The cold weather certainly has not frozen the desire for learning in our classroom! In math we have been working with patterns and ratios. We have used linking cubes and pattern blocks to help us see the relationship between numbers in patterns. We have also practiced filling in charts called "tables" and learned how to interpret the data that we have. We continue to re-visit addition and subtraction strategies, as well as working with coins and telling time. In the next couple of weeks we will focus more on adding and subtracting -- this time within 100. We will spend more time on looking at numbers as ones, tens, and hundreds.
One of the new things we are trying as a part of our Reading Workshop is really focusing in on a "good fit" book (choosing it as an "Independent Read" book), and using a Reader's Notebook to record our thoughts, comments, questions, connections, and any other idea that comes to mind as we read. This has really helped us to think about our reading and make good use of our reading time! We have explored several biographies this month, and I cannot wait to see the students' presentations that they have done for their Reading Response. Your child will bring home directions next week for conducting an interview. We will then use the information from the interview to become authors of a biography! This is a great way to participate in the connection between reading and writing.
Our main focus in Social Studies has been around Presidents Lincoln and Washington. Once we wrap up our unit on concepts around our government and leaders, we will move on to a mapping and geography unit. Specifically it will be our goal to look at the influence of geography on communities and the relationship between geography and industry or trade.
The month of March will also be a time for beginning a physical science unit on the movement of the earth and moon, water, air, and weather. These concepts will also be explored throughout April.
Don't forget, Parent-Teacher Conferences are coming up in March. Please be sure to sign up for a time for March 20 or 21. I look forward to seeing you all then!
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Monday, February 10, 2014
Valentine News
A paper was sent home last week, but I just want to remind families that Mrs. Pelkey's class will be having our Valentine's Day celebration on Thursday, February 13. Remember to please send in a card for everyone in the class, if you choose to participate in the optional card exchange. A class list can be found on the back side of the Valentine notice that went home last week.
Parents, please encourage your child to complete as much of the card writing as they can on their own.
I will bring in sugar cookies and juice. Students will have the opportunity to frost and decorate their own cookies!
A student asked me if they can make their own Valentine holder at home to bring in. The answer is : Yes, but it is not an assignment. Please do not feel rushed to create a Valentine holder at home. If you do make one, you can bring it in any time by Thursday. Please make sure your name is printed clearly in a place where your friends can see it.
* For those who choose not to create a Valentine holder at home, we will have time and supplies available at school to decorate simple Valentine holders.
Parents, please encourage your child to complete as much of the card writing as they can on their own.
I will bring in sugar cookies and juice. Students will have the opportunity to frost and decorate their own cookies!
A student asked me if they can make their own Valentine holder at home to bring in. The answer is : Yes, but it is not an assignment. Please do not feel rushed to create a Valentine holder at home. If you do make one, you can bring it in any time by Thursday. Please make sure your name is printed clearly in a place where your friends can see it.
* For those who choose not to create a Valentine holder at home, we will have time and supplies available at school to decorate simple Valentine holders.
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
Happy New Year!
I hope everyone enjoyed some much needed family time together over vacation. I am sure that our students will have several stories to tell about Christmas traditions, exciting activities, and power outages when I see them on Thursday.
Here's a look at some of our upcoming classroom units of study:
Math -- In math, we are continuing with Unit 3, which is the second of four units that focuses on addition, subtraction, and the number system. We have already explored story problems with various unknowns, as well as odd and even numbers. Now we will take a look at number patterns and develop fluency in skip-counting by 2's, 5's, and 10's. We will also learn how to write a number in expanded form up to the hundreds place. For example: 256 can be written 200 + 50 + 6. We continue to work on becoming fluent in addition facts, now adding Plus 10 combinations to our studies (such as 23+10; 9 +10; and so on). We are also continuing to work with telling time on an analog clock, figuring elapsed time, and working with adding coins and coin equivalencies.
Science -- In science we will briefly finish up an inquiry unit on magnets and will perform some experiments and apply new learning to observations we have made while exploring magnets; and then we will move into a unit on simple machines. In this unit, students will learn about simple machines and use appropriate materials and tools to solve a problem or design a product. We will also take a look at real world inventions and judge how well the product works.
Social Studies -- We will be surrounded by the biographies of important people in the history of our country! We begin with a study of Martin Luther King Jr.'s life and ideas. Then we will move on to take a basic look at our country's government, democratic ideals, important symbols of our country, as well as being able to recognize key government leaders. We will also study the lives of Presidents Washington and Lincoln. People and events that we study this month will be added to our classroom Time Line. All of our exposure to biographies will lead us into writing a biography of someone we know next month.
Writing -- In Writing Workshop, we will continue to improve our writing and apply concepts taught by using the writing process. This includes drafting, conferencing, revising and editing. Specially chosen pieces are honored through some form of publishing and/or sharing. This month, students will work on writing opinion pieces which includes stating an opinion about a chosen topic in an introduction, and then adding supporting details. Students will also work on creating a conclusion for their opinion piece.
Reading -- Reading is, of course, occurring throughout all areas of the day, including Reading Workshop. Students continue to receive small group guided reading, as they learn to apply reading comprehension and decoding strategies. As students make their way through second grade, it is important to point out that just reading words does not make a good reader. Students are challenged to really think about the reading by connecting, responding, and discussing texts. Second graders are always noticing vocabulary, phonics, and grammar concepts taught throughout the weeks in their own reading. We are also thinking about the connection between reading and writing, as we take a look at author's craft and purpose for writing.
As you can see, we have so much ahead of us this month! While I certainly enjoyed relaxing over vacation, I am eager to get back to school and work with your kiddos.
January Reading Responses will be due Friday, January 17 and Friday, January 31 (more information will be sent home on Monday 1/06)
No School (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day) -- Monday, January 20.
Here's a look at some of our upcoming classroom units of study:
Math -- In math, we are continuing with Unit 3, which is the second of four units that focuses on addition, subtraction, and the number system. We have already explored story problems with various unknowns, as well as odd and even numbers. Now we will take a look at number patterns and develop fluency in skip-counting by 2's, 5's, and 10's. We will also learn how to write a number in expanded form up to the hundreds place. For example: 256 can be written 200 + 50 + 6. We continue to work on becoming fluent in addition facts, now adding Plus 10 combinations to our studies (such as 23+10; 9 +10; and so on). We are also continuing to work with telling time on an analog clock, figuring elapsed time, and working with adding coins and coin equivalencies.
Science -- In science we will briefly finish up an inquiry unit on magnets and will perform some experiments and apply new learning to observations we have made while exploring magnets; and then we will move into a unit on simple machines. In this unit, students will learn about simple machines and use appropriate materials and tools to solve a problem or design a product. We will also take a look at real world inventions and judge how well the product works.
Social Studies -- We will be surrounded by the biographies of important people in the history of our country! We begin with a study of Martin Luther King Jr.'s life and ideas. Then we will move on to take a basic look at our country's government, democratic ideals, important symbols of our country, as well as being able to recognize key government leaders. We will also study the lives of Presidents Washington and Lincoln. People and events that we study this month will be added to our classroom Time Line. All of our exposure to biographies will lead us into writing a biography of someone we know next month.
Writing -- In Writing Workshop, we will continue to improve our writing and apply concepts taught by using the writing process. This includes drafting, conferencing, revising and editing. Specially chosen pieces are honored through some form of publishing and/or sharing. This month, students will work on writing opinion pieces which includes stating an opinion about a chosen topic in an introduction, and then adding supporting details. Students will also work on creating a conclusion for their opinion piece.
Reading -- Reading is, of course, occurring throughout all areas of the day, including Reading Workshop. Students continue to receive small group guided reading, as they learn to apply reading comprehension and decoding strategies. As students make their way through second grade, it is important to point out that just reading words does not make a good reader. Students are challenged to really think about the reading by connecting, responding, and discussing texts. Second graders are always noticing vocabulary, phonics, and grammar concepts taught throughout the weeks in their own reading. We are also thinking about the connection between reading and writing, as we take a look at author's craft and purpose for writing.
As you can see, we have so much ahead of us this month! While I certainly enjoyed relaxing over vacation, I am eager to get back to school and work with your kiddos.
Some dates to keep in mind:
No School (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day) -- Monday, January 20.
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Super Fun Grinch Day!
What an absolutely busy and incredibly fun day we all had in kindergarten through second grade! How the Grinch Stole Christmas was read and celebrated, activities kept us excited all day, and we ended with hot chocolate, a special snack, and a viewing of the Grinch movie.
A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU to all the volunteers who helped us out today! This day could not have been done without you. Also, thank you to the PTG, who funded the event helping us to purchase needed supplies for our activities. This is a day that students and staff look forward to every year. Having such a supportive community helps to make it all happen.
A few photos of Grinch Goo:
IF Wednesday is a snow day, our concert will be held on Thursday, December 19 instead.
A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU to all the volunteers who helped us out today! This day could not have been done without you. Also, thank you to the PTG, who funded the event helping us to purchase needed supplies for our activities. This is a day that students and staff look forward to every year. Having such a supportive community helps to make it all happen.
A few photos of Grinch Goo:
CONCERT INFORMATION ---
IF Wednesday is a snow day, our concert will be held on Thursday, December 19 instead.
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Book Celebration Day
On Tuesday, December 17 the kindergarten through second grade classes will participate in a book celebration day. The day will center around Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The day will begin with a read aloud by Principal Marvin, and then students will rotate through a variety of theme-related activities in mixed grade-level groups. The day will end with a viewing of the animated version of the movie.
"Grinch Day" will also be a Pajama Day! Students may wear their coziest pajamas while celebrating the day. Please remember to send your child with appropriate outdoor gear, as we will still be going outside for recess.
"Grinch Day" will also be a Pajama Day! Students may wear their coziest pajamas while celebrating the day. Please remember to send your child with appropriate outdoor gear, as we will still be going outside for recess.
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Hat Day
This is a reminder that tomorrow,
December 6, is a
Hat Day.
It costs 50 cents to participate.
The next Hat Day will be December 13.
Monday, December 2, 2013
Snow Gear
Now that winter weather is officially unpredictable, proper snow gear for the playground will be needed. Please make sure that your child has snow pants, snow boots, (and shoes for inside), hat, mittens, and of course a winter jacket. If you are unable to provide winter apparel for your child, please let me know.
A word on boots and snow pants:
In my classroom I allow students to leave their snow pants and/or sneakers at school over night, if I have a note from the parents. This is helpful if your child has extra snow pants or sneakers, and reduces the risk of forgetting them or the need to carry them back and forth. Leaving snow gear at school is not necessary, it is just an idea for families who choose to do so. Again, I need written permission from the parent before I allow a child to leave belongings at school. Remember, if we have an unexpected snow day and your child's only snow pants are at school, you will not have access to them.
Wednesday, December 18: K - 4 Winter Concert at 1:00
Friday, December 20: 1/2 day, noon dismissal - begin school vacation
Thursday, January 2: First day back from vacation
A word on boots and snow pants:
In my classroom I allow students to leave their snow pants and/or sneakers at school over night, if I have a note from the parents. This is helpful if your child has extra snow pants or sneakers, and reduces the risk of forgetting them or the need to carry them back and forth. Leaving snow gear at school is not necessary, it is just an idea for families who choose to do so. Again, I need written permission from the parent before I allow a child to leave belongings at school. Remember, if we have an unexpected snow day and your child's only snow pants are at school, you will not have access to them.
Mark your calendar!
Wednesday, December 18: K - 4 Winter Concert at 1:00
Friday, December 20: 1/2 day, noon dismissal - begin school vacation
Thursday, January 2: First day back from vacation
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