Thank you all for a wonderful year! It was my priviledge to be your child's second grade teacher. I wish you all the best as your children continue to grow and flourish. Have a Happy Summer!
Missing Books: Please check at home for the following titles:
Sam and the Lucky Money
George Washington
Rosa Parks
*Also missing from just last week: The Golden Fish Reader's Theatre and The Queen of the Jungle Reader's Theatre
Pizza Lunch: Your child earned a pizza lunch for improving on their math facts test- it is hosted by the second grade teachers. The party will be during lunch on Wednesday June 5th. We will provide the pizza and popsicles. We ask that each child bring in their own drink- milk will be available though school.
Kids are more than welcome to pass on the pizza/bring their own lunch and join us for the celebration.
Class Party: Our class party is scheduled for Friday, June 7th at 11am- all are welcome!
MAP: Your child's MAP scores are coming home today. Please go over the scores and celebrate your child's success this year!
Field Trip- Our field trip to Village Hall is rescheduled for Monday, June 3. Please send your child in comfortable shoes and with a portable snack- we'll eat our snack before walking back to school.
Field Day T-shirts: I am holding on to all field day t-shirts until Tuesday, June 4- the actual day. The kids can then change into their shirt that morning. I did confirm with the kids who has a t-shirt.
Reward- Special Breakfast: Our class met our goal in a school wide incentive. As a result, we earned a special breakfast on the morning of field day. The school is providing the breakfast.
Supplies coming Home: I have enough bags at school for the kids to pack up their supplies to bring home. I plan to have kids bring the majority of their supplies home on Wednesday. Please send a backpack with your child on the last day of school to collect the remaining supplies:)
Friday, May 31, 2013
Friday, May 17, 2013
May 17-May 31
Hello Families,
Our second grade year is almost complete. As we tie loose ends up, I am always amazed how truly far these 7 and 8 year olds come from September to June- it is truly remarkable. And yet just when we are in the groove of teaching and learning as a community, June arrives and they leave my room as third graders. (Then I get to start ALL over in September- haha) How quickly I forget and take for granted the independence that these kids have built throughout the year. I will truly miss each and everyone of my kiddos! Here are some important happenings in the classroom:
MAP Testing: MAP testing was a great success! I am SO proud of every student. Their effort and dedication to the test remarkable. In our 60 minute Reading period, only 5 students had finished when time was up- whereas the previous sessions only 1-2 had NOT finished at the end of 60 minutes. So our entire class actually went back for a 2nd session of reading to finish. The kids really focused and were close readers. I am excited to be able to share all the scores with you formally in the next coming weeks!
Human Growth and Development Lesson: Here is the standard lesson explanation from the district:
Second grade teachers will present the district's Human Growth and Development curriculum on May 24. 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 your child's classroom teacher.
Spelling- we have finished our formal instruction of spelling for the year! There will be no more tests or packets for homework. We will continue to learn about possessives and practice word work skills in class through the end of the year.
Village Hall Field Trip: Our walking field trip to Village Hall is the day after Memorial Day- Tuesday, May 28. Please send your child in walking shoes.
End of the Year:
Surprise Reader: If you have not had a chance to be a Surprise Reader in our classroom this year, please consider coming any day of the week Mon-Thurs. at 12:00 to read a book to the class. I would LOVE for all kids to have a family member read to us this year. If 12:00 is not a good time, I am flexible on the time. Thank you!
Summer Birthdays: If your child has a summer birthday, please feel free to sen din a birthday treat anytime between now and the end of the year. I know how hard it is for summer birthdays, feeling left out on the school birthday traditions. :)
Our second grade year is almost complete. As we tie loose ends up, I am always amazed how truly far these 7 and 8 year olds come from September to June- it is truly remarkable. And yet just when we are in the groove of teaching and learning as a community, June arrives and they leave my room as third graders. (Then I get to start ALL over in September- haha) How quickly I forget and take for granted the independence that these kids have built throughout the year. I will truly miss each and everyone of my kiddos! Here are some important happenings in the classroom:
MAP Testing: MAP testing was a great success! I am SO proud of every student. Their effort and dedication to the test remarkable. In our 60 minute Reading period, only 5 students had finished when time was up- whereas the previous sessions only 1-2 had NOT finished at the end of 60 minutes. So our entire class actually went back for a 2nd session of reading to finish. The kids really focused and were close readers. I am excited to be able to share all the scores with you formally in the next coming weeks!
Human Growth and Development Lesson: Here is the standard lesson explanation from the district:
Second grade teachers will present the district's Human Growth and Development curriculum on May 24. 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 your child's classroom teacher.
Spelling- we have finished our formal instruction of spelling for the year! There will be no more tests or packets for homework. We will continue to learn about possessives and practice word work skills in class through the end of the year.
Village Hall Field Trip: Our walking field trip to Village Hall is the day after Memorial Day- Tuesday, May 28. Please send your child in walking shoes.
End of the Year:
Surprise Reader: If you have not had a chance to be a Surprise Reader in our classroom this year, please consider coming any day of the week Mon-Thurs. at 12:00 to read a book to the class. I would LOVE for all kids to have a family member read to us this year. If 12:00 is not a good time, I am flexible on the time. Thank you!
Summer Birthdays: If your child has a summer birthday, please feel free to sen din a birthday treat anytime between now and the end of the year. I know how hard it is for summer birthdays, feeling left out on the school birthday traditions. :)
Sunday, May 5, 2013
May 3-May 17
Hello Families! We have been enjoying the spring weather! Here are some classroom happenings:
Poetry Cafe: We had a great turnout for our Cafe. Thank you for celebrating and snapping along with us. I am so proud of the work the kids did as authors and presenters. Here are some photos of our celebration:
Sunset Playhouse Field Trip- Our walking field trip was a huge success. While we had some tired legs after walking to and from in 70 degree (I heard "It's hot!" multiple times:), the kids overall had a great time. The play we saw was called Super! It had a wonderful message and gave kids great tools to use when dealing with a bully or someone who is unkind. Ask your kids to sing to you: "I am Super, Super- Duper!"
Pencils- Thank you! We collected enough pencils to make it through the rest of the year- thank you!
Scholastic Book Order- The orders are due Friday May 9th. This is the last order of the year. Think summer reading and take advantage of the low book prices.
MAP Testing Coming up!- Please note the dates that we will be MAP testing the next two weeks. The MAY calendar was sent home yesterday in your child's blue folder. Our first MAP testing is this Tuesday May 7 at 9am.
What I am is...Special-Our last school theme this year. We are focusing on what makes each of us special. In addition, school wide, we are starting a new incentive to earn PAW slips. For the first time, kids will be able to give other kids PAW slips for outstanding behavior. We will each set our own class goal. The classroom that reach their goal will earn a special breakfast the morning of field day.
Ask your child:
What happened to Edward Tulane at the end of the book?
What is the new class read aloud?
What is the value of 7 in the number 4, 370? (70)
What is your personal fact test goal?
What strategy will you use when taking the MAP test?
Poetry Cafe: We had a great turnout for our Cafe. Thank you for celebrating and snapping along with us. I am so proud of the work the kids did as authors and presenters. Here are some photos of our celebration:
Sunset Playhouse Field Trip- Our walking field trip was a huge success. While we had some tired legs after walking to and from in 70 degree (I heard "It's hot!" multiple times:), the kids overall had a great time. The play we saw was called Super! It had a wonderful message and gave kids great tools to use when dealing with a bully or someone who is unkind. Ask your kids to sing to you: "I am Super, Super- Duper!"
Pencils- Thank you! We collected enough pencils to make it through the rest of the year- thank you!
Scholastic Book Order- The orders are due Friday May 9th. This is the last order of the year. Think summer reading and take advantage of the low book prices.
MAP Testing Coming up!- Please note the dates that we will be MAP testing the next two weeks. The MAY calendar was sent home yesterday in your child's blue folder. Our first MAP testing is this Tuesday May 7 at 9am.
What I am is...Special-Our last school theme this year. We are focusing on what makes each of us special. In addition, school wide, we are starting a new incentive to earn PAW slips. For the first time, kids will be able to give other kids PAW slips for outstanding behavior. We will each set our own class goal. The classroom that reach their goal will earn a special breakfast the morning of field day.
Ask your child:
What happened to Edward Tulane at the end of the book?
What is the new class read aloud?
What is the value of 7 in the number 4, 370? (70)
What is your personal fact test goal?
What strategy will you use when taking the MAP test?
Thursday, April 18, 2013
April 12-26
Hello Families! We have been working hard since we returned from Spring Break. Here are some classroom happenings:
Ronald McDonald House Performance: What an amazing experience! The second graders proudly represented Tonawanda at the Ronald McDonald Groundbreaking of their new addition. The kids sand beautifully, moving the crowd with their words and voices. I heard numerous comments about the beautiful lyrics and the joy our second graders brought to everyone. It was an honor to be part of such a wonderful celebration.
High Interest Day- The kids are very excited about the opportunity to rotate to 3 different classes to learn something new at High Interest Day. Ask you child how their experience was today.
Poetry Cafe- Mark your calendars for Friday May 3 at 2:45- Families are welcome to come listen to all the wonderful poetry we have written!
Spring MAP Testing Schedule: Our final round of MAP testing is coming up. Here are our three dates:
Tues May 7-Reading 9 am
Wed. May 8- Math 11am
Tues. May 14- Language Arts 11am
Checking Our Work- As we get ready for third grade, I am concerned that kids continue to turn tests in with skipped problems even when I ask if they checked their work for accuracy and completeness. Please have your child practice checking their work every night with homelinks. It is an important skill to make routine.
Ask Your Child:
How has Edward changed in our class read aloud?
What is the difference between a want and a need?
What different types of poetic language have you learned about? Why do authors use those techniques?
How do you write $5.04 in dollar and cent notation?
What is the difference between a prefix and suffix?
Ronald McDonald House Performance: What an amazing experience! The second graders proudly represented Tonawanda at the Ronald McDonald Groundbreaking of their new addition. The kids sand beautifully, moving the crowd with their words and voices. I heard numerous comments about the beautiful lyrics and the joy our second graders brought to everyone. It was an honor to be part of such a wonderful celebration.
Poetry Cafe- Mark your calendars for Friday May 3 at 2:45- Families are welcome to come listen to all the wonderful poetry we have written!
Spring MAP Testing Schedule: Our final round of MAP testing is coming up. Here are our three dates:
Tues May 7-Reading 9 am
Wed. May 8- Math 11am
Tues. May 14- Language Arts 11am
Checking Our Work- As we get ready for third grade, I am concerned that kids continue to turn tests in with skipped problems even when I ask if they checked their work for accuracy and completeness. Please have your child practice checking their work every night with homelinks. It is an important skill to make routine.
Ask Your Child:
How has Edward changed in our class read aloud?
What is the difference between a want and a need?
What different types of poetic language have you learned about? Why do authors use those techniques?
How do you write $5.04 in dollar and cent notation?
What is the difference between a prefix and suffix?
Thursday, March 21, 2013
March 22-April 12
Hello Families! Happy Spring...? Despite the cold weather I hope the sunshine is brightening your days! Please read what we are learning in 2nd Grade the right sidebar. Here are some other important happenings in our room:
New Assignment Notebook in the Sidebar: I have added an extra week to the assignment notebook so that all assignments between blog posts will be listed. If your child ever forgets his/her assignment notebook, please check the blog for homework.
Nonfiction Celebration: Thank you to all families who were able to join us for our celebration last week Friday. The kids were super excited to be able to share all their hard work with an audience. Thank you again for the treats!
CLAW slips: I hope everyone was able to read the yellow information sheet on CLAW slips that came home on Wednesday. Our class is piloting the use of CLAW slips for every minor behavior that does not follow our 5 school rules. CLAW slips will be stapled in assignment notebooks- a parent should sign and then I will collect the slip the following morning for documentation. Every 4 CLAW slips results in an office referral and a call home.
What I am is...A Good Sport: Our school focus is being a good sport. I am so happy to say our group of second graders really exemplifies good sportsmanship. While other grade levels have to focus on what a good sport is, our second graders play fairly, take turns, accept each other's differences and use positive words. Yay second grade!
Classroom Community Incentive: We are working on walking silently in the halls- in a line. The line part seems to be very difficult for this group. We are also working on eliminating disruptions in the classroom- noises, shouting out, talking when should be listening... So we are adding flower petals everyday that we successfully walk silently or have no disruptions. When the flower petals are all on, we will have a class reward.
Mrs. Dahms' Store: The kids earn pennies daily for returning homework, having a positive day and being helpful in the classroom. I encourage the kids to save up their pennies to earn a dollar. For every dollar earned, the kids get a Dahms Dollar to spend at my store, plus a bonus prize for earning the dollar:
1st Dahms Dollar: Lunch in the classroom with me and a friend
2nd Dahms Dollar: Free Magazine
3rd Dahms Dollar: My Computer Chair for the day
4th Dahms Dollar: Free Book $3 or less from the Scholastic Book Order
5th Dahms Dollar:
New Assignment Notebook in the Sidebar: I have added an extra week to the assignment notebook so that all assignments between blog posts will be listed. If your child ever forgets his/her assignment notebook, please check the blog for homework.
Nonfiction Celebration: Thank you to all families who were able to join us for our celebration last week Friday. The kids were super excited to be able to share all their hard work with an audience. Thank you again for the treats!
CLAW slips: I hope everyone was able to read the yellow information sheet on CLAW slips that came home on Wednesday. Our class is piloting the use of CLAW slips for every minor behavior that does not follow our 5 school rules. CLAW slips will be stapled in assignment notebooks- a parent should sign and then I will collect the slip the following morning for documentation. Every 4 CLAW slips results in an office referral and a call home.
What I am is...A Good Sport: Our school focus is being a good sport. I am so happy to say our group of second graders really exemplifies good sportsmanship. While other grade levels have to focus on what a good sport is, our second graders play fairly, take turns, accept each other's differences and use positive words. Yay second grade!
Classroom Community Incentive: We are working on walking silently in the halls- in a line. The line part seems to be very difficult for this group. We are also working on eliminating disruptions in the classroom- noises, shouting out, talking when should be listening... So we are adding flower petals everyday that we successfully walk silently or have no disruptions. When the flower petals are all on, we will have a class reward.
Mrs. Dahms' Store: The kids earn pennies daily for returning homework, having a positive day and being helpful in the classroom. I encourage the kids to save up their pennies to earn a dollar. For every dollar earned, the kids get a Dahms Dollar to spend at my store, plus a bonus prize for earning the dollar:
1st Dahms Dollar: Lunch in the classroom with me and a friend
2nd Dahms Dollar: Free Magazine
3rd Dahms Dollar: My Computer Chair for the day
4th Dahms Dollar: Free Book $3 or less from the Scholastic Book Order
5th Dahms Dollar:
Friday, March 8, 2013
Hello Families!
Please see the right side margin for details of what we are learning in 2nd grade. Here are some other classroom happenings:
Animal Reports: The kids are finishing up their research and starting to revise, edit and then publish their research in their own magazine. We will share ALL of our published nonfiction pieces with families at our Nonfiction Author's Celebration on Friday March 15th at 2:45pm in our classroom. You are welcome to take your child home right after to avoid the parent pick up/buses at the end of the day. I am looking for a couple families willing to bring juice, treats or plates/napkins.
2 Post It's every night: I am asking the kids to write 2 thoughts from their reading every night (except weekends). This is a way for the kids to formally document their thinking as readers. I do check the kids in every morning and document if homework is incomplete, including post it notes.
MAP Scores and Other work: If you did not have a conference, I sent home your child's winter MAP scores along with some other work on Thursday in a big ziploc bag. Be sure look through all the fabulous work we have been doing!
Just Kidding: Our school Social Worker, Ms. Grube, came into our classroom to read a great story called Just Kidding. It is a great story about how hurtful words can be even we you say "Just Kidding". She gave us a good rule of thumb: Never tease about anyone's body. Also, we learned to read other's reactions and know when someone is not in the mood for kidding. In addition, we talked about using our words to let someone know that what they are saying is hurtful (otherwise, sometimes friends do not know they are being hurtful)
Botanical Gardens: Third time is a charm: we were finally able to make it to the Botanical Gardens on Thursday for Stir Fry Plants- our third scheduled date due to snowstorms! The kids seemed to enjoy the presentation on plants we eat. I was very proud of everyone for trying new foods- broccoli, bok choy, carrots, zucchini and pea pods. Look at our photos below.
 |
| Food Chain |
 |
| Trying new veggies (plants) |
 |
| Line for Seconds! |
Ask Your Child:
What does our school focus for March mean? (What I am is a Good Sport)
Which fractions are equivalent to 1/2?
Which number is the numerator and which is the denominator?
Is your animal an herbivore, a carnivore or an omnivore?
Which class does your animal belong? (Mammal, reptile, bird, fish, amphibian)
100 Random of Acts of Kindness Bulletin Board
Sunday, February 24, 2013
February 22-March 8
Hello Families!
Please see the right side margin for details of what we are learning in 2nd grade. Here are some other classroom happenings:
Animal Reports: The kids will soon begin their final nonfiction study on animals . The kids will all conduct and write a research report. Everyone will use a variety of sources including books, magazines, ipad apps and websites. You will receive a letter this Friday asking for help finding pictures of the animal your child chose. We are looking forward to sharing all our hard work this unit with you at our Nonfiction Celebration!
Nonfiction Celebration: Mark your calendars for Friday March 15th at 2:45-3:30.
2 Post It's every night: I am asking the kids to write 2 thoughts from their reading every night (except weekends). This is a way for the kids to formally document their thinking as readers. I do check the kids in every morning and document if homework is incomplete, including post it notes.
Conferences and MAP Scores: Conferences begin this week on Wednesday evening and then continue Wednesday March 6th. If you have a conference scheduled, you will receive a parent questionnaire on Monday. I would really appreciate if you could return it by Wednesday.
Winter MAP scores will be sent home Friday and at Wednesday Feb. 27 conferences.
4th Grade Buddies: We have started a Dr. Seuss webquest with our buddies. We are learning about Dr. Seuss' life, reading a Dr. Seuss book with a message and discussing Dr. Seuss' style using alliteration. Each buddy group will create a Powerpoint Presentation to share their learning.
Ask Your Child:
What is your 2nd Book Club topic?
What does being a close reader mean?
How can you make sure you do not turn in a test with skipped answers?
What does empathy mean?
Please see the right side margin for details of what we are learning in 2nd grade. Here are some other classroom happenings:
Animal Reports: The kids will soon begin their final nonfiction study on animals . The kids will all conduct and write a research report. Everyone will use a variety of sources including books, magazines, ipad apps and websites. You will receive a letter this Friday asking for help finding pictures of the animal your child chose. We are looking forward to sharing all our hard work this unit with you at our Nonfiction Celebration!
Nonfiction Celebration: Mark your calendars for Friday March 15th at 2:45-3:30.
2 Post It's every night: I am asking the kids to write 2 thoughts from their reading every night (except weekends). This is a way for the kids to formally document their thinking as readers. I do check the kids in every morning and document if homework is incomplete, including post it notes.
Conferences and MAP Scores: Conferences begin this week on Wednesday evening and then continue Wednesday March 6th. If you have a conference scheduled, you will receive a parent questionnaire on Monday. I would really appreciate if you could return it by Wednesday.
Winter MAP scores will be sent home Friday and at Wednesday Feb. 27 conferences.
4th Grade Buddies: We have started a Dr. Seuss webquest with our buddies. We are learning about Dr. Seuss' life, reading a Dr. Seuss book with a message and discussing Dr. Seuss' style using alliteration. Each buddy group will create a Powerpoint Presentation to share their learning.
Ask Your Child:
What is your 2nd Book Club topic?
What does being a close reader mean?
How can you make sure you do not turn in a test with skipped answers?
What does empathy mean?
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