Veteran's Day - we pray for all of our Armed Forces, both living and dead who have and are serving our great country! We owe them a great deal for our freedom. We had a nice service with our area veterans today. It was well attended. Yesterday, we read and discussed Veteran's Day in our Weekly Reader.
This week we are doing our Theme 2 Reading-Writing Workshop. We are working on descriptive writing. We use the writing process steps when we write. I read a story and a book so we could pick out words that describe. They can see how it adds to the story to describe in detail. It's a little hard for them to put down in writing, but I think most are beginning to "get it".
Next week we will be doing Theme 2 skills tests. I will have Theme 1 Tests for you at conferences.
In Science, we're studying life cycles of plants and animals.
We are learning about graphs in Math. We used a horizontal and vertical bar graph as well as a tally table. It's a fun thing for kids!
We did our 6th Reconciliation lesson on Monday, and we made Welcome Home posters. Remember to ask to see your child's lesson as they add a parent note on the last page.
**PLEASE MAKE A NOTE**
1ST RECONCILIATION DATE HAS BEEN CHANGED TO JANUARY 6TH AT 5:30. This is necessary with Fr. Paul working alone.
See you at conferences next Tuesday!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Nov. 1st
The Halloween/Honors Party on Friday was a big success. The kids had a good time. It could have been for a shorter time so we could have had a classroom party, but I did let them have their treats for morning break. :-) I hope they all had a great time trick-or-treating!
This week we'll be working with words with double consonants. I have a little game to play with them. I am pleased with how well they are doing in spelling now that they have had 7 tests and have figured out that a lot of the words repeat from week to week. This helps them learn the words and use them in their writing rather than learn them just for the test and forget them.
We pray for Father Paul's family as they mourn the loss of their mother. We also pray for members of our families, the soldiers, and many other intentions every day. I love how it helps them think of others and their needs.
Remember there's only 1/2 day of school ( for the kids :-) not the teachers) on Wednesday! October went by so fast, and with Thanksgiving vacation coming soon, it will be a short month for November.
Thank you for all who donated to Stuff-A-Truck and for sending prizes for our Halloween bash! We appreciate everything you do!
This week we'll be working with words with double consonants. I have a little game to play with them. I am pleased with how well they are doing in spelling now that they have had 7 tests and have figured out that a lot of the words repeat from week to week. This helps them learn the words and use them in their writing rather than learn them just for the test and forget them.
We pray for Father Paul's family as they mourn the loss of their mother. We also pray for members of our families, the soldiers, and many other intentions every day. I love how it helps them think of others and their needs.
Remember there's only 1/2 day of school ( for the kids :-) not the teachers) on Wednesday! October went by so fast, and with Thanksgiving vacation coming soon, it will be a short month for November.
Thank you for all who donated to Stuff-A-Truck and for sending prizes for our Halloween bash! We appreciate everything you do!
Friday, October 16, 2009
Oct. 16
Fall has certainly arrived! Some days I think Winter has arrived - WAY TOO EARLY! :-)
This week we heard the story of Christopher Columbus and did the art project of a ship to represent the three ships with Columbus. We also had Theme Skills tests for Theme 1 in Reading. We are currently working on rough drafts for our stories. They use storyboards to plan their stories, and then we use them to write the story. It's new to my class and is a bit difficult, but it'll get better as they get used to it. We worked on sentences that are statements. I usually try to "trick" the kids by giving them a trick sentence like throw in an incomplete sentence or a question, and they are so smart they catch the trick. Hooray! In Science we had pictures of animals and found many ways to sort them- by number of legs, fur, feathers, habitat, etc. They did an excellent job of sorting. In Math, we have begun place-value and are using our base-ten blocks. Some are finding the place-value confusing so we'll keep working on that, too.
We have completed our second lesson for our Reconciliation preparation. The kids should have brought the sheets home as there is a note to parents on the last page of the pamphlets. Please look through these. We are also working on learning about the Mysteries of the Rosary. The booklets do not include the Luminous Mysteries, but they are on the other sheets the kids have on the rosary.
Next week we will begin Theme 2 in Reading. The theme is Nature Walk. We will be practicing comparing and contrasting. We'll be working on words with Vowel-Consonant-Final E long sounds of o,u, and e as well as the two sounds for "g". In English we'll do more practice with statements and questions. For Science, it's learning about reptiles, amphibians, and fish. We'll finish up the chapter in Math, and then the next chapter we'll start with ordinal numbers and comparing numbers with greater, less than, and equal to.
We will be doing games in our rooms for grades K-5 for our Honors/Halloween party on October 30. We plan to have the kids move from room to room with the aid of our Junior High students. We are asking for donations of prizes for these games. If you can help with the prizes, please sent them in to me. THANKS!
Have a great weekend!
This week we heard the story of Christopher Columbus and did the art project of a ship to represent the three ships with Columbus. We also had Theme Skills tests for Theme 1 in Reading. We are currently working on rough drafts for our stories. They use storyboards to plan their stories, and then we use them to write the story. It's new to my class and is a bit difficult, but it'll get better as they get used to it. We worked on sentences that are statements. I usually try to "trick" the kids by giving them a trick sentence like throw in an incomplete sentence or a question, and they are so smart they catch the trick. Hooray! In Science we had pictures of animals and found many ways to sort them- by number of legs, fur, feathers, habitat, etc. They did an excellent job of sorting. In Math, we have begun place-value and are using our base-ten blocks. Some are finding the place-value confusing so we'll keep working on that, too.
We have completed our second lesson for our Reconciliation preparation. The kids should have brought the sheets home as there is a note to parents on the last page of the pamphlets. Please look through these. We are also working on learning about the Mysteries of the Rosary. The booklets do not include the Luminous Mysteries, but they are on the other sheets the kids have on the rosary.
Next week we will begin Theme 2 in Reading. The theme is Nature Walk. We will be practicing comparing and contrasting. We'll be working on words with Vowel-Consonant-Final E long sounds of o,u, and e as well as the two sounds for "g". In English we'll do more practice with statements and questions. For Science, it's learning about reptiles, amphibians, and fish. We'll finish up the chapter in Math, and then the next chapter we'll start with ordinal numbers and comparing numbers with greater, less than, and equal to.
We will be doing games in our rooms for grades K-5 for our Honors/Halloween party on October 30. We plan to have the kids move from room to room with the aid of our Junior High students. We are asking for donations of prizes for these games. If you can help with the prizes, please sent them in to me. THANKS!
Have a great weekend!
Thursday, October 8, 2009
October 8 OOPS! Hit the wrong button!
I'll try this again!
We had a great day of learning at the Diocesan Workshops in Rice Lake yesterday. The liturgy itself is worth the trip! Bishop Peter even commented on how great it is to have so many together praying and singing in unison. It is awesome! Getting together with so many other educators and staff is a great opportunity to get new ideas and share some of ours. We always get a boost from this day.
Today we went to Walmart for our Reading Event. Heidi read The Very Hungry Caterpillar. We got fruit to eat to go with the book and the fruit the caterpillar ate. Then the kids got to draw pictures and share their pictures and stories with each other. We also got fresh, hot pretzels and lemonade! It was a fun trip! I took pictures, and I will share some of our class when I get the list of who can/cannot have pics on the blog or press.
We're starting our lessons for First Reconciliation this week. It's exciting to know the kids will be receiving the sacrament in about 8 weeks!
Have a good evening!
We had a great day of learning at the Diocesan Workshops in Rice Lake yesterday. The liturgy itself is worth the trip! Bishop Peter even commented on how great it is to have so many together praying and singing in unison. It is awesome! Getting together with so many other educators and staff is a great opportunity to get new ideas and share some of ours. We always get a boost from this day.
Today we went to Walmart for our Reading Event. Heidi read The Very Hungry Caterpillar. We got fruit to eat to go with the book and the fruit the caterpillar ate. Then the kids got to draw pictures and share their pictures and stories with each other. We also got fresh, hot pretzels and lemonade! It was a fun trip! I took pictures, and I will share some of our class when I get the list of who can/cannot have pics on the blog or press.
We're starting our lessons for First Reconciliation this week. It's exciting to know the kids will be receiving the sacrament in about 8 weeks!
Have a good evening!
Thursday, October 1, 2009
October 1st
Is it really October already????? It's hard to believe!
Today I read Stellaluna and the kids made their quilt squares to go along with our story. They look really cute. One square has a black tree and the other has a "bat".
I also started to read The Quilting Bee to help them learn about making quilts and the kinds of squares and quilts people make.
NEXT THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8TH, we plan on going to Walmart for the Read for the Record. We'll leave about 9:45 for the 10:00 program and activities. You will receive the permission slip tomorrow (Friday). If you are going to drive, the school must have driver information/insurance papers filled out as well as an Adult Waiver. These are required by the Diocese of Superior. Remember to send your child with his/her BOOSTER SEAT.
This is also PICTURE DAY, but we will make plans to have pictures taken before or after our field trip.
We are working on subtraction in Math. I am still having them practice the entire fact family when we do problems. Keep practicing with your child each night. The basic facts are SO important. If you have a computer, there are a couple of websites that I know are helpful but you may know others. One I use often is APlus Math. Click on the flashcards and kids can practice both addition and subtraction. Another fun way of practicing is using dice. Have the child roll two dice and give the fact family for the numbers rolled. This can even be done with playing cards. It's easier for the kids if we make it fun. :-)
In Science, we are learning what plants and animals need to live. We covered quite a bit today, and the kids are pretty sharp in this area!
Today we heard about St. Therese of the Child Jesus - or "The Little Flower" and colored a picture of her. Tomorrow is Guardian Angel day so we'll learn about them, too. Since October is the month of the Rosary, we'll be doing learning activities with that during the month. The non-Catholic children are welcome to participate in the coloring pages which are scripture.
Also, next Thursday I plan on beginning lessons to prepare the children for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Again, non-Catholic children are welcome to take part in watching videos and reading the pamphlets unless I am told by parents they should not do so. These lessons will usually be on Mondays and Fridays.
Have a good evening!
Today I read Stellaluna and the kids made their quilt squares to go along with our story. They look really cute. One square has a black tree and the other has a "bat".
I also started to read The Quilting Bee to help them learn about making quilts and the kinds of squares and quilts people make.
NEXT THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8TH, we plan on going to Walmart for the Read for the Record. We'll leave about 9:45 for the 10:00 program and activities. You will receive the permission slip tomorrow (Friday). If you are going to drive, the school must have driver information/insurance papers filled out as well as an Adult Waiver. These are required by the Diocese of Superior. Remember to send your child with his/her BOOSTER SEAT.
This is also PICTURE DAY, but we will make plans to have pictures taken before or after our field trip.
We are working on subtraction in Math. I am still having them practice the entire fact family when we do problems. Keep practicing with your child each night. The basic facts are SO important. If you have a computer, there are a couple of websites that I know are helpful but you may know others. One I use often is APlus Math. Click on the flashcards and kids can practice both addition and subtraction. Another fun way of practicing is using dice. Have the child roll two dice and give the fact family for the numbers rolled. This can even be done with playing cards. It's easier for the kids if we make it fun. :-)
In Science, we are learning what plants and animals need to live. We covered quite a bit today, and the kids are pretty sharp in this area!
Today we heard about St. Therese of the Child Jesus - or "The Little Flower" and colored a picture of her. Tomorrow is Guardian Angel day so we'll learn about them, too. Since October is the month of the Rosary, we'll be doing learning activities with that during the month. The non-Catholic children are welcome to participate in the coloring pages which are scripture.
Also, next Thursday I plan on beginning lessons to prepare the children for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Again, non-Catholic children are welcome to take part in watching videos and reading the pamphlets unless I am told by parents they should not do so. These lessons will usually be on Mondays and Fridays.
Have a good evening!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Sept. 22
We are beginning our Subtraction lessons. Even though we are practicing our subtracting, I am also practicing the addition facts. We do the two addition and two subtraction facts for each. I don't think we can practice too often. They need to know the facts up to 20 by the end of the year. I also showed the kids how to use our triangle flash cards. This is new to them, so it's kind of fun. If you'd like to make some for home, I can give you a pattern. As they get older, they can also make multiplication and division triangle flash cards.
Two other things we're doing that are new are the use of "vowel sticks" which I made from popsicle sticks and vowels. I call out words and they hold up the stick showing me what vowel sound they hear in the word. Sometimes I can trick them and use two vowels. Right now we are working with short vowels. In Spelling, the kids use letter cards to make words. We had fun with that today. We can change words from an to fan to tan, or ten to net, etc.
We will be reading the story "Julius" this week and will be doing an art project to go along with this on Thursday. I will be having a junior high student help us with Art each week. Those who said they'd be interested in doing an Art project with the kids or reading to them, just let me know when you want to do something,and we'll arrange it.
We are planning our first liturgy which will take place next Wednesday.
Two other things we're doing that are new are the use of "vowel sticks" which I made from popsicle sticks and vowels. I call out words and they hold up the stick showing me what vowel sound they hear in the word. Sometimes I can trick them and use two vowels. Right now we are working with short vowels. In Spelling, the kids use letter cards to make words. We had fun with that today. We can change words from an to fan to tan, or ten to net, etc.
We will be reading the story "Julius" this week and will be doing an art project to go along with this on Thursday. I will be having a junior high student help us with Art each week. Those who said they'd be interested in doing an Art project with the kids or reading to them, just let me know when you want to do something,and we'll arrange it.
We are planning our first liturgy which will take place next Wednesday.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Sept. 19
What a nice day it is! I hope you and your family get a chance to get out and enjoy this nice weather.
We had another good week of school - our first 5 day week this year. I am getting closer to working with small groups at their pace. The assessments took longer than I'd planned. Mr. Bell listened to some of the kids read, and he assessed them. That helped me!
We will be planning our liturgy for September 30th. Please mark your calendars and join us if you can. Grandparents, friends, anyone is welcome!
A note went home about the Reading calendars. Please sign/initial them each time your child reads. They should read 20 min. a night. The more kids read, the better they become at it. Also included in the note, I've mentioned that we would welcome any books your children have "outgrown", including older siblings. If you see books you think may be appropriate for our kids at garage sales, etc. we 'd be happy to accept those donations, too.
We had our first Spelling test with the new program. The kids did very well Most had 90% or better which included words in the sentence dication also. Hooray!
Have a good rest of the weekend!
We had another good week of school - our first 5 day week this year. I am getting closer to working with small groups at their pace. The assessments took longer than I'd planned. Mr. Bell listened to some of the kids read, and he assessed them. That helped me!
We will be planning our liturgy for September 30th. Please mark your calendars and join us if you can. Grandparents, friends, anyone is welcome!
A note went home about the Reading calendars. Please sign/initial them each time your child reads. They should read 20 min. a night. The more kids read, the better they become at it. Also included in the note, I've mentioned that we would welcome any books your children have "outgrown", including older siblings. If you see books you think may be appropriate for our kids at garage sales, etc. we 'd be happy to accept those donations, too.
We had our first Spelling test with the new program. The kids did very well Most had 90% or better which included words in the sentence dication also. Hooray!
Have a good rest of the weekend!
Monday, September 14, 2009
Sept. 14
We had a good, but warm first two weeks of school! It sounds like the humidity isn't going to be much better this week. If you would like to send a water bottle with your child, that would be fine with me. They just need to be sure it stays on the desk and not get knocked off and break or not play with it :-).
The kids will be assessed this week for their reading levels so we can get started on small group lessons in addition to the whole group lessons. I will be assessing them fairly regularly to see when they might need to move to a different group.
On Friday, I took the kids to Church to learn about the places and objects used during Mass, etc. I have made "flash cards" that we will use throughout the year. Some of the things they learned ( and some parents might not know) are: lectern or ambo, lectionary, sacramentary, corporal, ambry, tabernacle, etc. We didn't have time to finish our "tour" of the Church so we will do so another time.
Keep Cool!
The kids will be assessed this week for their reading levels so we can get started on small group lessons in addition to the whole group lessons. I will be assessing them fairly regularly to see when they might need to move to a different group.
On Friday, I took the kids to Church to learn about the places and objects used during Mass, etc. I have made "flash cards" that we will use throughout the year. Some of the things they learned ( and some parents might not know) are: lectern or ambo, lectionary, sacramentary, corporal, ambry, tabernacle, etc. We didn't have time to finish our "tour" of the Church so we will do so another time.
Keep Cool!
Monday, September 7, 2009
Sept. 7
We had a good first week of school. This is a great class!
This week we will begin our "regular" schedule. They will be having reading assessments to find out each child's level so I know where to begin with for our reading. Math is always a "review" of what they've had prior to second grade so it's pretty easy for kids. In Social Studies we'll be learning about maps. Spelling is different this year as they don't have a "list" to study form each week, and some weeks we won't have a test on Friday depending on how long we spend working on the activities for Spelling. They will have a test on each unit. In Religion we're reading about creation and how we use the things God created for us. In Science, we'll learn about Inquiry skills.
REMEMBER: PARENT NIGHT IS TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8TH AT 5:30. SEE YOU THEN!
This week we will begin our "regular" schedule. They will be having reading assessments to find out each child's level so I know where to begin with for our reading. Math is always a "review" of what they've had prior to second grade so it's pretty easy for kids. In Social Studies we'll be learning about maps. Spelling is different this year as they don't have a "list" to study form each week, and some weeks we won't have a test on Friday depending on how long we spend working on the activities for Spelling. They will have a test on each unit. In Religion we're reading about creation and how we use the things God created for us. In Science, we'll learn about Inquiry skills.
REMEMBER: PARENT NIGHT IS TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8TH AT 5:30. SEE YOU THEN!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
First Day of School
We had a great first day - one of many, I'm sure! Your children are AWESOME!
Much of today was reviewing procedures - fire drills, tornado drill, lunchroom, and the rules for these and playground. I read some books aloud on using good manners, playground safety, and a book I wrote about the party at Trevor's. We did a couple of sheets on colors, and one was the first graph they said they've made!
Remember that your child needs separate shoes for gym. I'd like an extra set of clothes and an extra sweater/sweatshirt in case kids get cold, wet, etc.
You will be receiving a note from me in case you'd like to volunteer. If you choose to do so, please send that back. The school office is sending a medical information sheet home, too. That sheet needs to come back for sure.
Thanks!
LOOKING AHEAD:
NEXT TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8TH WILL BE THE FIRST AND SECOND GRADE PARENT NIGHT. Plan to be here for that. It will be at 5:30 and won't take more than a half hour or so. It's a night to meet other parents and to find out what my hopes and expectations for the year are, and if you have questions that's a good time to ask.
Tomorrow is our first liturgy at 9:00. Please feel free to join us each Wednesday and invite grandparents, friends, etc. We'd love to have you there!
Much of today was reviewing procedures - fire drills, tornado drill, lunchroom, and the rules for these and playground. I read some books aloud on using good manners, playground safety, and a book I wrote about the party at Trevor's. We did a couple of sheets on colors, and one was the first graph they said they've made!
Remember that your child needs separate shoes for gym. I'd like an extra set of clothes and an extra sweater/sweatshirt in case kids get cold, wet, etc.
You will be receiving a note from me in case you'd like to volunteer. If you choose to do so, please send that back. The school office is sending a medical information sheet home, too. That sheet needs to come back for sure.
Thanks!
LOOKING AHEAD:
NEXT TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8TH WILL BE THE FIRST AND SECOND GRADE PARENT NIGHT. Plan to be here for that. It will be at 5:30 and won't take more than a half hour or so. It's a night to meet other parents and to find out what my hopes and expectations for the year are, and if you have questions that's a good time to ask.
Tomorrow is our first liturgy at 9:00. Please feel free to join us each Wednesday and invite grandparents, friends, etc. We'd love to have you there!
Saturday, August 29, 2009
AUGUST 29
Hello Everyone!
I'm excited and happy to begin a new school year! We will learn a lot and have fun, too. This year is an especially happy time for our second graders as they make their First Reconciliation and First Communion! I love it!!!
Last Tuesday, we had such a fun time at Trevor's house with a back-to-school party hosted by Trevor's parents and Matea's mom and grandma. It was great! Thanks to all who helped make this a fun evening! It was nice to meet the new students and parents.
I will try and keep you updated about the second grade news and happenings at least once a week.
HAPPY NEW SCHOOL YEAR!
I'm excited and happy to begin a new school year! We will learn a lot and have fun, too. This year is an especially happy time for our second graders as they make their First Reconciliation and First Communion! I love it!!!
Last Tuesday, we had such a fun time at Trevor's house with a back-to-school party hosted by Trevor's parents and Matea's mom and grandma. It was great! Thanks to all who helped make this a fun evening! It was nice to meet the new students and parents.
I will try and keep you updated about the second grade news and happenings at least once a week.
HAPPY NEW SCHOOL YEAR!
Thursday, June 4, 2009
June 4
We are working hard to learn all we can before the end of school! We've covered a LOT of pages in Math because the shapes are fun and easy. Some of the papers sent home are just ones they can do for fun and practice. I don' t need them returned. They are really eager to practice cursive writing - especially now that we are connecting some letters!
Next Thursday, June 11th, we'll go to Kreher Park with the 1st grader for a picnic. We'll leave at 11;30, eat and play there, and then we'll walk to DQ. You should have received the permission slip and note about it. The cooks will provide lunch which will be deducted from their hot lunch account. Let me know, in writing, if you plan to go with us, and if you'd like to buy a lunch through school also. Please have the permission slip in NO LATER THAN the morning of the 10th. If I hear from you that you are going I can send the Adult Waiver home for you to sign and return before we go. Thanks! In case of rain we'll just eat at school. Children may bring no more than $2.00 for DQ. That is so some kids won't buy a large item ( and not eat or drink it anyway :-) when others may not be able to afford larger items.
Have a good evening!
Next Thursday, June 11th, we'll go to Kreher Park with the 1st grader for a picnic. We'll leave at 11;30, eat and play there, and then we'll walk to DQ. You should have received the permission slip and note about it. The cooks will provide lunch which will be deducted from their hot lunch account. Let me know, in writing, if you plan to go with us, and if you'd like to buy a lunch through school also. Please have the permission slip in NO LATER THAN the morning of the 10th. If I hear from you that you are going I can send the Adult Waiver home for you to sign and return before we go. Thanks! In case of rain we'll just eat at school. Children may bring no more than $2.00 for DQ. That is so some kids won't buy a large item ( and not eat or drink it anyway :-) when others may not be able to afford larger items.
Have a good evening!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
May 26
Supplies are running short again. Does anyone have any extra Antibacterial wipes we could have? Students use them each day after breakfast to clean their desks so they go quickly. Many students are in need of pencils, so if they have them at home send them with your child for his/her use. I have been providing pencils and erasers for the kids to "borrow and return at the end of the day". The cup is now empty as kids don't return them. Some of the kids have begun to use the mechanical pencils. As long as they don't press too hard and keep breaking them, I like them using these. It keeps from using the pencil sharpener all day :-).
Remember to send extra lead if they are using these pencils. Thanks!
Please practice Math facts EVERY night.
Remind your child about dressing properly for Church. They may change into shorts after church. Some are still forgetting not to wear clothing with writing on it other than OLL shirts.
Writing on the back of pants isn't OK any day. Please save those for after school and on weekends.
Thanks for all you do!
Remember to send extra lead if they are using these pencils. Thanks!
Please practice Math facts EVERY night.
Remind your child about dressing properly for Church. They may change into shorts after church. Some are still forgetting not to wear clothing with writing on it other than OLL shirts.
Writing on the back of pants isn't OK any day. Please save those for after school and on weekends.
Thanks for all you do!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
May 20
ONLY in Wisconsin can we go from 39 and freezing winds to 80+ in a matter of hours!! Wow! Can you believe it?
Next week, we will be doing our Theme 6 skills tests. We are on our last story for this theme. Don't worry - we WILL be doing Reading, English, and Spelling activities as well as writing stories. The Spelling words for next week are on page 243 of the Student Handbook. They are:
took, fly, good, riding, high, room, night, find, chased, hoping, hook, mind, using, liked, making, zoo, light, named, sky, moon. Challenge Words are: school, reply, flight, teasing, and decided.
Science and Social Studies are connecting. We are reading about Natural Resources. It's great we are on similar chapters in both of these subjects! Today we made a chart on using water.
Our cursive writing practice is coming right along. I am hoping the kids use the correct formation at home. I let them take home some of the work after we have practiced the correct way of forming them. Some have tried connecting letters. I don't want them to try that until they learn the correct way to join them. Please encourage them to just practice the individual letters. They are doing GREAT with that!
Have a great evening!
Next week, we will be doing our Theme 6 skills tests. We are on our last story for this theme. Don't worry - we WILL be doing Reading, English, and Spelling activities as well as writing stories. The Spelling words for next week are on page 243 of the Student Handbook. They are:
took, fly, good, riding, high, room, night, find, chased, hoping, hook, mind, using, liked, making, zoo, light, named, sky, moon. Challenge Words are: school, reply, flight, teasing, and decided.
Science and Social Studies are connecting. We are reading about Natural Resources. It's great we are on similar chapters in both of these subjects! Today we made a chart on using water.
Our cursive writing practice is coming right along. I am hoping the kids use the correct formation at home. I let them take home some of the work after we have practiced the correct way of forming them. Some have tried connecting letters. I don't want them to try that until they learn the correct way to join them. Please encourage them to just practice the individual letters. They are doing GREAT with that!
Have a great evening!
Friday, May 15, 2009
May 15
Here are some pictures from today. Ms. Betzold had Gene A. come in to talk about Hawaii. He sang songs and played music for us. It was fun! Remember the "Found a Peanut " song from our childhood days? He sang his version of it, and the kids loved it!
We also went to see all of the projects at the Science Fair today. That was fun!
Have a good weekend!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
May 14
We had a busy week with two field trips! The trip to MMC was interesting and informative for the kids. It was kind of rushed, but they have other second grade classes to get through, too.
I think the demonstration of how much sugar there is in different foods made an impression on them. It was amazing!
Court Manor was fun for us. They played "musical hat", tossed chickens in the hat, and played make a basket with a ball. I didn't take my camera as they don't allow pictures with the residents due to privacy issues.
Tomorrow Ms. Betzold is having Gene Aina come in to talk about Hawaii. The kids have been learning about the culture and music, so this will be a great treat to hear from Gene!
Next week, the story will be "The School Mural". The new words are: neighbor, below, should. The spelling words are on page 243 in the student handbook. They are: liked, hoping, baked, using, chased, making, closed, hiding, named, riding. The Challenge Words are: teasing, decided. Phonics will go along with these words with using -ed and -ing endings.
We will continue with subtraction in Math. PLEASE practice the facts with your child EACH night.
I am receiving very few reading calendars, both on Fridays and at the end of the month. I do count the reading as a grade, so please have your child read the 20 min. each night and sign the calendar. These need to be turned in on Fridays. Thanks!
Have a good evening!
Friday, May 8, 2009
May 8
Next week we will be reading "Moses Goes to a Concert". The new words will be :heart, mind, alphabet.
Phonics and spelling will be long I sounds spelled igh, ight, and ie.
For English, we'll be learning about the articles a, an, the.
Spelling words are: sky, find, night, high, fly, try, light, dry, right, mind, eye, buy. Challenge Words: flight, reply.
We are continuing to work on subtraction in Math. The two-digit minus two-digits are a little more difficult, so we may need to take more time with that.
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL YOU MOMS AND GRANDMAS OUT THERE!!!
Phonics and spelling will be long I sounds spelled igh, ight, and ie.
For English, we'll be learning about the articles a, an, the.
Spelling words are: sky, find, night, high, fly, try, light, dry, right, mind, eye, buy. Challenge Words: flight, reply.
We are continuing to work on subtraction in Math. The two-digit minus two-digits are a little more difficult, so we may need to take more time with that.
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL YOU MOMS AND GRANDMAS OUT THERE!!!
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
May 5
Next Wednesday, May 13 is our second grade liturgy. It will be the last one of the year for our class. I hope you can join us!
STUDENTS SHOULD BE TAKING SOME FIELD TRIP SLIPS HOME TONIGHT. PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN THEM AS SOON AS POSSIBLE (but no later than the 11th)AS I NEED TO BE SURE WE HAVE ENOUGH DRIVERS. I will be taking the school van so I can take 5 without booster seats. If your child uses a booster seat, please be sure and send it for those two trips.
We have four students absent today. I don't know if they are ill or not, but please remind your child to cover nose and mouth. I know they say cough or sneeze into their sleeve, but I'd rather they use a kleenex. We have plenty in our room! We could use some more antibacterial wipes also if you'd care to send some.
Thanks!
STUDENTS SHOULD BE TAKING SOME FIELD TRIP SLIPS HOME TONIGHT. PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN THEM AS SOON AS POSSIBLE (but no later than the 11th)AS I NEED TO BE SURE WE HAVE ENOUGH DRIVERS. I will be taking the school van so I can take 5 without booster seats. If your child uses a booster seat, please be sure and send it for those two trips.
We have four students absent today. I don't know if they are ill or not, but please remind your child to cover nose and mouth. I know they say cough or sneeze into their sleeve, but I'd rather they use a kleenex. We have plenty in our room! We could use some more antibacterial wipes also if you'd care to send some.
Thanks!
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
April 28 FIRST COMMUNION PICTURES
What a BEAUTIFUL First Communion we had!!! The children looked like little angels! It was such a happy day! I hope everyone will be sure the children get to
Church on weekends so they can continue to receive Jesus every week!
This week we are reading The Art Lesson. The spelling words can be found on page 239 of the Student Handbook. We are also learning about irregular verbs such as come-came, give-gave, run-ran, etc.
This month's quilt story is The Great Kapok Tree. We are making quilt squares with umbrellas, and using animal paper and red or yellow paper for the squares. They turn out really well each month.
Next week we will be doing our Reading-Writing Workshop. This will be writing instructions. We will be learning about sequencing steps, using time-order words, and using exact verbs. The Spelling words are Frequently Misspelled Words. They are: tried, never, going, coming, new, very, other, started, something, school, outside, people, and the Challenge words are enough and through. These can be found on page 241 of the Student Handbook.
In Math, we are working on subtracting. The kids did pretty well on addition. They STILL need to practice their facts through 18. I really think daily practice is the answer. They need to know these for 3rd grade.
LOOKING AHEAD:
We will be going to Memorial Medical Center on Wednesday, May 13. We'll leave here about 1:00. This is a yearly visit for all area second grade students, and it's a very worthwhile field trip.
We will be going to Court Manor on Thursday, May 14. We will leave school about 9:50 and will be back for lunch. I was happy the staff at Court Manor gave us a special invitation to do this for Nursing Homes Week.
I WILL BE TAKING THE SCHOOL VAN, BUT I WILL NEED DRIVERS FOR BOTH OF THESE TRIPS.
Have a good week!
Monday, April 20, 2009
APRIL 20
This week we will be taking our Theme 5 tests. The Spelling words are review words found on page 239 of the Student Handbook that you have at home.
We are getting very excited about First Communion on Sunday!!!! What a SPECIAL day it will be! If you haven't gotten your picture money in, please do so soon. I need to have it by THIS THURSDAY, April 23. REMEMBER PRACTICE IS ALSO THURSDAY AT 5:30 in Church.
In Science, we have begun learning about weathering, erosion, earthquakes, and volcanoes. We continue to do two-digit addition in Math. The kids are doing well with that!
**Looking for someone to make a holder for my bulletin board materials**
Does anyone know of someone who has extra wood and/or the ability to build a cart to hold my large bulletin board materials? Mr. Bell said they'd like to get rid of the cabinet in the hall, so I need a place to put my things. If you know of anyone who'd like to donate materials or volunteer to make this, please let me know. Thanks!
We are getting very excited about First Communion on Sunday!!!! What a SPECIAL day it will be! If you haven't gotten your picture money in, please do so soon. I need to have it by THIS THURSDAY, April 23. REMEMBER PRACTICE IS ALSO THURSDAY AT 5:30 in Church.
In Science, we have begun learning about weathering, erosion, earthquakes, and volcanoes. We continue to do two-digit addition in Math. The kids are doing well with that!
**Looking for someone to make a holder for my bulletin board materials**
Does anyone know of someone who has extra wood and/or the ability to build a cart to hold my large bulletin board materials? Mr. Bell said they'd like to get rid of the cabinet in the hall, so I need a place to put my things. If you know of anyone who'd like to donate materials or volunteer to make this, please let me know. Thanks!
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
New Pictures
Very Important Pupil bulletin boards!
Pictures of mixing up our Chango Bars! The recipe was from our reading story Jalapeno Bagels. We thought they were delicious!
HAPPY EASTER!!
We are all ready for our Easter break and hoping for nice weather! This week we just did some review and extra activities for Religion since it is Holy Week. Today we had a Northland student do a lesson on sentences so she could be observed by her professor. The kids were really good - so I gave them 5 marbles.
Before I forget: FIRST COMMUNION PRACTICE WILL BE ON APRIL 23 AT 5:30 so please mark your calendars as it's important that at least one parent be there with your child.
Next week we'll be reading Thunder Cake. The new words are: air, child, heavy, hour. We will learn ing endings with double consonants (shopping), and silent consonants gh, kn, and b.
We did a one minute Math Facts test today. I was pretty disappointed in the amount of problems they did. It was only for the fact family 2+1, 1+2, 3-1, and 3-2. They NEED to know the facts through 18. PLEASE practice with your child every night. Mix them up rather than learn them 1+2, 1+3 etc. Thanks!
Several of the kids have completed their March books so they are now "published authors". We put them in the cloth covered books with a title, dedication, and author page with their picture on it. They enjoyed having these in print and sharing with the class.
We will be going to MMC in May for the second grade visit. It's a terrific field trip! I will be looking for drivers again :-)
Have a blessed and joyful Easter!
Before I forget: FIRST COMMUNION PRACTICE WILL BE ON APRIL 23 AT 5:30 so please mark your calendars as it's important that at least one parent be there with your child.
Next week we'll be reading Thunder Cake. The new words are: air, child, heavy, hour. We will learn ing endings with double consonants (shopping), and silent consonants gh, kn, and b.
We did a one minute Math Facts test today. I was pretty disappointed in the amount of problems they did. It was only for the fact family 2+1, 1+2, 3-1, and 3-2. They NEED to know the facts through 18. PLEASE practice with your child every night. Mix them up rather than learn them 1+2, 1+3 etc. Thanks!
Several of the kids have completed their March books so they are now "published authors". We put them in the cloth covered books with a title, dedication, and author page with their picture on it. They enjoyed having these in print and sharing with the class.
We will be going to MMC in May for the second grade visit. It's a terrific field trip! I will be looking for drivers again :-)
Have a blessed and joyful Easter!
Monday, March 30, 2009
March 30
This week's story is "Carousel". Our new words are: aunt, million, pair. Our skills are the prefix "un" and the "Y" at the end of longer words. Our spelling words are: puppy, baby, lucky, happy, very, lady, funny, silly, many, only, cookie. Challenge words: furry, angry.
We hope to make pretzels on Wednesday. We make these to remind people to pray. The pretzels symbolize arms crossed in prayer. The kids will each get a recipe to take home. Be prepared for them to want to make some at home :-)!
We have begun our First Communion lessons. In addition to the lessons they take home, I also supplement with other activities and videos. Father,Mrs. Gierczic, and I are working on preparations for the big day! Remember it will take place on April 26th at the 11:00 Mass. We will be sending letters with more information such as seating, etc. We randomly pick names out of a hat for this so no one feels like others have been favored as to seating. Each family will have one row. Additional family members will need to sit elsewhere in the Church. Kelly will let me know about the meal afterwards. She will be doing a mailing about that soon.
I will be doing one-on-one oral testing of Math facts this week. Has your child been practicing these? They need to know their addition and subtraction facts through 18 by the end of this year.
Have a good day!
We hope to make pretzels on Wednesday. We make these to remind people to pray. The pretzels symbolize arms crossed in prayer. The kids will each get a recipe to take home. Be prepared for them to want to make some at home :-)!
We have begun our First Communion lessons. In addition to the lessons they take home, I also supplement with other activities and videos. Father,Mrs. Gierczic, and I are working on preparations for the big day! Remember it will take place on April 26th at the 11:00 Mass. We will be sending letters with more information such as seating, etc. We randomly pick names out of a hat for this so no one feels like others have been favored as to seating. Each family will have one row. Additional family members will need to sit elsewhere in the Church. Kelly will let me know about the meal afterwards. She will be doing a mailing about that soon.
I will be doing one-on-one oral testing of Math facts this week. Has your child been practicing these? They need to know their addition and subtraction facts through 18 by the end of this year.
Have a good day!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Monday, March 23, 2009
March 23 We're Back!
We've had a nice break and are back ready to learn! This week's story is "Jalapeno Bagels", and the new words are: early, hair, instead. The skills are contractions and -le endings.
In English, we'll do verbs that tell about now. The spelling words are contractions:
I'll, we've, I'm, you're, isn't, didn't, you'll, I've, it's, we'll, can't.The challenge words are: they're and wouldn't.
In Math we are starting to add tens.
Remind your child to finish his/her March story. We already have three published!
REMEMBER WEDNESDAY NIGHT! It's a VERY important night - First Reconciliation! One thing you might want to know ahead is that while your child is making his/her confession, parents will stand by the first pew. Mrs. Gierczic and I will be there in front to welcome you. We'll go in order from front to back. When your child has finished, you will meet your child and he/she will then light a candle. Then you will return to your seats to pray. Everyone will remain in church for the closing prayer and song.
Have a nice day!
In English, we'll do verbs that tell about now. The spelling words are contractions:
I'll, we've, I'm, you're, isn't, didn't, you'll, I've, it's, we'll, can't.The challenge words are: they're and wouldn't.
In Math we are starting to add tens.
Remind your child to finish his/her March story. We already have three published!
REMEMBER WEDNESDAY NIGHT! It's a VERY important night - First Reconciliation! One thing you might want to know ahead is that while your child is making his/her confession, parents will stand by the first pew. Mrs. Gierczic and I will be there in front to welcome you. We'll go in order from front to back. When your child has finished, you will meet your child and he/she will then light a candle. Then you will return to your seats to pray. Everyone will remain in church for the closing prayer and song.
Have a nice day!
Thursday, March 5, 2009
St. Mary's March 5
With Fr.FrankMain altar at St. Mary's
Beautiful beaded pieced hand-beaded by the women of St.Mary's Parish
Outside the Church
Statue of Kateri Tekakwitha
Beautiful beaded pieced hand-beaded by the women of St.Mary's Parish
We had a WONDERFUL mass with Fr. Frank today! He made it a "teaching mass" in which he explained the what and the why of the Mass. It was very informative for the kids, and the adults even learned! We appreciate Fr. taking the time to say this special mass for the first and second grade students!!!
Next week, we will be doing our Reading-Writing Workshop. It's on personal narratives,but I am going to let kids write "made up" stories also. They are very excited about being able to write one they make up. We will still be using Mr. Bell's curriculum format with the "I feel" statement, storyboard, partner reading, rough draft, revising and editing, and publishing. This time we will publish as a "book".
Spelling words are found on page 235 in the Student Handbook. They are: who, a lot, were, many, our, friend, cannot, here, first, today, would, could and the Challenge Words are heard, again.
We will be reviewing money in Math and also all of the material in Unit 2. We will also have a Unit 2 Test. Then Chapter 11 will go into 2 digit addition. I will be doing one-on-one oral tests of math facts to 18 tomorrow. Keep practicing those facts with your children!
We extend our condolences to Robyn Lulich and her family in the loss of Julie. We continue to pray for them in their sadness.
Have a good weekend!
Monday, March 2, 2009
MARCH 2 - DRIVERS NEEDED!
We only have ONE driver for Thursday. Can anyone help? Are there grandparents, aunts, uncles, anyone who has been approved for helping? I need drivers for 6, and I believe the first grade still needs drivers, too. Please let me know ASAP. Thanks!
Our story this week is "Brothers and Sisters". New words are: middle, trouble, and ending.
Spelling words are: flower, water, under, over, better, sister, brother, mother, father, after, and the Challenge Words other and center. You can see by the spelling words that the phonics for the week is working with words that end with -er. We'll also review long o sounds of OA, OW from last week. English is working with VERBS. A verb can name an action run, swim, etc. or a verb can name an activity that can't be seen such as hear, think, and worry.
We are still working with TIME, and some kids are still struggling. I will send a sheet or two home for the kids to practice.
We did our 6th Penance lesson today. It' s about being welcomed home by God. The story was the Prodigal Son.
1st Reconciliation is at 5:30 on MARCH 26. It's coming up quickly!
Have a great day!
Our story this week is "Brothers and Sisters". New words are: middle, trouble, and ending.
Spelling words are: flower, water, under, over, better, sister, brother, mother, father, after, and the Challenge Words other and center. You can see by the spelling words that the phonics for the week is working with words that end with -er. We'll also review long o sounds of OA, OW from last week. English is working with VERBS. A verb can name an action run, swim, etc. or a verb can name an activity that can't be seen such as hear, think, and worry.
We are still working with TIME, and some kids are still struggling. I will send a sheet or two home for the kids to practice.
We did our 6th Penance lesson today. It' s about being welcomed home by God. The story was the Prodigal Son.
1st Reconciliation is at 5:30 on MARCH 26. It's coming up quickly!
Have a great day!
Friday, February 20, 2009
Feb. 20
Just wanted to let you know that I will be sending the new student handbooks home on Monday! I had forgotten that we'd started our new book, and there's a new handbook with the spelling words from this book. I will try and remember to also put the words on the blog!
Have a nice weekend!
Have a nice weekend!
Thursday, February 19, 2009
2-19 Mark your calendars!
Good news! Fr. Frank has agreed to have a special mass with grades 1 and 2 out at St. Mary's Church in Odanah! I thought it would be a great experience to have our kids see this small but beautiful Church that some of our students attend. If you've never been there, maybe you could be a driver for us. We'll be going on March 5th and will plan on Mass at 9:00. Let me know if you can drive. Of course, a permission slip will also be going home prior to this trip.
Next week, Feb. 23-27, we'll be finishing our fourth theme in Reading. This means only 2 more to go! We'll be doing our theme skills tests next week. The Spelling words are review words:
farm, bring, hold, park, thing, boat, smart, sing, snow, yard, thank, blow, load, party, hand, most, cold, think, send, road. The Challenge Words are: department, grand, young, goal, and rainbow.
We continue to prepare for our First Reconciliation. I believe the kids understand a lot and are eager to participate in this wonderful sacrament. This week we again discussed the 10 Commandments. One thing we talked about is the importance of attending Mass every week. Some children seem to think our Wednesday Masses take care of the Sunday obligation. I told them it's just a bonus mass. It doesn't take the place of any other mass. I hope parents recognize the importance of it - especially with Reconciliation and First Communion coming soon! First Reconciliation is March 25th at 5:30. First Communion is April 26 at the 11:00 Mass.
We had our Chapter Test on Telling Time. I was disappointed in the scores. Ben was the only one with 100%- way to go, Ben! Needless to say, we'll be practicing more. ( We'll also return to money a little later on.) We made Sunshine Clocks for Art this week, and they turned out pretty cute!
Friday, February 13, 2009
FEB. 13
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY TOMORROW!
The kids are certainly excited about their valentines and treats. They'll have a good time!
We are nearing the 100th day of school, so today we get to celebrate it with the Kindergarten and First Grades. They'll do activities for 100 seconds, put 100 piece puzzles together, and have snacks.
Next week, we'll be reading "The Great Ball Game". We will be practicing the OA & OW for the long o sound. New words are: ago, field, war, and half.
Spelling words for next week are: boat, cold, road, blow, gold, old, load, snow, hold, most, toe, do ( no idea WHY they through that in there ), and the CHALLENGE WORDS are goal and rainbow.
Have a great weekend!
The kids are certainly excited about their valentines and treats. They'll have a good time!
We are nearing the 100th day of school, so today we get to celebrate it with the Kindergarten and First Grades. They'll do activities for 100 seconds, put 100 piece puzzles together, and have snacks.
Next week, we'll be reading "The Great Ball Game". We will be practicing the OA & OW for the long o sound. New words are: ago, field, war, and half.
Spelling words for next week are: boat, cold, road, blow, gold, old, load, snow, hold, most, toe, do ( no idea WHY they through that in there ), and the CHALLENGE WORDS are goal and rainbow.
Have a great weekend!
Monday, February 9, 2009
FEBRUARY 9
Thank you for all who have sent in erasers, glue sticks, antibacterial wipes. etc. I appreciate it!
Several students have not returned the parent slips about the First Communion dinner. They were due today. Please check with your child and see if he/she still has theirs and send it in tomorrow. Thanks!
With the economy as it is, people have quit sending things in for the soldiers, so we will give up this project. We can still send cards, notes, etc. but we won't be sending any packages after the last three we have ready to go. I sent two more on Saturday and used my own $24 for that. I simply can't afford to pay for the rest of the boxes. We have two more at $12 each and one smaller one to go yet. If anyone can help with postage for these last packages, we'd really be grateful. I know you have been asked to donate a lot this year for our class and the school, and you have done a great job! Thanks for all you do!!
We planted bean seeds today for science. I hope they grow! We are studying about the life cycles of plants.
In Math, we practiced time BEFORE the hour today. That's a little harder than time after the hour, but we'll get it! They like it when I use the overhead projector and they can take turns on it showing how to set the clock to the time. ( We use the overhead for other subjects, too.)
Because of the rain off and on at noon, we stayed in again. Today I put on a Denise Austin kids exercise DVD for them. They seemed to enjoy it. We just need more room for two classes to move in here :-) At least they were able to move and use some energy!
Have a good evening!
Several students have not returned the parent slips about the First Communion dinner. They were due today. Please check with your child and see if he/she still has theirs and send it in tomorrow. Thanks!
With the economy as it is, people have quit sending things in for the soldiers, so we will give up this project. We can still send cards, notes, etc. but we won't be sending any packages after the last three we have ready to go. I sent two more on Saturday and used my own $24 for that. I simply can't afford to pay for the rest of the boxes. We have two more at $12 each and one smaller one to go yet. If anyone can help with postage for these last packages, we'd really be grateful. I know you have been asked to donate a lot this year for our class and the school, and you have done a great job! Thanks for all you do!!
We planted bean seeds today for science. I hope they grow! We are studying about the life cycles of plants.
In Math, we practiced time BEFORE the hour today. That's a little harder than time after the hour, but we'll get it! They like it when I use the overhead projector and they can take turns on it showing how to set the clock to the time. ( We use the overhead for other subjects, too.)
Because of the rain off and on at noon, we stayed in again. Today I put on a Denise Austin kids exercise DVD for them. They seemed to enjoy it. We just need more room for two classes to move in here :-) At least they were able to move and use some energy!
Have a good evening!
Saturday, February 7, 2009
February 7 Penguin Party!
We had a GREAT Penguin Party to celebrate the end of our study of penguins! The kids got a black and white placemat that they used to make their picture of a penguin from Roll A Penguin game. They got to walk with their egg and see who could get to the finish line first. They heard us all the way to the office!!! We had black and white plates ane napkins, and the kids and I wore black and white. The penguin cake came from Scorch and Terri at the DQ. Thanks so much Scorch and Terri!! It was terrific! They also had goldfish crackers, swedish fish, and oreo cookies. They watched March of the Penguins which Mathew and Marques brought in for us. I think it's something the kids will remember. They each read their penguin reports to the class so everyone could learn a little about the penguin they researched.
They are now working on their research papers for our Reading-Writing Workshop. This report is on an animal of their choosing. For this report they will need to write sentences/paragraphs rather than list like they did for the penguin reports.
Spelling words for this week go with the story "ANT". They are: king, thank, hand, sing, send, think, bring, bang, end, thing, and the challenge words are grand and young. These go with our phonics skill of final consonant clusters nd, net, mp, ng, nk. We'll also do base words and enings, -s, -es, -ies. For English, we'll study possessive nouns.
We are learning TIME in Math, although we need more practice on MONEY. I'll try and do more practice with money in addition to time. They need to learn how to read an analog clock even though most watches and alarm clocks are digital.
Have a good day!
Monday, February 2, 2009
Feb. 2
Here it is Groundhog Day! Another month has gone very quickly.
Catholic Schools' Week went very well! We are so proud of our school! Yesterday's closing liturgy was so very nice. I enjoyed seeing the family of Sally Pufall as well as Sr. Margaret Ann and the other Sisters get well-earned recognition for their service to our schools.
This week's Spelling list is from Theme 4 Reading-Writing Workshop. This week we will be doing research papers on animals (other than penguins) to go with our Reading-Writing Workshop.
Our penguin unit will be wrapped up by Friday. Most have finished their reports. We'll read them aloud to the class. ON FRIDAY, THE KIDS ARE ASKED TO DRESS IN "BLACK AND WHITE" to finish our penguin unit.
We have done our second lesson of eight for our First Penance preparation. We read about loving God as a friend, a father, and God. We acted out the play on the back about four of Jesus' apostles and their choice to follow Him. Students are asked to take these lessons home and share them with you. The back page has a "To the Parents" section for you to read.
I'm finding the need to do more work with money. Only one or two kids did well on the last test. It would help if you will practice "counting on" money and making change with "counting back." For example, 25 cents plus 4 cents - count 26, 27, 28, and 29 cents. When making change, students count back to the person as if they were a store clerk. It costs 49 cents, you give the person $1.00. To count back change to the person, count from 50 cents to $1.00. We will retake Chapter 8 Test on Wednesday.
Have a good evening!
Catholic Schools' Week went very well! We are so proud of our school! Yesterday's closing liturgy was so very nice. I enjoyed seeing the family of Sally Pufall as well as Sr. Margaret Ann and the other Sisters get well-earned recognition for their service to our schools.
This week's Spelling list is from Theme 4 Reading-Writing Workshop. This week we will be doing research papers on animals (other than penguins) to go with our Reading-Writing Workshop.
Our penguin unit will be wrapped up by Friday. Most have finished their reports. We'll read them aloud to the class. ON FRIDAY, THE KIDS ARE ASKED TO DRESS IN "BLACK AND WHITE" to finish our penguin unit.
We have done our second lesson of eight for our First Penance preparation. We read about loving God as a friend, a father, and God. We acted out the play on the back about four of Jesus' apostles and their choice to follow Him. Students are asked to take these lessons home and share them with you. The back page has a "To the Parents" section for you to read.
I'm finding the need to do more work with money. Only one or two kids did well on the last test. It would help if you will practice "counting on" money and making change with "counting back." For example, 25 cents plus 4 cents - count 26, 27, 28, and 29 cents. When making change, students count back to the person as if they were a store clerk. It costs 49 cents, you give the person $1.00. To count back change to the person, count from 50 cents to $1.00. We will retake Chapter 8 Test on Wednesday.
Have a good evening!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
January 22
In case you are wondering, the spelling test tomorrow will be on the words from Jamaica Louise James since we missed it last week. We are doing Theme Skills Tests this week, and the words are just review words anyway.
The trip to Superior was great! It was so cool to see our Bishop Christensen interact with the kids and sign all those autographs, and then to take pictures with the classes. He's special! It was a long bus ride for some kids. They were pretty tired, but it was worth the trip! It was nice to see so many kids dressed up and lots of red and white, too!
We will be working on penguin research next week, too. Catholic Schools' Week is going to be busy. The kids will get to do hat day, pj day, spirit day, and our special liturgies.
Have a good evening!
The trip to Superior was great! It was so cool to see our Bishop Christensen interact with the kids and sign all those autographs, and then to take pictures with the classes. He's special! It was a long bus ride for some kids. They were pretty tired, but it was worth the trip! It was nice to see so many kids dressed up and lots of red and white, too!
We will be working on penguin research next week, too. Catholic Schools' Week is going to be busy. The kids will get to do hat day, pj day, spirit day, and our special liturgies.
Have a good evening!
Monday, January 12, 2009
JANUARY 12
I am fully recuperated from my last bout of "viral" problems! It certainly takes a lot out of me when it lasts days. That's the third bout of sickness I've had since the middle of August, and I am NOT a patient patient - too much to do. Like everyone else I haven't the time to be sick :-)
This week is our story "Jamaica Louise James". Our skills are vowel pairs ee, ea, and endings
-tion, and -ture. Our new words are believe, whole, and lady.
This week is our story "Jamaica Louise James". Our skills are vowel pairs ee, ea, and endings
-tion, and -ture. Our new words are believe, whole, and lady.
We are working on money in Math. Some of the kids are having a hard time counting coins. Today we worked on finding an amount using the fewest coins. They can get how to make an amount, but to do so using the fewest coins is hard for some. If you get a chance, practice with your child using real money. We will keep working on it here, too.
We are working on our January quilt squares. The story is "The Snowman" by Raymond Briggs. I wanted to get the book, but it's been checked out at the Vaughn, so I got a video. It is a "wordless" book/story which was different for the kids! It's about a boy who builds a snowman, watches it come to life, then joins it on a magical adventure.
In Science, we're learning about the parts of plants.
Good news! Mr. Bell said they are going to order Social Studies books for us!!!! Hooray! It has been difficult for all the kids to see because we've just had one big book. It will be great for the kids to have their own books!
We have received our laminated world and U.S. maps which we were able to purchase with money donated by friends and family of one of our students! We also purchased some other language art materials and will have a few dollars left to buy more art materials when we need them. We are appreciative of these monetary donations!
HAPPY 2009!
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