12th
Happy Friday! Thank you for sedning in HW binders today- and THANK YOU to Louis' mom for filling them up for us! Also, THANK YOU to Molly's mom for coming in at the last minute to do spelling tests!! Lastly, thanks to Clara's mom for helping me with some paperwork.coping today and this week. I appreciate your help!!
Today in class we learned about the Mayflower and the lives of Pilgrams and Native Americans. We did a webquest on our smart board and were able to click on different parts of the vessel to see what was kept inside. The website we used was http://www.scholastic.com/scholastic_thanksgiving/ it's a graet site. Some of the content is more aimed toward upper grades but there are a few things that the 2nd graders can learn from and enjoy. Have you child play around on it at home! They LOVE it.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Thursday, Nov. 11th
Happy Veterans Day! I hope all of you remembered to be thankful to our armed forces this Thanksgiving season. My brother-in-law just returned from a year long tour in Iraq this summer and we are SO greatful to have him back :)
The kids had an assembly today in which they discussed Veteran's Day and also read a book in class about the holiday. They brought home a little book that they colored and read with a partner today as well- have them to read this to you tonight! :)
I sent home conference reminder/sign-up sheets today for Dec. conferences. Please return them to school asap so that I can confirm your attendence. Report cards will go home on Dec. 10th but I will be giving you a sneak-peek at conferences on the 1st and 2nd so that we can discuss your child's progress. I also sent home a little questionairre for you to fill out before conferences to help us both plan for our meeting.
I had a meeting today at school with the other 2nd grade teachers and was not in the classroom for most of the day. The sub left a GREAT report (yaye!!) . I was also able to talk with the sub this morning to give her directions and see some of the kids during the day to make sure things were going well. Everyone seemed happy :)
Don't forget- tomorrow is Friday so send in that Homework binder! Also, keep sending in the canned food- we have gotten a lot of generous donations for our Poupard families already :) Thanks!!
The kids had an assembly today in which they discussed Veteran's Day and also read a book in class about the holiday. They brought home a little book that they colored and read with a partner today as well- have them to read this to you tonight! :)
I sent home conference reminder/sign-up sheets today for Dec. conferences. Please return them to school asap so that I can confirm your attendence. Report cards will go home on Dec. 10th but I will be giving you a sneak-peek at conferences on the 1st and 2nd so that we can discuss your child's progress. I also sent home a little questionairre for you to fill out before conferences to help us both plan for our meeting.
I had a meeting today at school with the other 2nd grade teachers and was not in the classroom for most of the day. The sub left a GREAT report (yaye!!) . I was also able to talk with the sub this morning to give her directions and see some of the kids during the day to make sure things were going well. Everyone seemed happy :)
Don't forget- tomorrow is Friday so send in that Homework binder! Also, keep sending in the canned food- we have gotten a lot of generous donations for our Poupard families already :) Thanks!!
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Thanksgiving
I am so very sad that my camera died during our Thanksgiving feast- I didn't even get to take a picture of the 15 lb. turkey that I made in the teacher's lounge oven!! I also missed out on getting pictures of the kids in their pilgrim and Indian attire as they performed their scripts for the Kinders :( I did, however, have my video camera with me and got a a few quick clips of "What I am Thankful for" from all of the kids.
Wednesday, Nov. 10th
Today in class we read "The Legend of Michigan." This explained the Native American legend of how Michigan got to have 4 seasons and why Michigan is shaped like a mitten. We followed up by pointing out what makes this story a legend (because it answers a question about nature "Why is Michigan shaped like a Mitten?") and then made a story map of the characters, beginning, middle, and end. The kids did great with this! when we were finished I showed them a map of Michigan and we pointed out some of the cities we had heard of/ went to. We looked at Harper Woods and Detroit, Lansing, Traverse City, etc. One boy raised his hand and asked me to point out where "Out of Town" is because his dad is always having to go there. Haha :)
In math we played our game and then had an assembly. Ask your child tonight to share with you what we saw from the presenters!
In math we played our game and then had an assembly. Ask your child tonight to share with you what we saw from the presenters!
Tuesday, November 09, 2010
Tuesday, Nov. 9th
Today in class we read "The Legend of the Indian Paintbrush" we made a strory map to summarize what happened and why the book was written. We will be making a story map of the next 3 legends we read and then we will be making our OWN story map for our OWN legends! They kids are getting familiar with how to plan out a "good story" so that they will be ready on Monday to start their own stories.
In math tomorrow we will be playing a game that helped us learn more about giving change for a dollar. Some students will be playing a more advanced version of this game with other amounts that were a bit more tricky. Some students who have mastered this skill already got to go to the enrichment group with Mrs. Mouton today! She will be visiting us every Tuesday and Thursday for enrichment for those who have mastered certain skills. She will also be helping us on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday by working with students who need re-teaching or extra time to learn a concept. The kids LOVE going with Mrs. Mouton- they get so excited when they find out who gets to go that day :)
In Social Studies we added two new words to our Vocab book: Life and Justice.
In math tomorrow we will be playing a game that helped us learn more about giving change for a dollar. Some students will be playing a more advanced version of this game with other amounts that were a bit more tricky. Some students who have mastered this skill already got to go to the enrichment group with Mrs. Mouton today! She will be visiting us every Tuesday and Thursday for enrichment for those who have mastered certain skills. She will also be helping us on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday by working with students who need re-teaching or extra time to learn a concept. The kids LOVE going with Mrs. Mouton- they get so excited when they find out who gets to go that day :)
In Social Studies we added two new words to our Vocab book: Life and Justice.
Monday, November 08, 2010
Monday, Nov. 8th
Today in class we started our new November centers. Centers are a great way to get every kid active in learning at thier own level. We have 16 centers and they are assigned to each kid depending on their needs. Some of the centers are visited by every student, such as the fast math computer center and the Turkey Tales writing center. Other centers are created to support or challenge students at their level, such as the Coin Card War game and the double or signle digit dice addition game. The kids love centers because they are fun; I love centers because they reinforce what we've learned in reading, writing, and math in a way that is motivating and encourages independence.
We also learned the core democratic value Common Good. The kids lovvvved coming up with silly rules and laws that would NOT be for the common good (New class rule: You have to give all your Halloween Candy to Louis!) but then we got serious and discussed some real laws and how they help all of us be safe and happy. They are making a Core Democratic Vocab. picture book to help remember all the new terms and what they mean in our lives.
We also learned the core democratic value Common Good. The kids lovvvved coming up with silly rules and laws that would NOT be for the common good (New class rule: You have to give all your Halloween Candy to Louis!) but then we got serious and discussed some real laws and how they help all of us be safe and happy. They are making a Core Democratic Vocab. picture book to help remember all the new terms and what they mean in our lives.
Friday, November 05, 2010
Friday, Nov. 5
Today we took our spelling test (thanks so Sania's mom and Molly's mom!!), got our homework bindrs (thanks to Louis' mom!) and had a birthday to celebrate (thanks to Darrielle's Grandma for the cupcakes!).
We also found time to read another legend and come to the conclusion that all legends teach us something about nature. We also noticed that the stories can sometimes be emotional. We will start writing our own legends next week.
In math we worked with making change and counting up to find the difference between what we paid and how much the item cost (ie- if you paid a dollar and the item cost 89 cents, count up from 89 untill you get to 100 to find the difference). The homework this week will be on our new Unit. Please pace the math homework over the week as there are a couple concepts that we won't be learning until Monday & Tuesday and I don't want the kids working on those pages over the weekend and get frustruated.
In Social Studies we learned the vocab. words "Core Democratic Values," and "Liberty." Next week we will be learning "Life."
Reminders: Canned food drive starts next week and ends Nov. 19th. Please send in what you can :)
PS- Sorry I didn't post yesterday! I had a sub in the PM and do not have internet access from home at the moment. I did get a great report from the sub and the kids told me she was "nice" :)
We also found time to read another legend and come to the conclusion that all legends teach us something about nature. We also noticed that the stories can sometimes be emotional. We will start writing our own legends next week.
In math we worked with making change and counting up to find the difference between what we paid and how much the item cost (ie- if you paid a dollar and the item cost 89 cents, count up from 89 untill you get to 100 to find the difference). The homework this week will be on our new Unit. Please pace the math homework over the week as there are a couple concepts that we won't be learning until Monday & Tuesday and I don't want the kids working on those pages over the weekend and get frustruated.
In Social Studies we learned the vocab. words "Core Democratic Values," and "Liberty." Next week we will be learning "Life."
Reminders: Canned food drive starts next week and ends Nov. 19th. Please send in what you can :)
PS- Sorry I didn't post yesterday! I had a sub in the PM and do not have internet access from home at the moment. I did get a great report from the sub and the kids told me she was "nice" :)
Wednesday, November 03, 2010
Wed. Nov. 3rd
Today in class we read a Native American legend about Lady Slipper flowers. We also talked about Native American culture as well as elements of a legend. In my reading group we practiced visualizing a story as we read.
In math we worked on making change with coins. It was challanging for many students but we will continue to work hard on this. Lots of kids are starting to master counting change so making change will be a new challenge. After math we had computer lab and were able to do fast math and earobics!
**FROM TODAY ON, students will NOT be allowed to go out to recess unless they have a real coat (a sweatshirt is not a real coat). It is too cold to be outside for such a long time without a coat.**
In math we worked on making change with coins. It was challanging for many students but we will continue to work hard on this. Lots of kids are starting to master counting change so making change will be a new challenge. After math we had computer lab and were able to do fast math and earobics!
**FROM TODAY ON, students will NOT be allowed to go out to recess unless they have a real coat (a sweatshirt is not a real coat). It is too cold to be outside for such a long time without a coat.**
Tuesday, November 02, 2010
Tuesday, Nov. 2
Hope you all enjoyed your day off (from bringing the kids to school)!
I added some links to the blog today (they are in the menu under the header). I hope that you will be able to use these links at home to practice the skills we are learning in the classroom. You can also navigate around on the sites to find additional things that you may find useful. I wrote up a little something for most of the sites to let you know what I like about it and what it is best for. I will be adding more as we learn more in the classroom. Hope you are able to have your child enjoy these sites on the next rainy day. :)
I added some links to the blog today (they are in the menu under the header). I hope that you will be able to use these links at home to practice the skills we are learning in the classroom. You can also navigate around on the sites to find additional things that you may find useful. I wrote up a little something for most of the sites to let you know what I like about it and what it is best for. I will be adding more as we learn more in the classroom. Hope you are able to have your child enjoy these sites on the next rainy day. :)
Monday, November 01, 2010
Monday, Nov. 1
THANK YOU to all the parents that made our Halloween Party a success!! Also, thank you to those who came early to help with spelling tests and homework binders! The day went so smoothly because of all of you! Thanks!
Today in class we started learning about Legends in my reading group. We are also learning about legends in writing and will be reading and writing some Native American legends (along with some other types of traditional legends) all month.
In math we worked more with coins and counting various amounts of coins. We also explored some bar graphs.
Book exchange will be Thursday Nov. 24th. Please send a book that you have read in order to switch it for a new book to read! (all the students got a book last month from book exchange that they can bring back to trade)
**FYI: I took the graph out of the HW binder this week. I will not be adding it back in. I may add in something else to do with graphs but I will not be adding the HW graph back in.
Also, I got my PB Jars that I was needing last week :) Thanks!
Today in class we started learning about Legends in my reading group. We are also learning about legends in writing and will be reading and writing some Native American legends (along with some other types of traditional legends) all month.
In math we worked more with coins and counting various amounts of coins. We also explored some bar graphs.
Book exchange will be Thursday Nov. 24th. Please send a book that you have read in order to switch it for a new book to read! (all the students got a book last month from book exchange that they can bring back to trade)
**FYI: I took the graph out of the HW binder this week. I will not be adding it back in. I may add in something else to do with graphs but I will not be adding the HW graph back in.
Also, I got my PB Jars that I was needing last week :) Thanks!
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Halloween Fun!
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| Our Centers had a halloween theme this month :) |
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| We read the Story Stella Luna and worked on the Parts of a Story |
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| The next day we did some practice with Beginning Middle and End |
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| At the beginning, Stella was happy flying with her bat family |
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| Then she got lost and was taken in by a bird family |
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| And in the end she found her bat mother :) |
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| We hung the finished product by the ceiling to make it a bit more 'spooky' in here for the season :) |
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| We read the book "The Very Busy Spider" by eric Carle and then made our our version- The Very Busy 2nd Grade Spider" and wrote about all the things we have been doing in 2nd grade so far this year! |
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| I hung them in the hall for all you parents to see and enjoy |
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| All the kids dressed up for the halloween parade and party! |
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| The kids decorated pumpkins with our classroom moms :) |
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Wednesday, Oct. 27th
Today in reading and writing we worked on our haunted house story. We focused on the Promblem and Solution part of our story which was hard for some students. We came up with some great problems ("I was ate up by a monster!") but forgot that we needed to have a solution to that problem at the end of our story. We will continue working on these stories tomorrow!
In math we did geometry with the geo-boards. We made pentagons, hexagons, octogons and trapezoids. The kids loved working with the geoboards :)
We also got a chance to go to computers today! yaye!
Hope you all have a good night :)
PS- The kids did end up voting on a name for the guinea pig- it was a close one but the name is MEATBALL. haha :)
In math we did geometry with the geo-boards. We made pentagons, hexagons, octogons and trapezoids. The kids loved working with the geoboards :)
We also got a chance to go to computers today! yaye!
Hope you all have a good night :)
PS- The kids did end up voting on a name for the guinea pig- it was a close one but the name is MEATBALL. haha :)
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Tuesday, Oct. 26th
Today was the fall festival for all kids who have had good behavior at school for the past month! We had fall candy, did a fall art project and watched the movie version of the picture book "The first snow in the woods."
In writing/reading today we talked about characters and charater traits. We started developing some of our characters to use in a "creepy haunted house" story. Hopefully the stories will be done by Friday for you to enjoy at home on Halloween!
In math we are using base-ten blocks to model different numbers up to 999. Tomorrow we will be moving on and starting with geometry and building different shapes while learning about perimeter and area.
Friday Update: Halloween parade at 8:45, Halloween Party will take place between 10:15 and 11:15. Dismissal is at 11:30.
** I am in need of empty, clean peanut butter jars (or any plastic jar with a screw off top) for a math center. If you have one that you are about to toss, pleae send it to me! Thanks!!
In writing/reading today we talked about characters and charater traits. We started developing some of our characters to use in a "creepy haunted house" story. Hopefully the stories will be done by Friday for you to enjoy at home on Halloween!
In math we are using base-ten blocks to model different numbers up to 999. Tomorrow we will be moving on and starting with geometry and building different shapes while learning about perimeter and area.
Friday Update: Halloween parade at 8:45, Halloween Party will take place between 10:15 and 11:15. Dismissal is at 11:30.
** I am in need of empty, clean peanut butter jars (or any plastic jar with a screw off top) for a math center. If you have one that you are about to toss, pleae send it to me! Thanks!!
Monday, October 25, 2010
Monday, Oct. 25th
Today in reading and writing we read the book "The Very Busy Spider" by Eric Carle. We then made text-to-self connection and listed the ways that we are also "very busy" and talked about what we don't have time for because we are busy.We made our own spider and listed the things we've been busy doing (we also took this oppurtunity to again list the ways how spiders are different than insects).
In math we work a lot with time and anolog clocks. We also reviewed place value and coins.
In science we finished up our insect ABC books. About half the class is done and is moving on to a new project starting tomorrow. We will be starting our first social studies unit so it will bea great time to introduce the new project.
Hope everyone had a great night.
Remember: The Halloween parade is Friday at 8:45 followed by an assembly and then our party. Dismissal will be at 11:34 that day.
In math we work a lot with time and anolog clocks. We also reviewed place value and coins.
In science we finished up our insect ABC books. About half the class is done and is moving on to a new project starting tomorrow. We will be starting our first social studies unit so it will bea great time to introduce the new project.
Hope everyone had a great night.
Remember: The Halloween parade is Friday at 8:45 followed by an assembly and then our party. Dismissal will be at 11:34 that day.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Friday, Oct. 22nd
Yet another busy Friday in 2nd grade today! In the morning we went to reading groups and read about animal habitats and animals that live in ponds/wetlands. We practiced with some unknown words and new vocab. After reading groups we did our spelling test (THANK YOU to Molly's mom for coming in to help us with those!!) and read the book Stellaluna about a baby bat. We started a story map about the book that we finished after lunch. In the afternoon we also made a fun project that helped us visualize the beginning, middle, and end of the story as well as identify the main events and put them in correct sequence. Our project is now hanging from our ceiling in the classroom :) We also made time for math in the afternoon which included counting money (4 dollars in change today!) and reviewing other skills from earlier in the week (time, place value, adding, subtracting, etc.)
Homework binders went home today (Thanks to Louis' Mom!!) Please check the orange folder for other fliers and work we have completed during the week.
Have a good weekend!! :)
Homework binders went home today (Thanks to Louis' Mom!!) Please check the orange folder for other fliers and work we have completed during the week.
Have a good weekend!! :)
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Thursday, Oct. 21
Well, today was the big day- we finally got our guinea pig!! The kids were soooooooooo excited. We were able to get her out of the cage and hold her. The kids are going to vote on the name and came up with a few funny options. We will try to settle on something tomorrow.
In other news, we wrote about fall and talked about using our senses while writing (how does it feel, taste, smell, sounds, etc.) We also practiced more contractions. In math we continues working with place value but got to play a fun money game. There were a handful of kids without coins (from the beginning of the year school supply list). Ask your child if they had coins today- if the answer is no, please send some for them! :)
Have a good night :)
In other news, we wrote about fall and talked about using our senses while writing (how does it feel, taste, smell, sounds, etc.) We also practiced more contractions. In math we continues working with place value but got to play a fun money game. There were a handful of kids without coins (from the beginning of the year school supply list). Ask your child if they had coins today- if the answer is no, please send some for them! :)
Have a good night :)
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Wednesday, Oct. 20th
Today in reading/writing we continued to work with contractions. We also began a Fact & Opinion project in my reading class. In math we began working with place value- hundreds, tens, and ones. We played a partner game in order to practice our place value skills. It is absolutely necessary for students to know how to count by 100's, 10's and 1's in order for them to achieve at a high level in this next unit.
In science we finished up our life cycle project. We also had computer lab for the first time today (yaye!) and were able to do a reading inventory online that gave each student a list of books that are at their reading level. Next time we go to library all the kids will be checking out "at my level" books.
I sent home extra Poupard Tshirt/sweatshirt order forms today for those who thought they lost theirs. The forms are due back by FRIDAY.
Have a good night!
In science we finished up our life cycle project. We also had computer lab for the first time today (yaye!) and were able to do a reading inventory online that gave each student a list of books that are at their reading level. Next time we go to library all the kids will be checking out "at my level" books.
I sent home extra Poupard Tshirt/sweatshirt order forms today for those who thought they lost theirs. The forms are due back by FRIDAY.
Have a good night!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Tuesday, October 19th
Today in class we talked about Facts vs. Opinion and characteristics of non-fiction texts. In reading groups we are also learning about fact and opinion. We teach the children that a fact is something that true to everyone, all the timee. It can be proven.
In writing we are using contractions and learning about how to use different contractions. We will learn new contractions everyday this week.
In math we did a self-assessment and a REAL assessment about everything we learned so far (time, money, patterns, +, - ) I will grade them and send them home in the Friday folders.
In writing we are using contractions and learning about how to use different contractions. We will learn new contractions everyday this week.
In math we did a self-assessment and a REAL assessment about everything we learned so far (time, money, patterns, +, - ) I will grade them and send them home in the Friday folders.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Monday, Oct. 18th
Happy Monday! Today we had an insect museum to show off our insects to the other 2nd graders and the 1st graders! All the students had their insects out and got to answer questions and tell the other kids about their insects. Ms. Stocks even came in to see our hard work!
In math we reviewed time, money, patterns, and fact families. My biggest area of concern right now is money for all the students. We are having a hard time remembering that a dollar can be made in several ways (a dollar bill, 4 quaters, 3 quarters 2 dimes and a nickel, etc.) We will keep practicing this until we all master it!
In writing we introduced contractions and continued emphasis in punctuation. Students seem to remember . and ! but have a hard time recognizing when to use a ? We will also continue to work on this.
I hope you all had a chance to look at the go-home folder on Friday. Remember that Spiritwear orders are due on Friday.
Have a great night!
In math we reviewed time, money, patterns, and fact families. My biggest area of concern right now is money for all the students. We are having a hard time remembering that a dollar can be made in several ways (a dollar bill, 4 quaters, 3 quarters 2 dimes and a nickel, etc.) We will keep practicing this until we all master it!
In writing we introduced contractions and continued emphasis in punctuation. Students seem to remember . and ! but have a hard time recognizing when to use a ? We will also continue to work on this.
I hope you all had a chance to look at the go-home folder on Friday. Remember that Spiritwear orders are due on Friday.
Have a great night!
Friday, October 15, 2010
Friday, Oct. 15th
WOW! The insects that came in today were SO cute! The kids did a great job and their presentations were super. There was a few kids who forgot to bring thier project so if that was you- bring it Monday!!
In other news, we let our butterflies go this morning. They were getting close to the end of their life cycle and I thought it would be for the best for them to get outside before that happened! The kids loved seeing them fly away.
Hope everyone has a chance to look at the homework binder this weekend- those of you who didn't have the insect project in today have an extra copy of the assignment in the binder tonight. There is also an order form for Poupard Spiritwear (yaye!) which is due back on Oct. 22nd.
Have a good weekend!
In other news, we let our butterflies go this morning. They were getting close to the end of their life cycle and I thought it would be for the best for them to get outside before that happened! The kids loved seeing them fly away.
Hope everyone has a chance to look at the homework binder this weekend- those of you who didn't have the insect project in today have an extra copy of the assignment in the binder tonight. There is also an order form for Poupard Spiritwear (yaye!) which is due back on Oct. 22nd.
Have a good weekend!
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Thursday, Oct. 14th
Today in class we learned about input/output charts in math. This is something that I used to teach to FOURTH GRADERS so I was very impressed by how quick the 2nd graders picked this up! It is so fun to see how much they can do when they are really challenged. The idea of input/output charts is for students to idenfity patterns in context and find the "rule" or function.
In reading my group practiced with vocabulary and writing/reading/using new words. We started a vocab. dictionary as well.
In writing we focused on good ideas and adding details. Of course, we still made sure to use ! . and ? as well as capital letters in the correct places.
Some students were concerned at science time when I showed some "imaginary insects" as examples that were turned in early- they didn't realize the assignment was due tomorrow!! Please refresh your memory about this project by reading the info sheet in the white homework binder- the project is due TOMORROW!! Remember, all insects (including the imaginary insect your student makes) have 6 legs, 3 body parts, anntennea and wings.
Have a great night!
In reading my group practiced with vocabulary and writing/reading/using new words. We started a vocab. dictionary as well.
In writing we focused on good ideas and adding details. Of course, we still made sure to use ! . and ? as well as capital letters in the correct places.
Some students were concerned at science time when I showed some "imaginary insects" as examples that were turned in early- they didn't realize the assignment was due tomorrow!! Please refresh your memory about this project by reading the info sheet in the white homework binder- the project is due TOMORROW!! Remember, all insects (including the imaginary insect your student makes) have 6 legs, 3 body parts, anntennea and wings.
Have a great night!
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Wed, Oct. 13th
Today in class we practiced using correct punctuation. We also practiced reading a passage and inserting periods where they belonged. A lot of kids of a tendency to write and write and write without ever using punctuation. We read books and passages to try and "hear" the periods (which sounds like a pause).
We also worked on writing questions to find out more about the story. In addition, we reviewed soft G and Hard G sounds.
In math we practiced more with our fact triangles and talked about mental math. We have been playing math games everyday that are designed to help improve our mental math skills. Students should not have to use fingers for counting or adding.
Reminder: Insect project due Friday!
We also worked on writing questions to find out more about the story. In addition, we reviewed soft G and Hard G sounds.
In math we practiced more with our fact triangles and talked about mental math. We have been playing math games everyday that are designed to help improve our mental math skills. Students should not have to use fingers for counting or adding.
Reminder: Insect project due Friday!
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Tuesday Oct. 12th
Today in class we practiced using Fact Triangles (this will be part of your homework on Friday!), talked about when to use ? . and !, practiced working in groups, and read a new insect take-home book. W are still workin gon our Insect ABC book and are also continuing to work on the Henry and Mudge book in reading (my reading group).
Just so you know: The lunch room is now serving pizza on Tuesday instead of Wednesday. Also, the after school pizza day is THURSDAY (there was a mix up about pizza after school day vs. pizza lunch room day).
Please make sure to look at the Daily Report that your child brought home today- it is a great little reminder for them when you ask "what'd you do at school today?"
Just so you know: The lunch room is now serving pizza on Tuesday instead of Wednesday. Also, the after school pizza day is THURSDAY (there was a mix up about pizza after school day vs. pizza lunch room day).
Please make sure to look at the Daily Report that your child brought home today- it is a great little reminder for them when you ask "what'd you do at school today?"
Monday, October 11, 2010
Monday, Oct. 11th
Today in class we worked on our Insect Vocabulary (anyone know an Insect word that starts with K, R, Y or Z?), practiced ounces & pounds using a balance in math, wrote about Christopher Columbus and practiced our phonics skills.
My reading group learned about sentence structure and reading "around the word" to figure out the meaning of unknown words.
I also sent you a note home today so please make sure to read it and send it back. I need to hear feedback from everyone before I am able to make my next move :)
My reading group learned about sentence structure and reading "around the word" to figure out the meaning of unknown words.
I also sent you a note home today so please make sure to read it and send it back. I need to hear feedback from everyone before I am able to make my next move :)
Friday, October 08, 2010
Friday, Oct. 8th
Today was such a great day! All of our butterflies 'hatched' and we even got to see one open up as we were watching!! We made a fun butterfly craft in celebration :)
In writing we talked about Voice and practiced using different techniques we saw in our model text. We want to start writing like real authors so we are trying to "try on" different styles of writing (what this means is that the kids will start writing with more descriptive language, using different tones in writing, trying to incorporate onomatopoeia, etc.)
In reading we continued working with the Henry and Mudge story and in math we talked about ounces and pounds. We found that a pound is more than an ounce and practiced comparing different things to see which was heavier. Try asking your student: which do you think is heavier, a _____ or a _______? You might be surprised at how interested the kids are in this and how methodical they are when considering your question.
HW binders went home today! Remember that the insect project is due on Friday!
THANK YOU to Sania's mom for helping us with our spelling tests today, Clara's mom for stopping in to do some paperwork-type stuff for us AND Louis' mom for stuffing those Friday folders!! We appreciate you!!
Have a great weekend :)
In writing we talked about Voice and practiced using different techniques we saw in our model text. We want to start writing like real authors so we are trying to "try on" different styles of writing (what this means is that the kids will start writing with more descriptive language, using different tones in writing, trying to incorporate onomatopoeia, etc.)
In reading we continued working with the Henry and Mudge story and in math we talked about ounces and pounds. We found that a pound is more than an ounce and practiced comparing different things to see which was heavier. Try asking your student: which do you think is heavier, a _____ or a _______? You might be surprised at how interested the kids are in this and how methodical they are when considering your question.
HW binders went home today! Remember that the insect project is due on Friday!
THANK YOU to Sania's mom for helping us with our spelling tests today, Clara's mom for stopping in to do some paperwork-type stuff for us AND Louis' mom for stuffing those Friday folders!! We appreciate you!!
Have a great weekend :)
Thursday, October 07, 2010
Thursday, Oct. 7th
Our butterflies officially hatched today! It happened while the kids were at specials (darn!) but I am sure that more will be coming out and hopefully we can see it happen!
Today in reading my group read Henry and Mudge go Camping and practice some comprehension strategies. In writing we continued talking about Voice and how each author has their own voice when they write. We are looking at a different author each day and noting what we like about their writing. During journal time we are trying out some of the things that we have noted.
In the afternoon the students had a substitute. They worked on subtraction and telling time. They also had a game to play and a selection about ladybugs to read during science. I hope they had a great afternoon and am looking forward to seeing them tomorrow!
Dont forget: Sock Hop tomorrow at 7pm and wear1950's wear to school tomorrow!
HW Binder due tomorrow! Spelling test tomorrow!
Today in reading my group read Henry and Mudge go Camping and practice some comprehension strategies. In writing we continued talking about Voice and how each author has their own voice when they write. We are looking at a different author each day and noting what we like about their writing. During journal time we are trying out some of the things that we have noted.
In the afternoon the students had a substitute. They worked on subtraction and telling time. They also had a game to play and a selection about ladybugs to read during science. I hope they had a great afternoon and am looking forward to seeing them tomorrow!
Dont forget: Sock Hop tomorrow at 7pm and wear1950's wear to school tomorrow!
HW Binder due tomorrow! Spelling test tomorrow!
Wednesday, October 06, 2010
Wed. October 6th
Today in reading my group read non-fiction texts about constellations and camping. We learned about the big and little dipper and challenged each other to try and find the big dipper in the sky at night.
In math we practiced more with analog clocks which is a real challenge for some students. We also practiced addition and subtraction and fact families (ie- 4+3=7, 3+4=7, 7-3=4, 7-4=3)
In science we worked on our insect ABC vocab. books- the kids came up with a lot of great ideas. This will be an on going project so you probably won't see it for a month or so.
Thanks to all those who walked to school today! Don't forget about the Sock Hop of Friday night :) It is free admission and begins at 7pm.
In math we practiced more with analog clocks which is a real challenge for some students. We also practiced addition and subtraction and fact families (ie- 4+3=7, 3+4=7, 7-3=4, 7-4=3)
In science we worked on our insect ABC vocab. books- the kids came up with a lot of great ideas. This will be an on going project so you probably won't see it for a month or so.
Thanks to all those who walked to school today! Don't forget about the Sock Hop of Friday night :) It is free admission and begins at 7pm.
Tuesday, October 05, 2010
Tuesday, Oct. 5th
Today was our first school store- lots of the kids were able to get some neat stuff- I am sure you will be seeing those items at home tonight!
Tomorrow is walk to school day. A note went home today letting everyone know that we are meeting at the police station at 7:50 and walking to the school in order to fulfill our "walk to school" requirement! Hope to see you there.
Dont forget about 1950's day on Friday and the Sock Hop that night!
Monday, October 04, 2010
Monday, Oct. 4th
OK- for all of you who were confused this morning (including me!) I want to let you know that we ARE still doing late start Monday every single Monday until JUNE! All Mondays will be late start (9am) until June.
In other news, we had our very first town hall meeting today! We had Clara Keller and Amari White reading aloud and Sania Wilson recieving the good citizenship award!! Citizenship Breakfast is tomorrow for Sania and other good citizens award winners.
The pizza party for all students who went to summer school and/or completed the summer work AND gave it to me is TOMORROW! Everyone who is invited got an invitation home on Friday in their Orange folder. There were a couple students who returned their summer bridge to me but only had 5-10 pages done. Only students who completed the work will be invited to the party. If you recieved an invite, you do not need to pack a lunch for your student tomorrow because the pizza party is during our lunch period.
Tonight at the dinner table ask your student what they are planning to do for their insect ABC book (Example: A is for Abdomen. The lowest part of an insect body) :)
Walk to school day is Wednesday. We all meet at the police station to walk at 7:50.
Friday is 50's day at school. Wear your 50's clothes!
Hope you all have a great night! Tomorrow is the first day of reading groups.
In other news, we had our very first town hall meeting today! We had Clara Keller and Amari White reading aloud and Sania Wilson recieving the good citizenship award!! Citizenship Breakfast is tomorrow for Sania and other good citizens award winners.
The pizza party for all students who went to summer school and/or completed the summer work AND gave it to me is TOMORROW! Everyone who is invited got an invitation home on Friday in their Orange folder. There were a couple students who returned their summer bridge to me but only had 5-10 pages done. Only students who completed the work will be invited to the party. If you recieved an invite, you do not need to pack a lunch for your student tomorrow because the pizza party is during our lunch period.
Tonight at the dinner table ask your student what they are planning to do for their insect ABC book (Example: A is for Abdomen. The lowest part of an insect body) :)
Walk to school day is Wednesday. We all meet at the police station to walk at 7:50.
Friday is 50's day at school. Wear your 50's clothes!
Sock Hop Dance Friday night.
Hope you all have a great night! Tomorrow is the first day of reading groups.
Friday, October 01, 2010
Friday, Oct. 1
Happy Friday! I hope you all got the HW binders and take-home folders. I was missing a couple of the orange take-home folder today so if you had yours at home please send it back to school asap.
Today was a very busy day at school! Our butterflies started to hatch right in the middle of science time- We still had them in the caterpillar cup so we had to do an emergency transplant into the butterfly cage! Luckily, they all survived :)
In math we worked on mental math and addition facts. Try giving your student an addition fact to solve when your driving, waiting in a line, or just at home! The more they practice mental math, the better!
We will be starting reading groups on Tuesday. All the students have been placed into groups depending on their needs. The students will still be doing phonics, read aloud, and silent reading with me in the classroom but will now have 50 minutes of leveled instruction as well- woo hoo!!
THANK YOU to Molly's mom for coming in to give spelling tests today, Louis' Mom for stuffing those HW binders, and Clara's mom for making us Rice Krispie Treats for good behavior :)
THANK YOU to Molly's mom for coming in to give spelling tests today, Louis' Mom for stuffing those HW binders, and Clara's mom for making us Rice Krispie Treats for good behavior :)
Hope you have a great weekend!
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Thursday, Sept. 30th
HW Binder Due back tomorrow! Please make sure all the papers are OUT of the orange folder as well. I will be collecting all the HW tomorrow morning.
Today in class we recieved another (and final) insect! Now we have milkweed beg eggs to go along with our mealworms (that have officially starting to become adult beetles today) and caterpillars (who are about to become butterflies any day now!)
We also practice doubles facts in addition and played an addition math game that will help us improve our mental math.
In reading we have been focusing on word chunks and rhymes. We will be starting our reading groups next week!! This will be a great oppurtunity for all the students to read at their level with peers who are also on their level. We read on our level in class, but this will be even better because the whole class will be leveled! I can't wait :)
Today in class we recieved another (and final) insect! Now we have milkweed beg eggs to go along with our mealworms (that have officially starting to become adult beetles today) and caterpillars (who are about to become butterflies any day now!)
We also practice doubles facts in addition and played an addition math game that will help us improve our mental math.
In reading we have been focusing on word chunks and rhymes. We will be starting our reading groups next week!! This will be a great oppurtunity for all the students to read at their level with peers who are also on their level. We read on our level in class, but this will be even better because the whole class will be leveled! I can't wait :)
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Wednesday, September 29th
The kids all looked SO cute for picture day today!! I love seeing them in their Sunday-best :)
Today in reading we sorted words by their word family and talked about rhyming words. Next week we will start reading fall poetry. In writing we worked on using details in the our writing. Lots of students use TONS of detail when telling a story orally but not in writing- we want to change that!
In math we learned addition patterns when adding 0, 1 and doubles (example: 4 + 4, 6 + 6, etc.) We also played a math game.
Reminders: HW binder is due Friday, Pizza sales after school start tomorrow :)
BRING A BOARD GAME OR TWO TO SCHOOL TOMORROW BECAUSE IT IS GAME DAY FOR ALL THE KIDS WHO HAVE BEEN ON GREEN (for all or most of the days) THIS YEAR!!!
Today in reading we sorted words by their word family and talked about rhyming words. Next week we will start reading fall poetry. In writing we worked on using details in the our writing. Lots of students use TONS of detail when telling a story orally but not in writing- we want to change that!
In math we learned addition patterns when adding 0, 1 and doubles (example: 4 + 4, 6 + 6, etc.) We also played a math game.
Reminders: HW binder is due Friday, Pizza sales after school start tomorrow :)
BRING A BOARD GAME OR TWO TO SCHOOL TOMORROW BECAUSE IT IS GAME DAY FOR ALL THE KIDS WHO HAVE BEEN ON GREEN (for all or most of the days) THIS YEAR!!!
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Monday, September 27, 2010
Monday, Sept. 27th
Mondays go by so fast for us with the late-start schedule! Today we worked on blends in reading, weekend News in writing, and number grids in math. We also reviewed coin counting and practiced with story problems. In science we observed our insects and wrote descriptively in our science journals about what we saw. Ask your child about what the caterpillars were doing today- I have a feeling we will be hosting butterflies soon!
Reminder: Picture day is Wednesday. I have only received 2 order forms back from students (these went home last week). If you have one, please send it in. Thanks :)
Reminder: Picture day is Wednesday. I have only received 2 order forms back from students (these went home last week). If you have one, please send it in. Thanks :)
Friday, September 24, 2010
Friday, Sept. 24th
Today in class we read and wrote words with blends (br- gr- cr- sh- ch-, etc.) we also worked A LOT with phonics. many students are still using "inventive spelling" and are not yet progressing toward learning the correct way to spell words. I have began to stress the importance of correct spelling on classwork and homework, please reienforce this with your child at home :)
In math we started learning how to use a thermometer and measuring the temperature using a scale of 10 degrees. We also reviewed the 3 body parts of insects and spent time observing the butterflies and mealworms.
Please look throught the HW binder tonight and let me know if there is anything you need clarification on. Everything will be due back NEXT Friday :)
THANK YOU to Louis's mom for helping stuff HW binders today and THANK YOU to Clara's mom for binding ALL of our handwriting books last week!
In math we started learning how to use a thermometer and measuring the temperature using a scale of 10 degrees. We also reviewed the 3 body parts of insects and spent time observing the butterflies and mealworms.
Please look throught the HW binder tonight and let me know if there is anything you need clarification on. Everything will be due back NEXT Friday :)
THANK YOU to Louis's mom for helping stuff HW binders today and THANK YOU to Clara's mom for binding ALL of our handwriting books last week!
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Thursday, Sept. 23
Today in reading we worked on phonics and identified the variety of vowel sounds a single vowel can make. We used our names and other words to identify these sounds. We also did read aloud and DEAR reading, as we do every day!
In science we received a jar of caterpillars to go along with our mealworms! They are busy making their cocoons and the kids were very interested in this. Hopefully, we will have butterflies in no time!
In math we "fed alligators" (as Nick B. put it :) ) when we talked about "greater than" and "less than." The alligator always eats the bigger number- that is how we remember which way to draw the symbol. Ask your child about this!
Check to make sure your child has the "daily report" today. I want all the kids to get in the habit of showing you this everyday so you will always know how his/her behavior was that day.
Tomorrow is the first day with the Homework Binder! Keep your eyes peeled for it to come home.
In science we received a jar of caterpillars to go along with our mealworms! They are busy making their cocoons and the kids were very interested in this. Hopefully, we will have butterflies in no time!
In math we "fed alligators" (as Nick B. put it :) ) when we talked about "greater than" and "less than." The alligator always eats the bigger number- that is how we remember which way to draw the symbol. Ask your child about this!
Check to make sure your child has the "daily report" today. I want all the kids to get in the habit of showing you this everyday so you will always know how his/her behavior was that day.
Tomorrow is the first day with the Homework Binder! Keep your eyes peeled for it to come home.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Wednesday, September 22nd
I hope you all recieved the "Daily Report" from your student today! This was our first day using the new form and I was glad to see that almost ALL the kids were able to report that they were on GREEN today! yaye!
Today in reading we talked about brainstorms and ideas. We wrote a story and drew a picture that matched. Our objective was to use only ideas from the story to make the picture- all details HAD to be in writing before they could be added to the drawing. We posted the stories in the hallway ourside our door :)
In math we made number scrolls- some students went all the wasy up to 300- WOW! Our goal was to go to 100. We will save the scrolls and add to them throughout the semester. We also took a math test in the computer lab today to help determine the level of each student.
One last thing:
Today in reading we talked about brainstorms and ideas. We wrote a story and drew a picture that matched. Our objective was to use only ideas from the story to make the picture- all details HAD to be in writing before they could be added to the drawing. We posted the stories in the hallway ourside our door :)
In math we made number scrolls- some students went all the wasy up to 300- WOW! Our goal was to go to 100. We will save the scrolls and add to them throughout the semester. We also took a math test in the computer lab today to help determine the level of each student.
One last thing:
Ms. Stocks will be hosting a pizza party for the students who went to summer school or completed summer school work. The party will be held on October 5th during lunch time. The pizza will be eaten at lunch time that day, the children will not need to bring a lunch or buy a lunch.
Have a great night!
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Tuesday, Sept. 21st
BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT IS TONIGHT AT 7pm!! See you there :)
Today in class we read non- fiction texts (of course!), practiced using a calculator in math, observed our meal worms, and wrote about our predictions for what the meal worms MIGHT become after the metamorphis :) There were some FUN ideas- ask your child what they think the mealworm will change into.
Today in class we read non- fiction texts (of course!), practiced using a calculator in math, observed our meal worms, and wrote about our predictions for what the meal worms MIGHT become after the metamorphis :) There were some FUN ideas- ask your child what they think the mealworm will change into.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Monday, Sept. 20th
WOW!!! What a difference between 28 and 19!! We got so much done today :)
In reading we focused MORE on non fiction texts and also talked about vowels. Ask your child tonight if they can come up with a word that DOESNT have a vowel in it :) In writing we talked about ideas and wrote our weekend news (an update about our weekend). We also found a number of ways to make a certain sum. For example, to make the number 10 you could do 5+5 or 11-1. We continued to add money as well (we can never get enough practice with this!)
Our mealworms were very busy today- ask you child about how the mealworms changed from the morning to the afternoon- We noticed a big difference!
Don't forget that back to school night is tomorrow at 7pm for our class (6pm if you have a kindergartener). We will start in the gym and then do two 20min. sessions in the classroom (one from 7:20 and one at 7:40) Hope to see you at either time!
In reading we focused MORE on non fiction texts and also talked about vowels. Ask your child tonight if they can come up with a word that DOESNT have a vowel in it :) In writing we talked about ideas and wrote our weekend news (an update about our weekend). We also found a number of ways to make a certain sum. For example, to make the number 10 you could do 5+5 or 11-1. We continued to add money as well (we can never get enough practice with this!)
Our mealworms were very busy today- ask you child about how the mealworms changed from the morning to the afternoon- We noticed a big difference!
Don't forget that back to school night is tomorrow at 7pm for our class (6pm if you have a kindergartener). We will start in the gym and then do two 20min. sessions in the classroom (one from 7:20 and one at 7:40) Hope to see you at either time!
Friday, September 17, 2010
Friday! Sept. 17th
Happy Friday! We made it!! Today we used number grids in math and worked to find patterns within number grids. We practiced counting by 3's, 5's, 10's, and 2's. We noticed that if you add 10 to a number, the ones digit doesn't change (example: 44 + 10= 54).
In reading we worked on phonics and read non fiction books. We learned about the body parts of insects and what life might be like in an ant colony. Did you know that most ants that live in ant nests are female? The boys in class didn't like the idea of living with all girls- haha. I guess they are glad they aren't ants :)
We did have 1 hour at the end of the day to spend with our NEW teachers. Everyone was excited for this and we made it a very positive and exciting change. No tears! Starting Monday morning all students will line up with their NEW class on the blacktop. There will be a new sign for Mrs. Raneri's class right next to my line.
Hope you all have a great weekend :)
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Thursday, Sept. 16th
Today we read non-fiction books and talked about why informational books have bold words and glossaries. We also reviewed diagrams and were able to find enough non-fiction insect books for the whole class to read during DEAR (drop everything and read) time :) The books about Bees were especially popular :) In writing we practiced more sentence structure and wrote in our journal. In math we did some mixed review today but focused mostly on counting money. Counting 100 dollar bills was especially challenging for some students.
No homework, no papers! I do have a small stack to send to you tomorrow so keep your eyes peeled for those. Have a good night!
No homework, no papers! I do have a small stack to send to you tomorrow so keep your eyes peeled for those. Have a good night!
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Wednesday, Sept. 15th
Big News! A new second grade teacher has officially been hired :) The kids who are moving to the new class will be doing so on Monday. We will be doing a little something special Friday afternoon to celebrate the move and get everyone feeling comfortable :)
In other news, we learned about cicada bugs today and talked about the difference between insects and non-insects. We practiced writing with capital letters in the correct spaces, and did some just-for-fun writing. :) In math, we have been working with money; today we played a game using coins. Keep practicing coin counting at home :) We are getting better at it everyday!
Have a good night!
In other news, we learned about cicada bugs today and talked about the difference between insects and non-insects. We practiced writing with capital letters in the correct spaces, and did some just-for-fun writing. :) In math, we have been working with money; today we played a game using coins. Keep practicing coin counting at home :) We are getting better at it everyday!
Have a good night!
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Tuesday, September 14th
No Homework OR papers for parents today :) All the student work that the kids did in class today (and yesterday and the rest of the week!) will be coming home to you on Friday. One thing that we are struggling with are: using capital letters ONLY when needed. Many students use a capital letter randomly within their writing. If you see this at home, please reinforce this. Another skill we are working on is counting coins. I can tell that some students have had practice with this and some students are just beginning to identify different coins. If you have spare change in your pocket, try tossing it out and asking your child to "help" by counting it for you :)
We got a new student today! All the kids were very welcoming and he fit right in :) For those of you wondering about the new classroom, we are hoping to opening it up next week. Stay tuned!
Hope you have a good night!
We got a new student today! All the kids were very welcoming and he fit right in :) For those of you wondering about the new classroom, we are hoping to opening it up next week. Stay tuned!
Hope you have a good night!
Monday, September 13, 2010
Monday, September 13th
The kids did a wonderful job today- I can't believe how fast they are learning our classroom routines and catching on to my daily activites. They really are progressive quickly!
I sent home a couple of papers from the office today- the Poupard Newsletter and tri-fold. Usually I like to save papers up until Friday, but there was information in those that I thought may be time sensitive so I sent it along. No homework tonight but there were 3 students who didn't finish their handwriting so I sent it home. Check with your students to make sure that they do not have handwriting still to do tonight. I am really trying to stress the importance of finishing work in class and using time wisely. Sending unfinished work home as homework usually helps to encourage kids to get it done in class during the time allotted.
Tonight at the dinner table try asking your student to name at leat 3 instances when they should use CAPITAL letters in writing. We are working hard on this (and also identifying the places where we should NOT be using capital letters! This seems to be an issue with a lot of kids).
Have a great night!
I sent home a couple of papers from the office today- the Poupard Newsletter and tri-fold. Usually I like to save papers up until Friday, but there was information in those that I thought may be time sensitive so I sent it along. No homework tonight but there were 3 students who didn't finish their handwriting so I sent it home. Check with your students to make sure that they do not have handwriting still to do tonight. I am really trying to stress the importance of finishing work in class and using time wisely. Sending unfinished work home as homework usually helps to encourage kids to get it done in class during the time allotted.
Tonight at the dinner table try asking your student to name at leat 3 instances when they should use CAPITAL letters in writing. We are working hard on this (and also identifying the places where we should NOT be using capital letters! This seems to be an issue with a lot of kids).
Have a great night!
Friday, September 10, 2010
Friday, September 10th
Happy Friday! Hope you all had a great 1st week back! The kids and I spent our day reading non-fiction texts, writing about the flag raising this morning, making and reading calendars in math class, and learning about the butterfly life cycle in science! I sent home a packet of paperwork with all the students today- the top page was my newsletter and the rest were papers from the office. Please take the time to look through each one so that you don't miss out on any important information.
Most importantly, I hope that you saw the yellow paper stapled to the back of the packet from Ms. Stocks. This letter listed the name of your child's New 2nd grade placement. Thankfully, we have been given permission to open up a 3rd Second Grade classroom in order to reduce class sizes (we have 28 kids right now- yikes!) I hate to see some of my precious students go to another class, but I am confident that this will be in the best interest of our students learning. I will keep you posted as to when we will actually make the switch (and once we have officially hired a new teacher!) Please let me know if you have any questions!
Have a great weekend!
Most importantly, I hope that you saw the yellow paper stapled to the back of the packet from Ms. Stocks. This letter listed the name of your child's New 2nd grade placement. Thankfully, we have been given permission to open up a 3rd Second Grade classroom in order to reduce class sizes (we have 28 kids right now- yikes!) I hate to see some of my precious students go to another class, but I am confident that this will be in the best interest of our students learning. I will keep you posted as to when we will actually make the switch (and once we have officially hired a new teacher!) Please let me know if you have any questions!
Have a great weekend!
Thursday, September 09, 2010
Thursday, Sept. 9th
Another great day! We got a lot done today and also had time to squeeze in a few things just for fun :) The kids were really interested in Non-Fiction texts in reading and they LOVED talking about insects!! They especially wanted to know what kinds of bugs eat other bugs (I think they could have spent all day on this! haha) Although our main objective was to identify types of insects living around us- which they did a great job on.
No Homework or papers to fill out tonight. I do have several things that will be coming home to you tomorrow so keep an eye out for those things.
Wear Red, White & Blue tomorrow for our Sept. 11 rememberance flag raising.
Also, if you have your summer bridge book completed or if yo uwent to summer school somewhere other than Poupard, please send me a note so I can add your child's name to the pizza party list. Thanks!
No Homework or papers to fill out tonight. I do have several things that will be coming home to you tomorrow so keep an eye out for those things.
Wear Red, White & Blue tomorrow for our Sept. 11 rememberance flag raising.
Also, if you have your summer bridge book completed or if yo uwent to summer school somewhere other than Poupard, please send me a note so I can add your child's name to the pizza party list. Thanks!
Wednesday, September 08, 2010
Wednesday, September 8th
Wow! What a fabulous day! We got lots of learning done today and the kids were so EXCITED about everything we did! Today we wrote in our writer's notebook, made number lines counting by 1's, 2'2, 3's, 5's and 10's, and did some reading. We also practiced more classroom routines and went over the rules again. Starting tomorrow we will begin our fisrt reading unit: Non-Fiction Text. We will also be starting our first Science Unit: Insects!
There is no homework tonight and no papers or forms to fill out (unless you have something that you are still working on from yesterday or from the office). Please remember to send a healthy snack to school with your student if you can. The students were SO hungry for lunch so it was nice that we were able to have a quick snack to hold them over :) I am debating whether or not to start a snack calendar and have whole-class snacks each day in order to put the burden off of you of having to pack a snack every single day. We can talk more about this a back-to-school night. Tell me what is easiest for you!
We have gym class tomorrow so remember to wear/send sneakers!! Thanks!
Have a great night :)
**If you are reading the blog right now, please send me a quick email telling me that you have checked/seen the blog. I am trying to get a feel for how many parents are viewing this. Thanks! Katharine.Stewart@gpschools.org
There is no homework tonight and no papers or forms to fill out (unless you have something that you are still working on from yesterday or from the office). Please remember to send a healthy snack to school with your student if you can. The students were SO hungry for lunch so it was nice that we were able to have a quick snack to hold them over :) I am debating whether or not to start a snack calendar and have whole-class snacks each day in order to put the burden off of you of having to pack a snack every single day. We can talk more about this a back-to-school night. Tell me what is easiest for you!
We have gym class tomorrow so remember to wear/send sneakers!! Thanks!
Have a great night :)
**If you are reading the blog right now, please send me a quick email telling me that you have checked/seen the blog. I am trying to get a feel for how many parents are viewing this. Thanks! Katharine.Stewart@gpschools.org
Tuesday, September 07, 2010
Tuesday, Sept. 7th
Happy first day of school!! Today you will find 3 pieces of information in your child's backpack. One is a red polka-dot paper from me that has information about our class and 2nd grade in general. Another is a parent questionaire with an ice cream scoop on the front; this is a form for you to complete and return to me (don't worry about trying to get it all done today! Just send it back to me by the end of the week or Monday of next week.) The third paper is one from the lunch room regarding money accounts. If you are missing one or more of these papers, let me know and I will send an extra home with your child tomorrow :)
The kids did a great job today! It was so nice to be able to finally see their smiling faces. The day went by SO fast and before I knew it, it was time to go! We did, however, have time to make a small "Back to School" book, read a story, and go over some rules. We are going to spend the first few days going over all the class rules and school rules to ensure that all the students know what they are expected to do. Tomorrow will be a FULL day of school so please be sure to send lunch or lunch money tomorrow.
Have a great afternoon :)
The kids did a great job today! It was so nice to be able to finally see their smiling faces. The day went by SO fast and before I knew it, it was time to go! We did, however, have time to make a small "Back to School" book, read a story, and go over some rules. We are going to spend the first few days going over all the class rules and school rules to ensure that all the students know what they are expected to do. Tomorrow will be a FULL day of school so please be sure to send lunch or lunch money tomorrow.
Have a great afternoon :)
Monday, September 06, 2010
Welcome!
Hi! I am so glad that you have taken the opportunity to visit our classroom blog 
I will post on this blog almost everyday in order to give you info about homework, upcoming events, and current learning activities we are doing in class. Please make sure to bookmark this page and visit it often!
I will post on this blog almost everyday in order to give you info about homework, upcoming events, and current learning activities we are doing in class. Please make sure to bookmark this page and visit it often!
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