Reminder
There is no school on Friday, February 1st
Homework
Since I have sent the same type of homework the last two weeks, I will not send the instructions again. I have attached them here if you need them. Homework is sent home on Mondays and due the following Monday.
This past month we have read 2 books about the Iditarod, including the story of Balto. We have also read about sled dogs. This week's homework just happened to include more stories about working dogs. We are also discussing reasons why dogs should or shouldn't work. This may create some interesting conversations if you ask your second grader about it.
Spelling
Each week students take a spelling test on their list. Last week some students took the test on Tuesday, some took it on Thursday. The date students take their test is dependent on the amount of time they have had to practice that particular spelling pattern. I don't want to test them if they are not ready.
This past week a number of students did not pass their list. In the grade book under Spelling Sort 1, you will see an X or an exempt next to their name. They will remain on that list another week until they understand the pattern. Students who scored a 70% were given a choice to remain on the list or move on. They all chose to stay and practice more.
This is a learning process for them. They are learning that they have to pay attention to the spelling patterns. Memorizing a list of words will not help them. I expect students to start noticing these patterns while they read at home as they get used to this practice. You can ask them what their pattern is and keep your eyes open for it as well.
Reading
Right now students are reading different chapter books in class. They each have a book at their level and they spend time reading it, then they take a test on it to check and see if they understood it. Students are encouraged to pay attention to what they are reading, ask questions if something doesn't make sense or they come upon a word they don't know. If students read through things they don't understand without stopping and checking the meaning, they will fail to comprehend the story. As they practice reading at home, take a moment to ask them what the book or story is about.
Math
We are learning different strategies for addition and subtraction. These strategies will help students add and subtract with regrouping. Most of their brains aren't ready to do the fancy regrouping we, as adults, do. They will have tools to help them solve any problem. All students are moving through math skills at their own pace. I want to make sure students understand and that I am not going too fast or too slow for their learning. Students are always given opportunities to try more challenging work to see if they can do it. Many of them take that opportunity.
Our weekly math tests cover some basic skills that everyone should have mastered by this point in the year.
Science
We are still learning about matter. Students have been learning about the different properties of matter. They have learned that matter is anything that has weight and takes up space.
Fun Friday
Some of you may have heard we have started doing "Fun Friday." On Fridays, after lunch, all students who have completed all their assignments get to have some free time. Students who have not finished their assignments must work on them. This past week was our 3rd time doing this. Each week students are getting better at completing their work. The goal is to have everyone complete all assignments before Friday. If you want to know exactly how your child is doing with this, send me an email and I will be happy to let you know.
Newsletter
Beginning this week there will be a separate elementary school newsletter. We are hoping this will make it easier to find important information.
Instructions for Reading Practice Homework - Close
Sunday, January 27, 2019
Tuesday, January 8, 2019
Week of 1/7
Welcome back!
I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and New Year.
The second half of the year will bring with it a few changes.
Spelling
First, you will no longer receive spelling lists for students to practice at home. Students will practice all spelling in class. The focus will be on rules and spelling patterns. Students will be working on specific spelling patterns that are appropriate for them. If a student doesn't pass their test, they will have another week to practice and pass the following week. Students will be able to move through the spelling patterns at their own pace. You are welcome to talk about the patterns they are learning at home and practice finding them in texts, but memorizing a list of words will not help. Let me know if you have any questions.
Homework
Second, students will be receiving a different kind of reading homework. I will send the first one on Monday, the 14th. The homework may change slightly from week to week. I will always send instructions. The reading homework will be better aligned to how students are tested on the state test and what we are learning in class. Students need to keep reading for their reading log. The reading logs will continue to come home each week.
Science
In science we are going to be learning about matter and the different properties of matter. Students are very good at thinking like scientists.
Social Studies and Reading
Students have been reading different articles about influential people in history. This week the articles are about Sybil Ludington, Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks and Harriet Tubman. Ask them what they have learned about them.
Math Test
There is no weekly math test today. We will resume those next week.
I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and New Year.
The second half of the year will bring with it a few changes.
Spelling
First, you will no longer receive spelling lists for students to practice at home. Students will practice all spelling in class. The focus will be on rules and spelling patterns. Students will be working on specific spelling patterns that are appropriate for them. If a student doesn't pass their test, they will have another week to practice and pass the following week. Students will be able to move through the spelling patterns at their own pace. You are welcome to talk about the patterns they are learning at home and practice finding them in texts, but memorizing a list of words will not help. Let me know if you have any questions.
Homework
Second, students will be receiving a different kind of reading homework. I will send the first one on Monday, the 14th. The homework may change slightly from week to week. I will always send instructions. The reading homework will be better aligned to how students are tested on the state test and what we are learning in class. Students need to keep reading for their reading log. The reading logs will continue to come home each week.
Science
In science we are going to be learning about matter and the different properties of matter. Students are very good at thinking like scientists.
Social Studies and Reading
Students have been reading different articles about influential people in history. This week the articles are about Sybil Ludington, Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks and Harriet Tubman. Ask them what they have learned about them.
Math Test
There is no weekly math test today. We will resume those next week.
Wednesday, December 19, 2018
Week of 12/17
Friday, December 21st:
Two showings of How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
9:00 am and 10:00 am - we will begin on time
Christmas Party:
11:00 - 12:25 Snacks and Games
Students will also be watching the cartoon, How the Grinch Stole Christmas on Friday.
Since the students are Whos, they may dress in pajamas and they are encouraged to have unique hair- the Whos often had pony tails on top of their heads or they had messy hair. They may also wear Santa hats or other holiday hats.
Thank you for all the props for our show. The students are being very creative with them.
As a reminder, there is no homework or spelling this week. We will start fresh in January. Students should continue reading over break because it is good for them. If they want extra math practice they have access to Xtra Math and IXL. It IS break so I also expect them to rest and have fun.
Monday, December 10, 2018
Week of 12/10
Homework:
This will be the last week of homework this year (until 2019). Next week will be our last spelling test until next year. This is a good time to make sure your second grader has all homework turned in for this quarter.
Math Test:
We had an extremely hectic Thursday last week. On top of the hectic-ness, I gave the students the wrong math test and their scores were very poor. Because of this, you will not be seeing a math test come home from last week.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas:
We will be performing How the Grinch Stole Christmas Reader's Theater with a bit of acting thrown in on December 21st at 9:00 am and 10:00 am in our classroom. We would love for you to come and see what we have been working on. Please come a few minutes early so you can check into the office. We will begin each performance on time.
Students have created a list of props they would like to use in the performance. If you are able to donate any of these, we would appreciate it. We are looking for things you have lying around. I don't need you to buy anything or spend a lot of time making something. I know you are very busy and we can create simple props if needed.
plastic cup
stockings
Santa hats (for the student who brings it)
cloth bag or sack
chimney
empty gifts
tree
stuffed dog
antlers
red thread
sleigh
chimney
cans of food
Christmas Celebration:
On Friday, December 21st we will we will play some fun holiday games from 11:00 until 12:20. If students want to bring snacks to share during that time, they may. We do have lunch at 12:30.
Math Study Guide - test on 12/13
This will be the last week of homework this year (until 2019). Next week will be our last spelling test until next year. This is a good time to make sure your second grader has all homework turned in for this quarter.
Math Test:
We had an extremely hectic Thursday last week. On top of the hectic-ness, I gave the students the wrong math test and their scores were very poor. Because of this, you will not be seeing a math test come home from last week.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas:
We will be performing How the Grinch Stole Christmas Reader's Theater with a bit of acting thrown in on December 21st at 9:00 am and 10:00 am in our classroom. We would love for you to come and see what we have been working on. Please come a few minutes early so you can check into the office. We will begin each performance on time.
Students have created a list of props they would like to use in the performance. If you are able to donate any of these, we would appreciate it. We are looking for things you have lying around. I don't need you to buy anything or spend a lot of time making something. I know you are very busy and we can create simple props if needed.
plastic cup
stockings
Santa hats (for the student who brings it)
cloth bag or sack
chimney
empty gifts
tree
stuffed dog
antlers
red thread
sleigh
chimney
cans of food
Christmas Celebration:
On Friday, December 21st we will we will play some fun holiday games from 11:00 until 12:20. If students want to bring snacks to share during that time, they may. We do have lunch at 12:30.
Math Study Guide - test on 12/13
Tuesday, December 4, 2018
Week of 12/3
I have quite a few announcements for you this week.
Christmas Around the World
In addition to everything else we are learning, we are learning how people in other countries celebrate Christmas. So far we have learned about Poland and we made Polish Ornament Chains. We learned about Germany yesterday and all the Christmas traditions we got from them including the Christmas tree. Our room is decorated with art from these different areas.
Book Orders:
I will be sending in the book order at the end of this week. The books will arrive before Christmas break. If you want to order books secretly for Christmas, let me know and I can let you know when they arrive.
Lost and Found:
We donate our lost and found at the end of each week. If a child's name is on it, it is returned to them. I encourage you to help your child put their name on their things.
Warm Weather Clothing Drive:
Vision Charter is partnering with Boise Rescue Mission this holiday season to collect warm socks, gloves or mittens, and warm hats for children and teens of all ages. These items need to be new; used items will not be able to be accepted. You may drop off any of these items in the collection barrel in the main entrance.
Progress Reports:
Progress reports for 2nd quarter on available on parent portal. If you are unable to log into parent portal, please email Mrs. Brown: crystalbrown@visioncsd.org or call her at 208-455-9220.
Dec. 7 - No School
Dec. 10 - Family Skate Night at the Nampa Roller Drome from 6:00-8:00.
Spelling List 12 - Test on 12/11
Math Study Guide - Week 12
Christmas Around the World
In addition to everything else we are learning, we are learning how people in other countries celebrate Christmas. So far we have learned about Poland and we made Polish Ornament Chains. We learned about Germany yesterday and all the Christmas traditions we got from them including the Christmas tree. Our room is decorated with art from these different areas.
Book Orders:
I will be sending in the book order at the end of this week. The books will arrive before Christmas break. If you want to order books secretly for Christmas, let me know and I can let you know when they arrive.
Lost and Found:
We donate our lost and found at the end of each week. If a child's name is on it, it is returned to them. I encourage you to help your child put their name on their things.
Warm Weather Clothing Drive:
Vision Charter is partnering with Boise Rescue Mission this holiday season to collect warm socks, gloves or mittens, and warm hats for children and teens of all ages. These items need to be new; used items will not be able to be accepted. You may drop off any of these items in the collection barrel in the main entrance.
Progress Reports:
Progress reports for 2nd quarter on available on parent portal. If you are unable to log into parent portal, please email Mrs. Brown: crystalbrown@visioncsd.org or call her at 208-455-9220.
Dec. 7 - No School
Dec. 10 - Family Skate Night at the Nampa Roller Drome from 6:00-8:00.
Spelling List 12 - Test on 12/11
Math Study Guide - Week 12
Tuesday, November 13, 2018
Week of 11/12
This is our last week before Thanksgiving Break.
Students are still getting homework and spelling lists. Homework will be due on November 26th. The spelling test will be on November 27th.
Students earned another marble party. They voted on an art party. On Friday we will do all our learning with art projects. Students will also be creating a Thanksgiving decoration.
We have been learning about different shapes, the definitions and parts of them. We have also been learning other strategies to add and subtract 2-digit numbers. We have been learning about traditions and cultures. The students have done a great job sharing about their own traditions and ancestors. This week we are also learning about veterans and how we can honor them.
I've attached an image of some art students did last week demonstrating the different shapes they have learned about. I've also included the spelling list and the math study guide for Thursday.
Tuesday, November 6, 2018
Week of 11/5
I enjoyed getting to visit with so many of you last Friday. It is a joy to teach your child.
These past few weeks we have been learning about the diversity of life. We've learned how scientists categorize animals into mammals, birds, reptiles and invertebrates. We've learned how a scientist might study different types of frogs by the sounds they make. This past week we learned about some different birds, what they eat and how they eat and students used their engineering skills to build prototypes of bird feeders.
These past few weeks we have been learning about the diversity of life. We've learned how scientists categorize animals into mammals, birds, reptiles and invertebrates. We've learned how a scientist might study different types of frogs by the sounds they make. This past week we learned about some different birds, what they eat and how they eat and students used their engineering skills to build prototypes of bird feeders.
Yesterday, students presented their feeders and decided what type of materials they should use if they were to build a feeder that would withstand the wind and rain. I hope they have been telling you all about it.
Here are this week's spelling words and math study guide.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)