December 15, 2008

READING
Next week we will be enjoying doing Christmas Around the world and holiday activities. We will not be reading a new story until January. We will have a spelling unit on holiday words and a test on Friday.
Our next story will be about a girl who loves to draw and paint. To surprise her grandmother on her birthday, she hangs up her artwork up at the subway station where her grandmother works.
In phonics we will be focusing on the the vowel pairs ee, ea and the suffixes -tion and -ture.
Vocabulary words are booth, station, plaque, subway, token, collection.
Comprehension strategies are making inferences and evaluating.
In grammar we will be working on nouns and how they change when they are a plural.

MATH
In math we are continuing to work on 2-digit subtraction. The children are doing a good job with the understanding of regrouping with subtraction. Please remember to practice flash cards daily.

Social Studies
We started a new chapter on the Earth. We are learning about landforms, crops, climate, producers and natural resources. Next week we will be learning about Christmas Around the World. We will learn about the customs of six different countries in the world.

Student of the Week
Kristina is the Student of the Week! She likes snow, dogs, monkeys and money. Kristina wishes that she had a dog. Her favorite color is green. When Kristina grows up she wants to be an Olympic Game Swimmer.

Parties/Helpers
We are having a book exchange at our party. Please send in a wrapped children's book leveled for 2nd or 3rd grade to school by Dec. 18th. It should cost no more than $5.00.
On Dec. 19th we will have our holiday party. The helpers will be arriving to set up at 1:50. No siblings are allowed at school during parties, guest readers or helping in the classroom.

Field Trip
We will be caroling at the Fairview Nursing home on Thursday, December 18th. The children are to bring a bag lunch that day. No hot lunch will be served since our lunchtime will be after the caroling.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Dec. 18 - 2nd grade Christmas Caroling
Dec. 19 – Holiday Party and book exchange
Dec. 22-Jan. 4 – Winter Break
Jan. 5 – Classes resume

I am wishing you and your families a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year!

December 8, 2008

READING
Next week we will be reading a story called The Big Bushy Mustache. It about a boy who gets a part in a school play. The mustache he wears in the play makes him look like his father, so he wears it home. Unfortunately, he loses it.
In phonics we will be focusing on the the vowel pairs ou, ow and the suffixes -ly and -ful.
Vocabulary words are bushy, costume, disguise, handsome, mirror, behind, soldier, story and mustache.
Comprehension strategies are predict/infer and problem solving.
In writing we will be working on writing a paragraph with a problem and solution.
In grammar we will be working on plurals.

MATH
In math we are continuing to work on 2-digit subtraction. Our chapter test will be on Wednesday. We will begin testing on math facts on Fridays. Watch for a letter coming home on Monday giving you the math facts that we are focusing on for the week. Please remember to practice flash cards daily.

Student of the Week
Emily is the Student of the Week! She likes cats, fairies, Webkinz and reading books. Emily wishes that she had a pony. Her favorite colors are blue and pink. When Emily grows up she wants to be a Veterinarian.

Recess
We go outside for recess unless the wind chill is below 20 degrees. The children need to bring snow pants and boots in order to play in the snow. Any child who needs to stay inside for recess will need a doctor's note. For inside recess, no Pokemon cards of any kind are allowed at school. Please keep all cards at home.

Monthly Reading Logs
Pizza Hut coupons and a special lunch and a movie reward was earned for turning in your reading log with 21 days of reading! Congratulations to all who earned the reward! Keep reading throughout the month of December.

Parties/Helpers
On Dec. 19th we will have our holiday party. The helpers will be arriving to set up at 1:50. No siblings are allowed at school during parties, guest readers or helping in the classroom.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Dec. 5 – No School Parent/Teacher Conferences
Dec. 12 – Pajama day
Dec. 18 - 2nd grade Christmas Caroling
Dec. 19 – Holiday Party and book exchange
Dec. 22-Jan. 4 – Winter Break