To those of you who placed book orders online- they should be arriving in about a week (sometimes they come faster).  I will give them to your child when they arrive.
Thanks for so much for ordering!

Friday, Sept. 30

Happy Friday!
New homework was sent home today along with an orange take-home folder FILLED with a ton of stuff- please look through it!

Also, I noticed a handful of students had not completed all THREE spelling activities in their homework that was turned in.  On the spelling "menu" the directions ask that your child chooses 3 activities so please be sure that all 3 are completed and that you have included them in the binder before they are turned in on Friday.  Students are going to start having to flip their cards on Friday is their homework is not complete! yikes!

In class today we started writing an ABC book with words and pictures about insects. We added many words and will be working on these for the next two weeks during writing and science time.  When we are finished we will be choosing some of the books to be added to the class library :)
In math we continued to work on mental math strategies.  We worked on the 9's facts and talked about how adding nine is just like adding 10-- all we have to do is think one less.  We will continue to work on mental math strategies and do more FAST MATH to help us get better at these facts.  Have your child do some fast math at home this cold and rainy weekend on the computer (it's on my site under "links for kids")

Reading Groups will be starting on Monday!!
Walk to School Day is Wednesday next week

**THANK YOU to the 3 fabulous parents who were able to come in and help this week! I appreciate your hard work. You make doing FUN activities for learning in the classroom possible :)

Thursday, Sept. 29th

Today in class we used the word "convince" during our Vocabulary (magic word) time.  We tried to convince our neighbor, our teacher, and even the principal to do something we wanted them to do through writing.  In writing we practiced more with capital letters and searched our writing to be sure there weren't any capital letters where they DIDNT below-- and that there were capital letters where they DID belong.
In math we practice our mental math strategies and worked on a LOT of facts.
All 2nd graders should know all addition facts by heart up to 9 (ie- 9+7, 9+8, 9+9) -- by this time.  They should be able to solve these problems in a few seconds time.  You may want to consider quizzing your child and buying (or making) a set of flash card if you see that they need more practice.

Remember: HW is due tomorrow, Book Orders are due tomorrow! Tigers day is also tomorrow.

Also, send in your spiritwear order forms if you want to buy a Poupard T-shirt or sweatshirt

Can you see the first cocoon??

Can you see 2 cocoons now? There are also a lot of caterpillars on the top getting ready to make their cocoons too!

Carson and Ato are observing the mealworms on the desk and recording their findings :)

Eleanor and Keegan hard at work!

Happy girls :)

Nylah and Anthony writing about the 'change' that is about to happen to our caterpillars!

A project that all the kids did to show the 4 stages of a butterfly lifecycle: Egg, Larva (caterpillar), Pupa (cocoon), Adult. They are hanging outside in the hallway :)

Wednesday, Sept. 28th

Today our caterpillars are all in their cocoons! We were waiting on one caerpilar to hurry up and turn into a cocoon so that we could transfer everything into the butterfly cage.  Its only a matter of time before we have butterflies!

In reading we learned the rules of the new library.  We got some new books (100 of them from the district! yayyyee!) and I leveled some of my other books and just opened them up to the kids today for MORE check-out books to read in school! I need some help leveling the rest so that I can give them to the kids as well so let me know if you are willing to help.  You can take a book bin home and level it using a website I will give you.

I took some pictures today of the class and will upload them onto the site tonight when I get home :)

Tues, Sept. 27th

Picture day is tomorrow! :)   I love seeing the kids all dressed up and the girls with their hair done :)  I will bring my camera tomorrow to take some picture around the classroom of the students doing work to share with you online. Remember to send in your order form if you would like to purchase the pictures from Lifetouch.

Today in class we worked on writing fiction. We wrote a story called "The day the Butterfly went to school" we had to have a problem and solution--the stories the kids came up with were hilarious! Ask your child about his/her story.

In reading we used sticky notes to write short messages about interesting things in our reading.  The kids were great with this and really seemed to use the sticky note method well-- this is something they could do at home too!

In math we moved into Unit 2 with some story problems.  This was hard for some students who struggled with reading but everyone was excited about the story problems are kept working hard.  We also did a fun math project when we were done-- we used coin stamps to make a "coinapillar."  I hung them up in the window and the kids practiced added up the coins on each coinapillar.

In science we observed our butterflies and mealwroms--looks to me like the caterpillars are about to start forming their cocoons! We cant wait to see this happen! the mealworms are not as exciting-- most the kids wrote "they stink" or "they look dead" in their journal today :(  Hopefully they will start shedding their skin too so we have more to look at!

Reading Groups will be starting on MONDAY.  All the kids will be assigned to a teacher and will be going for 40 minutes to that teacher on Monday.

This FRIDAY is Detroit Tigers day.  All  students are invited to wear Tigers gear :)

Monday, Sept. 26th

Today in class we had our first REAL math test! I will be talking them home tonight to grade and you should see the results in your Friday folder on Friday :) Ask your child how they think it went!

In reading we read a non-fiction book about insects. We found out that insects have 3 body parts (head, thorax, and abdomen), anntenae, and wings. We also learned that ALL INSECTS have 6 legs--this was pretty amazing to the kids. We also did a fun reading response writing where we wrote about what we learned. Look for yours on Friday!

Tomorrow is book exchange. All the kids have a flier about it TODAY in the backpack. Look it over and send in your books if you want to participate.

Picture day is WEDNESDAY!! I only have 1 order form so far so I am assuming the rest of you are planning to send it in on Wednesday. Don't forget! We are not planning to do the spring pictures this year so this might be the only chance.

(**note: today was C day. That means tomorrow is D (art). I know some of you are having a hard time keeping track of this so I thought I'd give you a little reminder. Email me for the schedule if you want it!)

Friday, Sept. 23rd

New homework went home today :) We had 100% of the kids return their homework on time today (yaye!!) Thank you very much for making this happen!

Today in class we made a butterfly that showed the life cycle-- Egg, Larva, Pupa, Adult. We also looked at our caterpillars and noticed that they are eating A LOT during this time in their life cycle. i dont thnk it will be long before they start to become 'pupa.'
In math we had reveiw boxes today and then an assembly. Ask your child what the assembly was about!

Look for book orders and poupard spirit wear order forms in your take home folder.

have a great weekend!

Thursday, Sept. 22

HOMEWORK IS DUE TOMORROW! Please remember to put in all the 'stuff' your child created for their spelling homework this week into the binder as well-- I need to see everything :)
New homework will come home tomorrow.

Tomorrow we will be visit by a photographer who is taking picture for Grosse Pointe Public Schools. The images MAY be used in an upcoming calendar or other such promotional items for the school district. These are the kids who ARE allowed to have their picture taken and used (according to your photo permission slips)
Keegan, Eleanor, Esteban, Robyn, Christen, Shelby, Di'Yah, Cassady, Nylah, Anthony, Maelisa, DeOndre, Quintez, Carson, Ato.
If your child's name is on the list and you DO NOT want their picture taken tomorrow or ever, email me ASAP!! Thanks :)

*Picture day is sept. 28th. Send in your order forms!
* Walk to school day is Oct. 5th

Email me if you want the ABCD calendar! I have one but it is a BIG file (12 pages) and I dont want to print so many if they are not wanted. If you email me I will send it to you as an attachment.


**I am in need of 1 more binder for a student who needs one. If you have one laying around (used is just fine!) that you no longer need, please send it in! If anyone has an extra it would save me from a trip to the store this weekend :)

Wednesday, Sept. 21

Today we wrote about a Magic Toy Box in writing. We learned that a story should always start by introducing the character in first few sentences. We also practice making a problem in our story. Next we will add on to our story by making a solution to the problem.
In reading we read about Henry Ford and talked about character traits. We learned that Henry had good ideas, never gave up, and was brave.

Tomorrow morning we will have the math portion of the NWEA (computerized test) we will begin at 8:35 so don't be late for school! Make sure to have a good breakfast so your brain will be ready for the test.

Have a good night.

Tuesday, Sept. 20th

Today we read a new Fancy Nancy book and learned the word Exquisite. We practiced using the word and learned the meaning. Ms. Stocks even stopped me after lunch and said, "(one of your students) has such a good vocabulary! She told me my dress was exquisite today!"
In math we learned differnt "names" for numbers. For example, another name for 14 is 7 +7. This concept was fun for the kids but also challenging when we started using bigger numbers is the 30's and 40's.

In science we got to observe the MEALWORMS today!! We will be raising mealworms for the next few weeks and observing them as they make a change into something new. It's a big mystery for the kids and we can't stop guessing what kind of insect they will turn into!

Book orders will go home this Friday-- remember to keep working on that homework due Friday :)

Have a good night.

Monday, Sept. 19th

Today we made a number gride up to 100. We focused on the patterns we saw (like how we can +10 when going down a row on the grid, ect.) We also continued to practice counting money and sang our money counting song on Youtube (I added a tab for this on the website so the kids can watch at home)
In reading we learned the word pride and used it at vocabulary time. We talked about things that we do that give us a sense of pride.

**Poupard spirit wear order forms will be coming home on Friday. Remember to get the picture order forms back to me on or before the 28th.

Have a good night!

Friday, Sept. 16th

Happy Friday! Please look for that homework binder today! Remember, it is due back by next Friday.

Today in class we learned the word "fearless" and read a book about a girl who was fearless and suddenly became afraid of something. We made connections to our own lives and used the word in our DOT binders.
In math we reviewed everything from the week using Math Boxes and visited our centers. I am very impressed with many of this children's knowledge about money!

Picture day forms went home in the binder (inside the orange Take Home Folder). return them by Sept. 28th.

Have a great weekend!

Thursday, Sept. 15th

Picture day is Sept. 28th! The order form will be coming home in your Homework Binder on Friday.

Today we started our at-school reading log and recieved our DOT binders! DOT binders are a "Daily Organizational Tool" that we keep ALL of our papers in that we use throughout the day and week. As you already know, 2nd graders could use a little help staying organized and I am hoping that the DOT binder teaches them valuable organizational skills for their future. I told them they were just like high school students with binders and they LOVED that idea :)

In math we did a mixed review with counting change, addition, place value, and odd and even numbers. We also did our centers which were all focused on reviewing the concepts from the lesson. Some student had a hard time counting the change today so please take a little time to practice that skill at home if you can (you know, practice makes perfect!)

*The speech teacher will be beginning her classes on Monday for students who had speech last year. Mrs. Cline will also be starting to see students on Monday if your child saw her last year.

Remember, homework is coming to you tomorrow!

Wednesday, Sept. 14th

Thank you so much for coming to Back to School Night last night! We had almost all of our parents there :) If you couldn't make it last night I sent the papers home with your student today. Please read them!

Today in class we wrote in our writer's notebooks, talked about reading habits at home and at school and we read a fun book called "Fancy Nancy" which taught us new vocabulary words. We also learned the word Content during Magic Word. In math we counting paper money and did math centers (which were mainly focused on counting money games).
We had a bit of spare time due to good behavior so we got to watch a teacher YouTube video about the days of the week and counting by 2's! If you want to watch the video go to Youtube.com and type in HaveFunTeaching Days of the Week

Tuesday, Sept. 13th

Today in class we made lists of reason why writer's write and what writer's write about. Doing this helps child see the purpose of writing in school and hopefully begin to value their ability to write. In reading we read Poppleton and talking about charater traits (ie- What do you know about Popppelton's personality?) We also spent some time this morning talking about the BUTTERFLIES we will be getting in a few weeks! We made a quick butterfly craft and talking about the butterfly life cycle.
In math we practiced simple addition. We learned that you should count up when adding. For example, when trying to find 7+2 you would say 7 and just count up 2 more. 7, 8, 9!

TONIGHT IS BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT! Please meet in the gym at 6:30. You will be coming to my classroom around 7:15. Kindergarten parents will need to arrive at 6pm. Thank you!!

Monday, Sept. 12th

Today in class we wrote in our writer's notebook. We practiced using complete sentences and talked about a few 'tricks' that good writers use when they feel like they have "nothing to write about." Then, we had an all school assembly focused on being kind to others and using kind words.
In math we made our own calendars and practiced saying the names of the moneths in order and the names of the days of the week in order. We also practiced telling time and worked with analog clocks. If you don't have an analog clock at home, get one! Or, you might consider getting your child a watch as a special gift :)

Remember: BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT IS TOMORRW AT 6:30!!! Please meet in the gym. 2 handouts about this night were sent home to you. Please please please do what you can to attend! if you cannot attend, I will send your handouts home with your child on Wednesday so that you don't miss any information :)

Have a good night!

Friday, Sept. 9th

Today in class we reread the book "McDuff Moves In" and talked about the fact that children who read a book more than once have a better understanding of that book. Rereading is a good comprehension strategy and I encourage my students to reread their books and classwork.
In math we counted money and read a fun poem to help us remember the names and value of each coin. In writing we started our writer's journal time by decorating our journals- thanks so much for sending in the materials on such short notice!! I appreciate it and the kids LOVED decorating their journal and making it "special"

Today I sent home the Poupard Newsletter. Please read it!

I did not send home any homework or your child's "take home folder" yet. I am waiting until next Friday to begin these routines so that I can go over the procedures with you at Back To School Night.

Back To School Night is TUESDAY, Sept. 13th at 6:30pm.

Thursday, Sept. 8

Another rainy day...thank goodness for Legos at indoor recess time!
Today we had our first day of real reading.  We read "McDuff Moves In" and talked about how good readers make connections when they read (for example, "the dog in the book reminds me of my dog at home") we also had our first vocabulary word: Tumbled.
In math we worked on number lines and reminded each other how to use a number grid.  We started with 0 at first but then we did a few that started with bigger numbers- like 1,039.  We all tried to figure out what number would come next. Tomorrow we will work with money.

Nothing went home today except for the daily behavior report.  Ask your child if they stayed on green today :)

Have a good night!

Wednesday, Sept. 7th

Today in class we learned more about classroom rules and how to stay on green. We also finished painting our book boxes and did an end-of-the year 1st grade math assessment. I think the most popular activity today was centers- we will do these everyday. I use centers as a way to differentiate work for children at different levels and to review skills that we are learning. This week we are reviewing addition and subtraction as well as rhyming and blends (the ch, sh, th, wh sounds). The kids were a little sad that we had to do inside recess today so I am hoping for good weather tomorrow!

I sent home 4 pieces of homework (they were all stapled together). They are:

1. A sheet asking you to send supplies for your child to decorate his/her writers notebook (magazine clippings, pictures, photos, puffy paint, whatever you think would be fun!) If you cant get it right away, no worries. Just try to send it by Monday.

2. & 3. Two sheets to practice writing your phone number and address. All 2nd graders should know this and it makes me worried when I realize that some kids don't know their phone numbers in case of emergency. Please practice these skills so your child can earn a fun safety prize on Friday for passing this quiz :)

4. A behavior program overview with signature. I just want to make sure we are all on the same page and know about the school-wide behavior prgram (parents and kids).

This is the only time 'random' homework will be coming home to you. We will start our regular Friday-Friday homework next week.

Tuesday, Sept. 6th

Happy 1st Day of School! Today went by SO FAST! We organized our supplies, painted our book boxes, had an assembly at 9:45, went out for a short recess at 10:15, read a story and went home! It was so nice to meet all of the children and start talking about our classroom rules and procedures.
I sent home two items today:
1. My class handbook and letter
2. A list of supplies that your child still needs (if you didnt get this it is because you have already sent in all your supplies!) The item that most children were missing was the 3-ring binder. If you could send this in asap I would appreciate it!

Tomorrow we will have more of a normal school day and will be going over a lot more class rules and procedures. I will also be sending home a couple of little "homework" assignments tomorrow. Don't forget that it is a FULL day tomorrow so please send either $2.50 for lunch (unless you have already paid into your account online) or send a packed lunch from home.

Have a great night!

***If you are reading this blog right now please email me! I want to see who is already reading and get your email addresses saved in my contacts. Thanks!! Katharine.Stewart@gpschools.org

Welcome Back!

Welcome back to school and to the 2nd grade! I am so excited to get this year started with my 19 new 2nd grade friends :)  I have been at school the last couple weeks getting everything ready and have lots and lot and lots of ideas for the class this year.  I will be sending home a little note, classroom handbook and parent questionnaire on the first day of school.  Please read it through and return it to me asap.  I also prepared a little presentation about our classroom and school that we will go through on back to school night (Sept. 13th)

Here are a few helpful tips that I can give you now to help the first week go smoothly:

• We have a half day on Tuesday the 5th. The kids get out at 11:34am.
• 2nd Grade will now line up in the morning and be dismissed by the PEACE GARDEN (located in the grassy area between the big parking lot and the blacktop where they lined up last year) There will be a sign with my name on it so you know where to stand :)
• We do not have specials the first day but we will go to Library on Wednesday, PE on Thursday (wear gym shoes!), and Art on Friday (make sure you have brought in your art shirt by then!)
• My email is Katharine.Stewart@gpschools.org Please let me know if you have any concerns or questions at anytime.

Enjoy your LAST weekend before school starts!! See you soon :)