Hello families! Our first quarter of second grade is almost complete. Report cards will be going home in 2 weeks. I am so proud of the growth every child has individually made already this year! I'm excited to continue learning and growing through the next 3 quarters.
Visiting Tonawanda Experts- we have been fortunate to have our school's reading specialist, Mrs. Gerhke, join our class for 4 lessons on retelling. The class practiced retelling the story The Snow Day starting with characters, setting, what kicks of the story, the events in order and how the story is tied together. Mrs. Olson, our school math specialist, came in to practice building our fact power. She will continue to visit our room to build fact fluency and demonstrate how to best write a constricted response in math..
Ye Olde School House- We had a great day traveling back at the Ye Olde Schoolhouse. Scroll down to see our photos
Kind Words Are Falling Out of Our Mouths- The kids successfully made all the Fall leaves fall from our tree by using kind words like "Are you okay?" "Please" 'Thank you" "Excuse Me"
Holiday Book Orders- In the next couple weeks, the second grade team will be sending home a stapled pack of scholastic books orders. In efforts to continue build up our classroom libraries, we are trying to collectively earn 7,000 bonus points to use towards free books. If we collect $350 in book orders as a second grade, we will earn the bonus points to share across our three classrooms. Please consider taking advantage of the deeply discounted prices on books, maybe as holiday gifts, to help our classrooms earn free books.
Candy Donations- Thanks to a Tonawanda 3rd grader's great idea, our school was able to collect A LOT of candy to donate to the kids at Children's Hospital. Thank you to all kids and families for your generosity.
Stuff The Bus- Our district elementary schools are teaming together this year to donate non-perishable food items for the Stuff the Bus drive. We have made a district goal to donate 8,000 pounds of food. Donations will be accepted through November 16th.
Ask Your Child
What is the compliment giraffe?
Which 3 book characters are running for president in the classroom?
What is the title of the personal narrative (small moment) you published?
What are some of the strategies you can use to tackle tricky words?
Reminders-
The all school field trip slip and fee for our trip to see The Wave is due next week.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Ye Olde School House
1 room school house
Boys Line- 3 helpers carrying in the firewood
Reciting the Pledge
Adding the wood to the stove
Filling the water pail
Pouring a drink of water
Ringing the bell
Eagerly awaiting our ink pens
Using the ink pens
Handwriting
Playing "Where's My Birdie?"
Punishment #1- nose on the chalkboard
Punishment #2- Tape braids to chalkboard
Punishment #3- Dunce Cap
Happy Photo
Serious Photo
Friday, October 5, 2012
October 5-October 19
Hello Families,
We have had a great beginning of October! We ended September completing our Catching Compliments incentive. We earned an extra recess for adding 20 baseballs to our catching compliments baseball glove. This group of kids takes care of each other's feelings and work well together. Now we are starting a new incentive with a Fall theme- Kind Words Are Falling Out of our Mouths. At the end of everyday, we will share any kind words we heard someone say to us. Check the right sidebar to see what we are learning in 2nd Grade. Have a fabulous weekend!
Conferences- I am looking forward to meeting with everyone in the next two weeks to talk about where your child is and how we are going to progress throughout the year. I did send home a brief survey for you to fill out and return before your scheduled conference time. I appreciate your time. The Book Fair will be open beginning next week. Our class will go to a preview session where your child will make a book wish list. This is a great opportunity to participate in a school fundraiser and help build your child's love for reading. You could have your child earn their book i.e. cleaning up their room everyday, following directions at school, starting their homework right away...
4th Grade Buddies-We met with our 4th grade buddies for the second time. Mrs. Schultz and I are so excited about the learning partnerships that have been created. Our 4th grade buddies have prepared a book talk- they practice reading a book and prepare questions for their 2nd grade buddies to answer. It has been wonderful for the second graders to hear what a 4th grade reader sounds like and how they talk about books. I have notice3d my second graders using the same language during buddy reading in our own readers workshop. It has been a great experience so far!
Math Facts- We took our first addition math facts 3 minutes timed test this week. Fact Power is very important for kids to develop. Therefore, I encourage you to have your child practice basic math facts several nights a week. An addition fact is defined as a 1 digit number plus another 1 digit number (ex 4+5 not 15+19)
Ask Your Child
What is a sum?
What does balance mean?
What are three different types of communities? (urban, suburban and rural)
What are some strategies you can use to figure out a tricky word in reading?
What is a personal narrative? (A true story about yourself)
Reminders
*Ye Olde School House field trip slip and fee
*Conferences are coming- double check your calendar
We have had a great beginning of October! We ended September completing our Catching Compliments incentive. We earned an extra recess for adding 20 baseballs to our catching compliments baseball glove. This group of kids takes care of each other's feelings and work well together. Now we are starting a new incentive with a Fall theme- Kind Words Are Falling Out of our Mouths. At the end of everyday, we will share any kind words we heard someone say to us. Check the right sidebar to see what we are learning in 2nd Grade. Have a fabulous weekend!
4th Grade Buddies-We met with our 4th grade buddies for the second time. Mrs. Schultz and I are so excited about the learning partnerships that have been created. Our 4th grade buddies have prepared a book talk- they practice reading a book and prepare questions for their 2nd grade buddies to answer. It has been wonderful for the second graders to hear what a 4th grade reader sounds like and how they talk about books. I have notice3d my second graders using the same language during buddy reading in our own readers workshop. It has been a great experience so far!
Math Facts- We took our first addition math facts 3 minutes timed test this week. Fact Power is very important for kids to develop. Therefore, I encourage you to have your child practice basic math facts several nights a week. An addition fact is defined as a 1 digit number plus another 1 digit number (ex 4+5 not 15+19)
Ask Your Child
What is a sum?
What does balance mean?
What are three different types of communities? (urban, suburban and rural)
What are some strategies you can use to figure out a tricky word in reading?
What is a personal narrative? (A true story about yourself)
Reminders
*Ye Olde School House field trip slip and fee
*Conferences are coming- double check your calendar
Balancing a Pencil Trick
Thursday, September 20, 2012
1st Post of the Year
Hello Families!
Welcome to our second grade blog. Please bookmark this site so you can refer to it weekly throughout the entire school year.
Reading Bag: After reading for 20 minutes, please help your child fill in the reading log with the book title and place the completed book bag in his/her backpack. It is vital to our reading program that your child brings the book back to school every day. Thank you for your help.
Assignment Notebook: Please sign your child's assignment notebook every night. If your child forgets it at school, check the blog to see what the assignments for the day are (see right sidebar)
Homework: spelling and math homework have officially begun. You can expect your child to have math homework every night, Monday-Thursday, and a new spelling packet most every week. The spelling packet will always be due on Friday. Please help your child work on their 6 high frequency words throughout the week.
MAP Tests: Your child completed MAP testing (a standardized test taken on the computer). We took a Reading, Math and Language test.While it is only one tool, it gives me great information to meet each child's academic needs and help them flourish in second grade. You will receive results later this fall.
Surprise Reader- Every Friday at 12:00, a parent surprise reader comes in to read one of their child's favorite picture books from home. It is my goal to have every family represented- it could be mom, dad, cousin, grandparent... I am flexible if the time/day does not work for your schedule. Please let me know and we can make special arrangements. I included all the open Fridays in the email I sent "The Blog Is Updated".
Healthy Snack- please have your child help you choose a healthy snack to bring to school each day. School is hard work and we move at a fast pace. It is important for your child to be fueled with foods that will give them energy and mind power to do their best. Foods high in sugar will cause their energy to spike and then plummet. Thank you for your support.
Ask Your Child:
Which read aloud did the class just finish? (Pirates Past Noon- Magic Tree House)
Can you retell me the story?
A community is a place where people...(live work, play and make decisions)
Where do writers get ideas? (from people or animals they love, something they love to do, something that frightens them, a place they love)
What is the sum? (The answer to an addition problem)
Who is your 4th grade reading buddy?
Mark Your Calendar:
Ice Cream Social Fri. Sept. 28 5:30-7:30 (this the rescheduled date)
Welcome to our second grade blog. Please bookmark this site so you can refer to it weekly throughout the entire school year.
Reading Bag: After reading for 20 minutes, please help your child fill in the reading log with the book title and place the completed book bag in his/her backpack. It is vital to our reading program that your child brings the book back to school every day. Thank you for your help.
Assignment Notebook: Please sign your child's assignment notebook every night. If your child forgets it at school, check the blog to see what the assignments for the day are (see right sidebar)
Homework: spelling and math homework have officially begun. You can expect your child to have math homework every night, Monday-Thursday, and a new spelling packet most every week. The spelling packet will always be due on Friday. Please help your child work on their 6 high frequency words throughout the week.
MAP Tests: Your child completed MAP testing (a standardized test taken on the computer). We took a Reading, Math and Language test.While it is only one tool, it gives me great information to meet each child's academic needs and help them flourish in second grade. You will receive results later this fall.
Surprise Reader- Every Friday at 12:00, a parent surprise reader comes in to read one of their child's favorite picture books from home. It is my goal to have every family represented- it could be mom, dad, cousin, grandparent... I am flexible if the time/day does not work for your schedule. Please let me know and we can make special arrangements. I included all the open Fridays in the email I sent "The Blog Is Updated".
Healthy Snack- please have your child help you choose a healthy snack to bring to school each day. School is hard work and we move at a fast pace. It is important for your child to be fueled with foods that will give them energy and mind power to do their best. Foods high in sugar will cause their energy to spike and then plummet. Thank you for your support.
Ask Your Child:
Which read aloud did the class just finish? (Pirates Past Noon- Magic Tree House)
Can you retell me the story?
A community is a place where people...(live work, play and make decisions)
Where do writers get ideas? (from people or animals they love, something they love to do, something that frightens them, a place they love)
What is the sum? (The answer to an addition problem)
Who is your 4th grade reading buddy?
Mark Your Calendar:
Ice Cream Social Fri. Sept. 28 5:30-7:30 (this the rescheduled date)
Save Freddy- Groupwork Activity
Our Communities
School Theme: What I Am Is...
Friday, June 1, 2012
Last Post of 2nd Grade
Hello Families! The conclusion of 2nd grade is officially upon us. What a wonderful year it has been! Here are the final notes:
Reader's Theatre- All are invited to our very informal Reader's Theatre presentations in our classroom on Monday June 4th at 2:45pm.
Bag with Handles- I do not like to send the kids home with everything on the last day of school, so we will plan to clean out our desks on Wednesday June 6th. Please send a bag with handles (paper or reusable) to school with your child on or before Wed. Thank you!
End of the Year Party- Our party is scheduled for Thursday, June 7 from 1:30-2:30. All are welcome to join us! A big thank you to our room parents this year for all their hard work. We truly appreciate your time and effort this year! Thank you!
Field Day-Although it was chilly (I think I was the only one who noticed), we had a great morning at field day. The kids cooperated, showed good sportsmanship and had lots of fun! Here are some photos:
Imaginary Bench
Clothespin Tag
Birds in a nest
Memory Hunt
Sled races
Village Hall Field Trip- We got an inside look into our community services and descision making at Elm Grove's Village Hall. We first got see how decisions are made and by whom in the community. Then we got to see in ins and outs of the fire station. Lastly, we we were able to go inside a squad car and go behind the scenes of the police station. It was a great trip that helped make strong comnnections to our social studies units.
Friday, May 18, 2012
May 18- June 1st
Hello Families! This is the 2nd last blog posting of the year! I can not say enough how much I truly enjoyed teaching your children every single day! I miss them greatly next year! Read the right side bar to see what we are currently learning. Here are some highlights and important information:
Report Card Envelopes (note from Jackie)- If you would like your report card sent in the mail, please send to the office a SELF-ADDRESSED, STAMPED (stamps now cost .45 cents) envelope ONE PER STUDENT. Envelope size must be 4 (wide) x 91/2” (long) which is a #10 sized envelope. Please do not send any other sized envelope. Report cards will be mailed the week of June 11th.
Report cards will be available for pickup starting June 13th. Any questions please contact Jackie at 785-3950 or weyerj@elmbrookschools.org
Scholastic Orders-Our last book order of the year was due today. If you are still interested in ordering, you can either email me the book choices or order online at www.scholastic.com/bookclubs Passcode GQM3K
Art For Youth- We concluded our year in Art For Youth with a gallery of artwork throughout the year and reflections on our experiences. The kids completed an artwork scavenger hunt and enjoyed a small snack. Mrs. S and Mrs. M dedicated their time and efforts this year to put together fabulous lessons for our class. We extend to them a huge thank you!
MAP Testing- We completed the math and reading sessions for Spring. It was a successful 1st year of MAP testing in second grade. The district will send out reports to families.
Human Growth and Development- Second grade teachers will present the district's Human Growth and Development curriculum on Friday, May 25. This lesson includes vocabulary instruction related to male and female body parts. Boys and girls will be separated during this teaching. Curriculum materials are available to review at our school library, the public library, and at the central administrative offices. If you have any further questions about the content or the opt-out process, please contact me.
Mark Your Calendars
*Village Hall Field Trip- Thurs. May 24 (we will be back for lunch)
*Reader's Theatre- Mon. June 4th at 2:45
*End of the Year Party- Thurs. June 7 time is TBA
Ask Your Child
What are the 3 types of clouds (cumulus, stratus and cirrus)
What is the title of the fairy tale you are writing?
What is your favorite fairy you have read in class?
What is a product? (the answer to a multiplication fact)
Our "What Have Your Done Today To Make Yourself Proud" Incentive
Report Card Envelopes (note from Jackie)- If you would like your report card sent in the mail, please send to the office a SELF-ADDRESSED, STAMPED (stamps now cost .45 cents) envelope ONE PER STUDENT. Envelope size must be 4 (wide) x 91/2” (long) which is a #10 sized envelope. Please do not send any other sized envelope. Report cards will be mailed the week of June 11th.
Report cards will be available for pickup starting June 13th. Any questions please contact Jackie at 785-3950 or weyerj@elmbrookschools.org
Scholastic Orders-Our last book order of the year was due today. If you are still interested in ordering, you can either email me the book choices or order online at www.scholastic.com/bookclubs Passcode GQM3K
Art For Youth- We concluded our year in Art For Youth with a gallery of artwork throughout the year and reflections on our experiences. The kids completed an artwork scavenger hunt and enjoyed a small snack. Mrs. S and Mrs. M dedicated their time and efforts this year to put together fabulous lessons for our class. We extend to them a huge thank you!
MAP Testing- We completed the math and reading sessions for Spring. It was a successful 1st year of MAP testing in second grade. The district will send out reports to families.
Human Growth and Development- Second grade teachers will present the district's Human Growth and Development curriculum on Friday, May 25. This lesson includes vocabulary instruction related to male and female body parts. Boys and girls will be separated during this teaching. Curriculum materials are available to review at our school library, the public library, and at the central administrative offices. If you have any further questions about the content or the opt-out process, please contact me.
Mark Your Calendars
*Reader's Theatre- Mon. June 4th at 2:45
*End of the Year Party- Thurs. June 7 time is TBA
Ask Your Child
What are the 3 types of clouds (cumulus, stratus and cirrus)
What is the title of the fairy tale you are writing?
What is your favorite fairy you have read in class?
What is a product? (the answer to a multiplication fact)
Our "What Have Your Done Today To Make Yourself Proud" Incentive
Friday, May 4, 2012
May 4-18
May is here! We have a fun filled end of the year. Among field trips, field day, Art for Youth Gallery, Fine Arts Fair and an Author visit, we will be reading and writing fairy tales, studying weather, learning about citizenship and finishing up the year in math with some multiplication! June will be here before we know it!
Art For Youth: Mrs. McSorley facilitated our final classroom Art For Youth lesson in the classroom last week. We looked at some pieces by Paul Cezanne. Then we collaborated to create a piece of art with our desk table that showed collaboration. We will conclude our Art For Youth curriculum with a Gallery this month.
Poetry Cafe: The Poetry Cafe is this coming Friday, May 11 at 2:45pm. All families are welcome. We will share our poetry adn what we have learned as readers and writers. You may take your child home after our Cafe. There should be enough time to beat the parent pick up and bus traffic. If your child is in Poetry Club, the Cafe on Wednesday will be very similar to the Cafe for our classroom. You are welcome to come to both, but you might want to choose one.
Reminders:
*Mike Thaler is coming on Monday- bring books to sign. If you ordered on Friday, I have them at school.
*Walking field trip to Sunset Playhouse is on Tuesday, May 8. Your child should bring a disposable bag lunch.
Ask Your Child:
Who is your favorite character from Sideways Stories from Wayside School?
How was Mouse and the Motorcycle the movie different from the book?
What is a fable?
What lesson did The Magic Fish teach?
Art For Youth: Mrs. McSorley facilitated our final classroom Art For Youth lesson in the classroom last week. We looked at some pieces by Paul Cezanne. Then we collaborated to create a piece of art with our desk table that showed collaboration. We will conclude our Art For Youth curriculum with a Gallery this month.
Poetry Cafe: The Poetry Cafe is this coming Friday, May 11 at 2:45pm. All families are welcome. We will share our poetry adn what we have learned as readers and writers. You may take your child home after our Cafe. There should be enough time to beat the parent pick up and bus traffic. If your child is in Poetry Club, the Cafe on Wednesday will be very similar to the Cafe for our classroom. You are welcome to come to both, but you might want to choose one.
Reminders:
*Mike Thaler is coming on Monday- bring books to sign. If you ordered on Friday, I have them at school.
*Walking field trip to Sunset Playhouse is on Tuesday, May 8. Your child should bring a disposable bag lunch.
Ask Your Child:
Who is your favorite character from Sideways Stories from Wayside School?
How was Mouse and the Motorcycle the movie different from the book?
What is a fable?
What lesson did The Magic Fish teach?
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