In December, there are all kinds of things going on! Please mark these important dates on your calendar:
Friday, December 16 -- Pajama Day! K- 2 Book Celebration 'Twas the Night Before Christmas
Monday, December 19 -- 1:00 k-4 concert practice
Tuesday, December 20 -- 1:00 k-4 Winter Concert for parents
Thursday, December 22 -- classroom party (more info. on this later)
noon dismissal
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Busy! Busy! Busy!
Wow! We have been so busy these past couple of weeks, it's hard to keep up! In math, we have finished a unit on subtracting within 20. For those who are still having trouble with this skill, they are receiving extra support. Although we have been working with time and money from the very start of the school year, we are now really focusing on those two concepts. Students will know how to tell time to 5 minutes, how to identify and count coins and dollars, and how to solve problems using coins and dollars.
We have completed an investigation of magnets, and have now moved on to a social studies topic: Wants and Needs/Goods and Services. Students are taking a look at the difference between a "want" and a "need", and are identifying goods and services. For example, a baker provides a "good" - muffins. A doctor provides a service - health care.
In Writing Workshop we had been talking about using voice in writing. We are now moving on to word choice. We are thinking about how to pick the best, most interesting words in our writing. In reading, we spent a small amount of time focusing on fables. We have moved on now to a new theme called "Around Town: Neighborhoods and Communities". In this theme we will explore stories that take place in many different types of communities. What a great way to learn about other cultures without leaving Orrington!
We have completed an investigation of magnets, and have now moved on to a social studies topic: Wants and Needs/Goods and Services. Students are taking a look at the difference between a "want" and a "need", and are identifying goods and services. For example, a baker provides a "good" - muffins. A doctor provides a service - health care.
In Writing Workshop we had been talking about using voice in writing. We are now moving on to word choice. We are thinking about how to pick the best, most interesting words in our writing. In reading, we spent a small amount of time focusing on fables. We have moved on now to a new theme called "Around Town: Neighborhoods and Communities". In this theme we will explore stories that take place in many different types of communities. What a great way to learn about other cultures without leaving Orrington!
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
IXL Math
Our school has purchased IXL Math, a drill style online math supplement that students can use both at home and school! Once I set it up for our classroom, your child will come home with their own personal login and password. In the meantime, you can check out IXL Math on your own. ( A quick google search will bring you to their page.) I believe they allow 20 free sample questions each time you visit their page. More to come on this soon...
Monday, November 14, 2011
Classroom Update
Thank you to all those who were able to donate to the Food Drive! It was a huge success! This service project was entirely student run. From the advertising posters, to the collection, to the loading and unloading of the school bus - our kiddos worked very hard. And what a difference they made in our community. I am so proud of all those involved.
Now that we are done with the food drive, we have time to focus on our Magnet Unit. Students will understand that magnets have poles, opposite poles attract, and same poles repel. Students will understand a magnetic field, and what kinds of objects are magnetic. We will use a variety of magnets such as horseshoe magnets and bar magnets. We have already tried a few experiments, and have more to come.
In math we continue to work on subtraction, using a variety of strategies. Our goal is to be able to subtract within 20. Sharing math strategies, playing math games, and practice drills are some of the ways that we are reaching our goal.
We are wrapping up our theme of "Nature Walk" in reading. This week we are comparing the fictional piece Owl Moon with a nonfiction article called Owls. I am also taking time this week to individually assess each student's reading progress. In Writing Workshop, we continue to work through the writing process, focusing on "writing with voice" in our mini-lessons.
I look forward to seeing you all during conferences!
Now that we are done with the food drive, we have time to focus on our Magnet Unit. Students will understand that magnets have poles, opposite poles attract, and same poles repel. Students will understand a magnetic field, and what kinds of objects are magnetic. We will use a variety of magnets such as horseshoe magnets and bar magnets. We have already tried a few experiments, and have more to come.
In math we continue to work on subtraction, using a variety of strategies. Our goal is to be able to subtract within 20. Sharing math strategies, playing math games, and practice drills are some of the ways that we are reaching our goal.
We are wrapping up our theme of "Nature Walk" in reading. This week we are comparing the fictional piece Owl Moon with a nonfiction article called Owls. I am also taking time this week to individually assess each student's reading progress. In Writing Workshop, we continue to work through the writing process, focusing on "writing with voice" in our mini-lessons.
I look forward to seeing you all during conferences!
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
A Poem by Nick W.
Trick or treat.
Knock knock.
Who is there?
Some kids.
Oh hi, kids.
We want candy.
Finally. We are never
coming again.
by Nick W.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Classroom News
In math, we have just finished up a unit on adding to sums of 20, including adding three or more addends together. We are about to begin a unit on subtracting within 20. You can help your child by having them look at the relationship between adding and subtracting. Using doubles or near doubles, and getting to 10 are also great strategies to figure out subtraction. For example: 11-8= ?. Your child can think "8+?=11". Or 13-6=?. Your child can think, "I know that 6+6=12, and I need one more, so 13-6 must equal 7."
Our Food Drive is still going strong. We will continue to collect food (and Mrs. Freeman's class is collecting bottles) until November 10. A HUGE thank you to those who have donated! This is entirely a student-run project, and they are doing a great job! Once the Food Drive is over, we will have more time to explore and experiment with magnets for Science class.
In Writing Workshop, I have been focusing on a different question each month. We have discussed how to get ideas for our stories, how authors organize their stories, and now we are discussing how to write with voice. This is a very tricky trait to teach and learn! When a piece has voice, you can feel the personality of the author. Think about the difference between your favorite story and an encyclopedia entry. Most students have by now chosen a piece to get "published", or typed up and put into book format. They all continue to work through the writing process with writing, revising, and conferencing. If you think you have time to volunteer on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays from 9:30 - 10:00 to work with student authors and help get their stories typed up, please contact me (s.pelkey@cdsedu.org).
Remember there is NO SCHOOL Friday, November 11 (Veteran's Day).
Our Food Drive is still going strong. We will continue to collect food (and Mrs. Freeman's class is collecting bottles) until November 10. A HUGE thank you to those who have donated! This is entirely a student-run project, and they are doing a great job! Once the Food Drive is over, we will have more time to explore and experiment with magnets for Science class.
In Writing Workshop, I have been focusing on a different question each month. We have discussed how to get ideas for our stories, how authors organize their stories, and now we are discussing how to write with voice. This is a very tricky trait to teach and learn! When a piece has voice, you can feel the personality of the author. Think about the difference between your favorite story and an encyclopedia entry. Most students have by now chosen a piece to get "published", or typed up and put into book format. They all continue to work through the writing process with writing, revising, and conferencing. If you think you have time to volunteer on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays from 9:30 - 10:00 to work with student authors and help get their stories typed up, please contact me (s.pelkey@cdsedu.org).
Remember there is NO SCHOOL Friday, November 11 (Veteran's Day).
Monday, October 31, 2011
Class News, by Olivia and Audra
We have played "Around the World". Whoever makes it around the circle first wins. (This is a math game that we play with flashcards.) Mrs. Pelkey reads aloud to us. She is reading a Magic tree House book called "Haunted Castle on Hallows Eve". So far we are on chapter 5, The Ghost. There is a floating bone. On Monday we are going to have a party. We will watch a movie. We will have snacks. ~ by Olivia
We have a new Promethean Board. We have been playing math games. We added by dragging chips to the empty spaces. We also learned about doubles by watching a movie. It's about shells and animals. They are in doubles. (We use BrainPop Jr. to watch videos and take quizzes on topics such as addition and doubles.) On Monday we are having a pajama day! ~ by Audra
Friday, October 28, 2011
Pumpkin Carving
Check out this website at home. We were able to use our Promethean Board to virtually carve jack-o-lanterns.
http://www.abcya.com/pumpkin_carving.htm
http://www.abcya.com/pumpkin_carving.htm
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Upcoming Events
A notice on blue paper is coming home Thursday with this same information.
Food Drive Run by Second Grade
As part of a community and Neighborhood unit, our class has been talking about how to be a good citizen. Some of our ideas have included: cleaning up litter, planting trees, and being nice to neighbors. Our class, along with Mrs. Lent's class, have decided to run a Food Drive for students in grades PreK - 2. The second grade students will be in charge of collecting, counting, and graphing the donated foods. The Food Drive will run from October 31 - November 4. All donations will be given to a local Food Shelf.
Halloween Party
We will have a classroom Halloween party on Monday, October 31. We will watch a movie, play games, and enjoy Halloween treats in the afternoon. (Please still pack a healthy snack for morning snack time.) We will also have Pajama Day that day! Please be sure to still have appropriate clothes for outside recess.
Donations for our Halloween Party are welcome! Please bring in whatever you can. Later in the year we will have other celebrations where I will be asking for particular items. Please note that we have 18 students, so whatever you bring, please bring 18 of the same thing.
Food Drive Run by Second Grade
As part of a community and Neighborhood unit, our class has been talking about how to be a good citizen. Some of our ideas have included: cleaning up litter, planting trees, and being nice to neighbors. Our class, along with Mrs. Lent's class, have decided to run a Food Drive for students in grades PreK - 2. The second grade students will be in charge of collecting, counting, and graphing the donated foods. The Food Drive will run from October 31 - November 4. All donations will be given to a local Food Shelf.
Halloween Party
We will have a classroom Halloween party on Monday, October 31. We will watch a movie, play games, and enjoy Halloween treats in the afternoon. (Please still pack a healthy snack for morning snack time.) We will also have Pajama Day that day! Please be sure to still have appropriate clothes for outside recess.
Donations for our Halloween Party are welcome! Please bring in whatever you can. Later in the year we will have other celebrations where I will be asking for particular items. Please note that we have 18 students, so whatever you bring, please bring 18 of the same thing.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Promethean Board, by Emily and Aliah
We got a Promethean Board. Mason was the first one to use it. It is very cool. We do calendar on it always unless there's a sub. Mrs. Pelkey keeps on getting frustrated when it doesn't work how she wants it to. The Promethean Board has to have a laptop hooked up to it and a projector. The first time Mrs. Pelkey used the Promethean Board, everyone yelled and screamed so I asked them if they would stop. The Promethean Board is big like the white board. We use a special pen or our finger (to move things or write). Mrs. Pelkey has a remote to turn it on. We like our Promethean Board because we do a lot of fun stuff. We play math games. We can't use white board markers and crayons on it.
~ by Emily
I am having lots of fun with the Promethean Board. I loved the Google Earth. When we first got the computer, everybody was so excited. I was too. So we went on Google Earth. Everybody was screaming. I put up the quiet sign. I was very excited.
On our Promethean Board, we have done drawing, we have done addition, we have done Google Earth. We all took turns. We are all going to use it again.
~ by Aliah
On our Promethean Board, we have done drawing, we have done addition, we have done Google Earth. We all took turns. We are all going to use it again.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
News From the Teacher...
Hello Families!
I hope that many of you are checking in to see updates on what's happening in our classroom. We have also started having "student bloggers". Any student who wants to will have a chance to add to our class blog.
Our Promethean Board is installed and in use. (Promethean, I learned, is the brand name of our interactive white board. I was wrong to call it a SMARTboard -- another brand name.) I am learning all about it while using it with the class. You can imagine what an experience that is! So far we are using "Promethean Paul" (our cute name for it) during Morning Meeting. We do calendar, base 10 counting, and money every day. I have also found ways to use the board with interactive math games, and during a mini-lesson for Writing Workshop. Our children are very lucky to be growing up in an age of technology!
In math we are working on addition within 20. It is very important to be fluent in these facts, as it will help us in other math concepts. We are practicing strategies besides just counting up to get the sum. One strategy we have used is thinking of doubles or "close to doubles". For example: 5+7 can be thought of as 5+5+2. 10 plus 2 can be calculated much faster than starting with 7 and counting up 5. Students are exposed to a variety of strategies. The hope is that each student will find what works best for them.
In Social Studies, we are working on mapping and community. To go along with the idea of community, we are discussing being a good citizen. Information will be coming home soon about our classroom community service project.
I will be out on Tuesday, October 19. I am attending a workshop on teaching about Maine Native Americans. This will be the second workshop I have attended on this topic. In the spring we will have a unit on Maine and Maine Native Americans.
You may have noticed there is no homework this week. That's my fault -- I've spent so much time learning about the Promethean board, I forgot to gather and copy materials for homework! Feel free to torture your child with extra work at home anyway :) Tell them I said it was OK ;)
I hope that many of you are checking in to see updates on what's happening in our classroom. We have also started having "student bloggers". Any student who wants to will have a chance to add to our class blog.
Our Promethean Board is installed and in use. (Promethean, I learned, is the brand name of our interactive white board. I was wrong to call it a SMARTboard -- another brand name.) I am learning all about it while using it with the class. You can imagine what an experience that is! So far we are using "Promethean Paul" (our cute name for it) during Morning Meeting. We do calendar, base 10 counting, and money every day. I have also found ways to use the board with interactive math games, and during a mini-lesson for Writing Workshop. Our children are very lucky to be growing up in an age of technology!
In math we are working on addition within 20. It is very important to be fluent in these facts, as it will help us in other math concepts. We are practicing strategies besides just counting up to get the sum. One strategy we have used is thinking of doubles or "close to doubles". For example: 5+7 can be thought of as 5+5+2. 10 plus 2 can be calculated much faster than starting with 7 and counting up 5. Students are exposed to a variety of strategies. The hope is that each student will find what works best for them.
In Social Studies, we are working on mapping and community. To go along with the idea of community, we are discussing being a good citizen. Information will be coming home soon about our classroom community service project.
I will be out on Tuesday, October 19. I am attending a workshop on teaching about Maine Native Americans. This will be the second workshop I have attended on this topic. In the spring we will have a unit on Maine and Maine Native Americans.
You may have noticed there is no homework this week. That's my fault -- I've spent so much time learning about the Promethean board, I forgot to gather and copy materials for homework! Feel free to torture your child with extra work at home anyway :) Tell them I said it was OK ;)
Monday, October 17, 2011
Reading and Writing, by Josie
In Mrs. Pelkey's class we have been working on vowels and consonants. We also have vocabulary. We have just ended a theme in reading called "Silly Stories" and now we are working on poems.
Friday, October 7, 2011
Class News, by Sara and Zach
Big Reading Books by Sara
In our class everybody has something called a Big Reading Book. It has amazing facts and stories. We are going to start a new theme called "Nature Walk". The stories in "Nature Walk" are: Henry and Mudge and the Starry Night, Exploring Parks with Ranger Dockett, and Around the Pond: Who's Been Here?
Math by Zach
We are doing story problems in math class.
More News
* No school Monday, October 11 (Columbus Day), and Tuesday, October 12 (Teacher Workshop Day).
* Book Orders are due October 13. Please make checks payable to Scholastic.
* We are getting a SMART Board in our classroom! I'm so excited! We have a lot to learn about how they work. Go to YouTube and watch some videos about SMART Boards -- you'll be amazed at what they can do!!! More to come on this in future postings.
In our class everybody has something called a Big Reading Book. It has amazing facts and stories. We are going to start a new theme called "Nature Walk". The stories in "Nature Walk" are: Henry and Mudge and the Starry Night, Exploring Parks with Ranger Dockett, and Around the Pond: Who's Been Here?
Math by Zach
We are doing story problems in math class.
More News
* No school Monday, October 11 (Columbus Day), and Tuesday, October 12 (Teacher Workshop Day).
* Book Orders are due October 13. Please make checks payable to Scholastic.
* We are getting a SMART Board in our classroom! I'm so excited! We have a lot to learn about how they work. Go to YouTube and watch some videos about SMART Boards -- you'll be amazed at what they can do!!! More to come on this in future postings.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
News For the Week of September 26
Every Tuesday for the next several weeks, our class will host a student teacher! Her name is Miss Welch. Miss Welch attends Husson College and needs to complete a 30 hour practicum. She will begin by observing, then I will slowly hand over responsibilities to her. Miss Welch must complete at least two lessons in the classroom. Her focus for the semester is writing. I know that we have a lot to show Miss Welch with our Writing Workshop. She couldn't have picked a better class to join!
In Math we are focusing mostly on story problems. It is important to know if you need to add or subtract, and to which numbers you are performing the operation. We talk a lot about how numbers mean something - they are attached to an object (like 7 fish, 2 arms, 5 inches...). You can practice at home by either stating simple story problems and asking your child to tell you what equation would go with that problem, OR stating an equation and asking your child to come up with a story to go with it. We are working with addition and subtraction within 10.
This Wednesday, September 28 is School Picture Day. Even if you're not ordering photos, your child will still get his/her picture taken.
In Math we are focusing mostly on story problems. It is important to know if you need to add or subtract, and to which numbers you are performing the operation. We talk a lot about how numbers mean something - they are attached to an object (like 7 fish, 2 arms, 5 inches...). You can practice at home by either stating simple story problems and asking your child to tell you what equation would go with that problem, OR stating an equation and asking your child to come up with a story to go with it. We are working with addition and subtraction within 10.
This Wednesday, September 28 is School Picture Day. Even if you're not ordering photos, your child will still get his/her picture taken.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
What Are We Learning About?
We are finishing up our mini-unit on the butterfly life cycle, and are about to begin a unit on "Rights and Responsibilities". During this unit we will discuss a person's rights in general; and more specifically our rights as students. Once our rights are established, we will then discuss the responsibilities we have to ensure those rights for all. For example: All students have the right to be heard. Therefore, it is your responsibility to listen when others are talking.
In math we are working on subtraction within 10. It is our goal that second grade students will be proficient in adding and subtracting within 10 by the middle of October. In addition to basic equations, we are challenging ourselves with story problems, knowing when to add or subtract for a story problem, and solving for an unknown (5 + ? = 8). We are also learning about "Fact Families" to help learn the relationship between adding and subtracting. An example of a Fact Family is: 7+3=10, 3+7=10, 10-7=3, 10-3=7. I use a combinations of class discussion, projects, practice sheets, and games to support our learning in math.
In Writing Workshop, we are still learning about all the materials in the Writing Center and the procedures for writing a story. We are generating ways to come up with ideas for what to write. As I finish up with reading assessments, we are learning about different centers that we will visit during our Guided Reading and Centers time. All of the work we do in centers supports our learning in spelling, phonics, and reading.
In math we are working on subtraction within 10. It is our goal that second grade students will be proficient in adding and subtracting within 10 by the middle of October. In addition to basic equations, we are challenging ourselves with story problems, knowing when to add or subtract for a story problem, and solving for an unknown (5 + ? = 8). We are also learning about "Fact Families" to help learn the relationship between adding and subtracting. An example of a Fact Family is: 7+3=10, 3+7=10, 10-7=3, 10-3=7. I use a combinations of class discussion, projects, practice sheets, and games to support our learning in math.
In Writing Workshop, we are still learning about all the materials in the Writing Center and the procedures for writing a story. We are generating ways to come up with ideas for what to write. As I finish up with reading assessments, we are learning about different centers that we will visit during our Guided Reading and Centers time. All of the work we do in centers supports our learning in spelling, phonics, and reading.
Friday, September 9, 2011
A Successful First 7 Days!
We have been having a great time getting to know each other and exploring our classroom. It will take some time before all of our routines are under way, but for now the boys and girls in our class are doing wonderful.
I'm sure you have already heard about our caterpillar - turned chrysalis - turned butterfly friends! Ask your child to explain metamorphosis, or the monarch butterfly life cycle to you. We have all become quite knowledgeable in this area!
Book Orders came home today (Friday, September 9). They are due by Wednesday, September 14. One thing I forgot to mention in the newsletter is that families can order books online as well. Just go to scholastic.com and enter activation code "FZY46". I had never offered this until last year; and had one parent who tried it out successfully.
Have a fabulous weekend!
I'm sure you have already heard about our caterpillar - turned chrysalis - turned butterfly friends! Ask your child to explain metamorphosis, or the monarch butterfly life cycle to you. We have all become quite knowledgeable in this area!
Book Orders came home today (Friday, September 9). They are due by Wednesday, September 14. One thing I forgot to mention in the newsletter is that families can order books online as well. Just go to scholastic.com and enter activation code "FZY46". I had never offered this until last year; and had one parent who tried it out successfully.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Back to School!
Welcome to the 2011-2012 school year! I am looking forward to my new group of students, meeting new families, and reconnecting with friends. I hope everyone is having a wonderful summer so far.
You should be receiving a letter from me soon indicating supplies that will help you begin the school year. As with any classroom, donations of cleaning wipes, tissues, pencils or other school supplies are welcome.
Make sure you notice in the letter sent home two important things:
1) Please bring a snack every day (and a water bottle that can stay at school each week).
2) Please bring in a photo of your family to share and display (these will be returned).
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me any time at s.pelkey@cdsedu.org.
You should be receiving a letter from me soon indicating supplies that will help you begin the school year. As with any classroom, donations of cleaning wipes, tissues, pencils or other school supplies are welcome.
Make sure you notice in the letter sent home two important things:
1) Please bring a snack every day (and a water bottle that can stay at school each week).
2) Please bring in a photo of your family to share and display (these will be returned).
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me any time at s.pelkey@cdsedu.org.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Field Day 2011
Moose Point State Park
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Spring Concert 2011
Our Maine Bulletin Board
I asked students to bring in objects that represent Maine for display on our hallway bulletin board. Hopefully many of you had a chance to check it out while you were here for our Spring Concert. We have a great variety of items on display, such as stuffed animals, books, sea glass, posters, and even a display about Verso Paper Mill, created by Chloe. Thank you to all who brought items in for the bulletin board. Your objects will be returned by the end of the school year.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)