Classroom Update

We've been very busy the last couple of weeks!  Here are some highlights:

• In Reader's Workshop, we have been studying characters and inferring character traits.  Students have also been working on being word solvers!  This means that students are learning what to do when they get to a word they don't know.  Instead of mumbling over the word or making up a word, students can break words into parts, think about what the word could say and think about what's happening in the story.  Sometimes looking at the picture can also help a reader decide what a word is. 
• In Writer's Workshop, students have been writing about lots of topics, including pets, funny characters and something they either like or dislike.  They have a lot of enthusiasm for the stories they are writing! 
• In Science, we are now studying gravity!  Students have had fun doing experiments and reading about gravity and how gravity affects falling objects through air, water and solids.
• We finished up Unit 5 in math and our now studying time.  They are learning to tell time to five minute intervals.  This can be a very difficult skill for some students, so practicing at home is very beneficial.  We also continue to take weekly timed math fact tests.  We will be taking one more test before the end of second quarter.  In order to receive a "3" on the report card, students should be able to do 95 or more addition problems in 8 minutes.  Please help your child practice their math facts at home whenever you can.  

  

2nd/3rd Grade Music Program

The second and third grade combined music program is coming up on Thursday, January 31st.  It is at 6:30 pm in the WestWood gym.  Students should be ready to line up in the classroom by 6:20 pm.  The theme of the program is Careers (When I grow Up I want to Be), so students are asked to dress up as their favorite career.  If they choose not to, they should just wear nice clothes for the performance. There will also be a dress rehearsal on January 31st during the day at 1:30 for the school if you are unable to make it to the evening performance. 

Happy New Year!

Wednesday was my first day back with the students.  Mrs. Quinn was also at school on Wednesday to provide a smooth transition for all of us.  Mrs. Quinn did a fabulous job while I was out on maternity leave.  I am very grateful to have had such a competent, creative, organized and fun long-term substitute.  I am sure the kids will miss her, but she will be back from time to time to sub for me, which will be fun for her and the kids.

This past week we were all getting back into the school routine.  In math, the focus has been money, specifically counting pennies, nickels and dimes.  Students also practiced skip counting and forward and backward number sequences.  In Writer's Workshop, we began a new unit, which will teach students how to take a story to the next level.  They will continue to write many different stories and learn to tell more and add many more details to a story.  The began the unit by writing a story about a fun outdoor experience.  We also began a new unit in Science!  Students will spend the next few weeks learning about Forces and Motion.  We began the unit by using a ramp and experimenting with pushes and pulls and how the amount of force placed on an object affects the speed and distance.  We also spent some time each day practicing for the upcoming CoGAT test.  Students will take the CoGAT this coming week.  It will take about an hour on each of three days (Monday, Wednesday and Thursday).  We will be testing right away in the morning, so please make sure your child eats a good breakfast.

On Friday, I enjoyed lunch with the students who completed 18 or more reading challenges during the month of December.  The January reading calendar went home on Friday.  This month, students will need to complete 22 or more challenges in order to participate in the special lunch in the classroom. 

I hope the new year brings happiness and health for you and your family.  I am so glad to be back at school with your children!