Thursday in Mrs.Bognetti's Room

We did a lot of work today! This morning we reviewed suffixes and how to break words with suffixes into syllables. We discussed what the suffixes -ful and -less mean. We reviewed our word wall words and vocabulary words. In class we turned in a couple of worksheets, but the students need to finish one on visualizing what they read. We completed a sheet on using pronouns. The students re-read The Day Jimmy's Boa Ate the Wash when they worked on a scavenger hunt for that story. We completed two centers and got to use computers today. Then, we switched book buddies today. This afternoon, we practiced more double-digit subtraction. The students have a sheet to finish for homework. They will have a test coming soon! I am sending home another math facts packet...this time for subtraction! It will be due on February 12th. In Science, we re-read our lesson on Heat. We completed one worksheet together, and the other is for homework. At the end of the day, the students went to music class.

Thursday--Miss Calderone's class

Our day started correcting our D.L.P. and writing in our January journals. We used the word wall words in sentences to make a paragraph. After sharing we read a story and then partnered up to complete some word wall and vocabulary work. We then learned the cursive letter, h. After that we completed 3 centers. Our morning ended reviewing pronouns and watching a movie about earning and spending. After lunch we silent read and then had math. We took the entire time to continue practicing subtraction problems. Please continue working at home and going over the homework with your child. We then moved onto science. We completed a heat web and moved on to learn about the second type of energy; light. We read and discussed a couple pages in our science book. Our day ended with P.E.

The homework for tonight is to study/complete the spelling packet, read "Jimmy's Boa"/study, and finish math 15-6.

***I will not be here tomorrow again, so have a great weekend!

Wednesday--Miss Calderone's class

Our day began correcting our D.L.P. and writing in our January journals about whatever was on our mind. We shared what we wrote and then learned a new cursive letter; b! After practicing writing it we filled out some more of our vocabulary packet and then reviewed pronouns. We made a list of pronouns and practiced changing nouns into the pronouns. We then completed 3 centers. After centers we reviewed cause and effect and searched through out story to find some cause and effect examples. Our morning ended with social studies. We reviewed income and learned about goods and services. We filled in our social studies vocabulary sheet as we discussed each word. After lunch we read a story that a student made in our class and then read a bit of Harry Potter. We hope to be done by spring break! We then switched classes for math and continued practicing subtraction with and without regrouping. We broke into small groups in my class and practiced, practiced, practiced on white boards. Keep practicing subtraction facts at home! After math we went to library and finished our day with science. We finished the lesson on heat and completed a heat web in our science notebook. We also filled out a worksheet together to enforce what we learned.

The homework for tonight is to read Jimmy's Boa, complete math 15-5, S.S. pg. 26, and grammar pg. 124. I know it seems like a lot, but the grammar and S.S. pages will be very quick. Also, thank you to all of those that donate to help Haiti. You still have until Friday to donate.

Tuesday--Miss Calderone's class

We had a very busy day today! We started out our day by correcting some sentences in our D.L.P. and writing an imaginative story in our January journals. I picked a story to project and we ready it as a class. Other students also volunteered to read their awesome stories! We then completed a 'school trips' web. We talked about past field trips and recalled some great memories. After that we came together on the floor to learn the vocabulary for the new story, The Day Jimmy's Boa Ate the Wash. We read the story together, but had a hard time listening so the students broke into partners and re-read the story. We came back as a group and learned about pronouns. I did some examples on the board; we'll go more in depth later this week. We then completed 3 centers. Our morning ended with social studies. We started previewing the new unit by discussing the vocabulary words and reading/discussing earning and income. After lunch we headed straight for math. In my class we did some intensive review. We sat and reviewed when we regroup and when we don't. We're still having a bit of a tough time so we'll continue reviewing and reviewing until we get it! We completed some problems on the board and corrected them as a class. After math we went straight to art and had science to end the day. We started the new chapter; Energy. We learned about heat and completed a sheet together using our book.

The homework for tonight is to read Jimmy's Boa and complete math 15-4.

Monday--Miss Calderone's class

Today our day started out going straight to music followed by P.E. When we got back we corrected our D.L.P. and wrote in our January journal about what we did over the weekend. After sharing we began to learn our new chunk this week, but before we could take our spelling pre-test, we all did an Aimsweb test (same test students took last year). While students were testing, we finished snowmen from 2 weeks ago (we finally got to it!). When everybody was back, we took our spelling pre-test and that was our morning. It went way too fast! After lunch we had one center instead of listening to a story. We then headed to math. We worked on thinking about when we regroup in a subtraction problem. We did work with regrouping but this is a concept that is pretty difficult so we will be working really hard this next week or two. I just told my students that we need to regroup when we cannot do a subtraction problem in the ones place. For example, if you see 3-8 in the ones place, you know that you cannot do that; so we regroup. If you see 5-1 in the ones place, there is no need to regroup because you can do 5-1. Have I lost anybody? I told my students that if they could not get the answer that's okay. I'd prefer that they recognize WHEN to regroup rather than solve the problem for today. When we came back from math we got our take home folders ready and discussed the 'Helping Hands' raffle. Please see the blue sheet in your child's folder. Our day ended with Media Center. We were a little bit behind schedule so there was no time to stamp. I will stamp students tomorrow morning for today.

The homework for today is to complete math 15-3 and sign/return the reading test and mid-trimester form. They went home today. If your child earned an S, he/she is earning an A, B, or C. A U denotes a D or W. If your child has any check marks that means that he/she needs to work on that before report cards go out.

Friday--Miss Calderone's class

Our day started with correcting our D.L.P. and finishing 3 centers! We then had our reading assembly and we got to see Ozzie from the Kane County Cougars! Please start logging in those minutes! As a bonus, the reading minutes for the baseball program also count for the Great America ticket. After the assembly, we took our spelling test. We then reviewed for the reading test by playing pictionary with the vocabulary words. We took our reading test and those that finished early began working/finishing their final drafts. After lunch we did not have a mystery reader so we learned another cursive letter instead! We moved onto math where we began double digit subtraction without regrouping! We practiced some problems on white boards together. They did an excellent job. After math we had music. When we came back we finished our day with celebration day.

The homework for the weekend is to finish the final draft (many kids did this), complete math 15-2, sign the science/math tests, and also finish your math packet for those that did not turn it in today! Students will stay in Slytherin until it is turned in :( Also, bring as many dollars as you want for the Help For Haiti raffle. There are some fabulous prizes! Have a great weekend!

Thursday in Mrs.Bognetti's Room

This morning we reviewed a lot! First, we went over words with -s, -es, and -ies endings. Then, we reviewed the vocabulary words. After, the students worked on a spelling worksheet that need to be completed for homework. We did a workbook page on making predictions and one on possessive nouns (adding an apostrophe s). The students re-read Pumpkin Fiesta on their own. We did get through four guided reading groups, between Mrs. Friedrich and me. Then, we had book buddies. After lunch, we read Harry Potter. In math, we started subtracting tens. Miss Calderone's class DOES have homework, my class completed theirs in class. In Science, we reviewed for our test tomorrow, completed a worksheet together, and watched two video clips showing physical changes and chemical changes. At the end of the day, the students went to music class. Study for the Science, Reading, and Spelling tests tonight!

Wednesday in Mrs. Bognetti's Class

This morning was strange because district-wide, we followed our Monday specials schedule. Therefore, we had gym and music when we got to school today! Then, we followed our Wednesday Literacy schedule! So...we started the day by analyzing words with endings. We switched the words back to their base words. Then, I dictated some sentences for each of the students to write in their journals. I showed them the correct way to write it afterwards. Then, we completed our spelling homework in class. We practiced our vocabulary and word wall words. We watched Power Point presentations for both. Then, on a crown, we wrote one vocabulary word and illustrated its meaning. After that, we broke up into groups to re-read Pumpkin Fiesta. We corrected DLP and completed one center. This afternoon, we reviewed for and took our math test. The students have proven that they can add double-digit numbers! Tomorrow, we will switch math classes and begin subtracting double-digit numbers. In the computer lab, we made webs on earning and spending money. Then, at the end of the day, we re-read our Science lesson on Changing Matter. We completed one worksheet together in class, and they have another one for homework tonight. The students will have a Science Test on Friday. You may want to start studying the vocabulary words with your child tonight! Also, I've reminded the children that their math facts packets are due on Friday, as well. I've seen some of them in folders that haven't even been cracked open yet!

Wednesday--Miss Calderone's class

We had a flip schedule today so we had our specials that we normally have on Monday, today. So, we had music right away followed by P.E. When we got back we corrected some sentences in our D.L.P. and wrote in our science journal. Students made a list of chemical and physical changes and then we discussed the lists together. We then talked about summarizing and completed a beginning, middle, and end outline for 'Pumpkin Fiesta'. We then worked on our rough drafts for a bit before having centers. We completed 2 centers before lunch. After lunch we finished our last center and then went to math. We reviewed for our chapter 13 test and then took it. The students did AWESOME! We're ready to move onto subtraction now! After math we had science. We reviewed for the test together and then began a science vocabulary help sheet. We ran out of time unfortunately, so I told the students they can finish it at home to help them study. Our day ended with Media Center.

The homework for tonight is to study for the science test, finish your rough draft (those that finished are keeping their drafts at school), get the Social Studies test signed, and read Pumpkin Fiesta.

***I will not be here tomorrow to remind the students to wear baseball gear on Friday so please mark it on your calendars! There will also be no blog tomorrow. See you Friday!

Welcome Back!--Miss Calderone's class

Today we began our day correcting 3 D.L.P. sentences and writing in our January journals about what we did over the long weekend. After sharing for a bit we grouped words according to their -s, -es, or -ies endings. After sharing our results, we learned the new cursive letter, e. We practiced for a bit and then began writing a paragraph about winter. We brainstormed reasons why we liked winter and began writing our rough drafts. Some students finished! We put them away and then learned the vocabulary words for this week's story, Pumpkin Fiesta. After discussing them we read the story together. We finished our morning with two centers. After lunch, we came back and had math. We reviewed double digit addition and worked on a very challenging sheet together. We will have our chapter 13 test tomorrow and then only thing to do to study is to practice double digit addition at home. I asked the students to try their hardest at home to finish the enrich side. We then went to art and when we came back we had science. We reviewed a worksheet we started last week and did some review for the test on Thursday (a note went home today).

The homework for tonight is to read Pumpkin Fiesta, complete math 13-6, study for the science/math test, sign the reading test and finally remember to bring your book order if you plan on ordering!

Tuesday in Mrs. Bognetti's Class

While today felt like a Monday, our Tuesday morning actually went well. We discussed long words with endings such as -s, -es, and -ies and added a few to our Quick Words. We completed a workbook page, too. Then, we started our spelling worksheets in class, but need to finish for homework. Then, we watched a short clip on the life cycle of a pumpkin and discussed, in our own words, the process it goes through. We proceeded to go over the vocabulary words for the week, including a Power Point presentation and a workbook page. After we talked about predicting outcomes, we read the story Pumpkin Fiesta. I have explained to the students that in the case of this story, "fiesta" means "fair". We've discussed things people do at fairs, including holding contests. The students really enjoyed reading the story and catching the "thief". After, we completed our DLP and two centers. In Social Studies, we started our new unit and introduced the vocabulary words. We cut apart our new vocabulary cards and put them safely in our folders for later. Then, we read about making predictions (the same skill as in reading!) and completed a page together. This afternoon, we practiced adding two-digit numbers. The students are getting much better! Plan on a test tomorrow. At the end of the day, the students went to art class.

Friday--Miss Calderone's class

Today was a fast day! We started out writing in our January journals about what it would be like to have a dinosaur as a pet. After sharing some stories we read a snowman story. We then reviewed changing singular words that end in y to their plural forms. The students caught on quickly! We took our spelling pre-test and then corrected the words together. We then learned about possessive nouns. We did some examples on the board and will go more in depth next week. We completed 2 centers before taking our social studies test to end the morning. After lunch our mystery reader came and visited us and we had a very special surprise; one of the students got up and read a book to us, too! She did awesome! We then had math where we continued to practice double digit addition. We focused on the correct place to put a single digit number when adding it to a double digit number. We worked in partners to complete some workbook pages and then came together to correct them. After math we went to music and ended our day celebrating two birthdays! We had some really good treats!

The homework for the weekend is to read Pumpkin Fiesta, complete math pg. 13-5, and begin studying for the science test. I'm planning on it being on Thursday next week, but that may change. I will send a note home on Tuesday to let you know.


****Remember no school on Monday!

It's Friday in Mrs. Bognetti's Room!

This morning we finished our snowman stories. We also wrote about things that people do, see, eat, etc. at fairs. Next week we will work with plural nouns with all three endings (-s, -es, -ies), so we learned about how we need to change the y to and i and then add -es to some words. We completed a workbook page and introduced our spelling words. Since they are difficult, you may want to take some extra time over the three day weekend to practice spelling them with your child! We completed the DLP from The Secret Life of Trees and I collected it. It will be part of the students' English grades. I also showed the students some examples of possessive nouns. To show ownership, we use an apostrophe and add an "s". We completed two centers as well. In Science, we talked about the difference between physical and chemical changes. Next time your child won't eat an apple because it's brown, reiterate that it is just a chemical change! The students do have one page of homework to complete. This afternoon one of our Board Members came to Mystery Read to our class. The students enjoyed hearing the story Dear Mrs. LaRue. In math, we continued practicing addition. This time, we did two-digit plus two-digit problems. They do have one page of homework. At the end of the day, we had gym class.

Thursday--Miss Calderone's class

Today we started our day writing in our journals about things we have a plethora of (we're working on vocabulary words). After sharing we learned the new cursive letter, w. We then had our spelling test. We continued by completing 3 centers. Before our third center we reviewed abbreviations and completed a grammar sheet independently then corrected it together. Our morning ended with our reading test and a worksheet that had scrambled -oo words that the students needed to figure out! After lunch we silent read and then went to math. In my class, we reviewed double digit addition using white boards and then used our knowledge to complete a Halloween mystery sheet! The students found the sums of numbers and the letter that coincided to reveal a hidden message. When we regrouped with had science. We reviewed physical and chemical changes by creating a list in our science journal. We had a little time to work on a review sheet, but will finish it next time we have science. Our day ended with P.E.


The homework for tonight is to complete the math sheet that was assigned according to the class you're in and study for the social studies test tomorrow!

Thursday in Mrs.Bognetti's Room

This morning we made a list of colorful words to describe the snowman we made yesterday. Then, the students chose a topic sentence and made a four-square about their snowmen. After I corrected grammatical and spelling errors, the students wrote their ideas into a paragraph. They are looking great! We took our reading and spelling tests today. We also had Book Buddies with the 4th graders. This afternoon we learned how to add without using blocks/cubes. The children were quite excited and worked hard! We do have one page of math homework to complete. In Science, we re-read the lesson on solids, liquids, and gases with partners and then started a worksheet. The students need to complete it for homework. At the end of the day, we went to Music.

Wednesday in Mrs. Bognetti's Class

This morning each student made a list of all the liquids he/she could think of and shared them with the class. We had some very creative answers! Then, we completed and corrected our Secret Life of Trees packet to use as a review tonight for the test tomorrow. Look for it in your student's folder. Remember that tomorrow we will have both the reading and spelling tests. After, we put together a snowman and decorated them in unique ways. Tomorrow, we will write about the snowman using details. We completed one center today. We watched a video on solids, liquids, and gases. Then, we read the lesson and performed the explore activity for today. We used a balance scale to tell which object had more mass. The students have one page of science homework to complete tonight. In math today, we added using one of two strategies: Counting On, or Using a Hundreds Chart. The students have one page of math homework. Before the end of the day, we took our Social Studies tests. Students had a hard time on the cause and effect section.

Wednesday--Miss Calderone's class

Our day began by writing in our January journal. We wrote about things that are absurd and then shared them as a class. We had a lot of good laughs! We read a story about non-blooming plants and then corrected the Secret Life of Trees packet. Our vision and hearing tests were today and while we split up to complete those, we worked on some social studies. The students picked four landforms to draw and write the definitions of. They took them home to study for the Social Studies test on Friday. We finished our morning completing 3 centers. After lunch we worked on our vocabulary packets and filled in the information for the word plethora. We then went to math where we learned how to add using a one hundreds chart. We worked on some workbook pages independently and corrected them as a class. We then went to library. Our morning ended with a science movie about matter.

The homework for today is to complete the spelling packet/study, read The Secret Life of Trees/study, study for the Social Studies test, get your math test signed, and complete math 13-2. I know it seems like a lot but hopefully the students have been using their time wisely and have completed their spelling packet, and that they have been studying at home already for the reading and social studies tests.

Tuesday in Mrs. Bognetti's Class

This morning we made a list of solids in our journals and everyone shared ideas with the class. Then, we reviewed words with spr, thr, and str. We completed a workbook page in class. We finished two DLP sentences today and completed a worksheet practicing proper nouns. Then, we completed three centers today. In Social Studies, we did an oral review for the test. Then, we got together with partners and finished a vocabulary review page. The students began re-reading the lessons for the test tomorrow. Please practice with your child! This afternoon, we practiced adding tens together. The students have one page of math homework. We read some of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and a Time for Kids magazine before art class.

Tuesday--Miss Calderone's class

Our day began right away with our journal (we have no D.L.P. this week because we are continuing the same story). We wrote about things that we are 'reluctant' to do. After sharing we read a story that was written and illustrated by an 8 year old girl. We discussed how even at a young age, we can do really neat things like write a book! We then learned a new cursive letter; u. The students did an excellent job, but I have to continue to remind them that they may not write their name in cursive until they have learned all the appropriate letters! We moved on to complete 3 centers. After centers we partnered up and complete a "Secret Life of Trees" scavenger hunt! Check it out in your child's take home folder. Our day ended with Social Studies. We read and discussed the last couple pages of the chapter which were dedicated to conservation. We made a list of ways we can conserve on the board. There was a little time before lunch to begin our homework. After lunch we headed straight to math. We reviewed double digit addition and worked with partners to complete a sheet with missing addends. After correcting it together we completed a couple magic squares. We headed to art after math and finished our day with science. We learned about chemical and physical changes and completed a worksheet independently. After correcting it together, it was time to go home.

The homework for tonight is math 13-1, social studies pg. 21/22, read The Secret Life of Trees, and study for the social studies test. Please remember that our spelling and reading test will be on Thursday. We are also continuing the same spelling and vocabulary words from last week which is why there are not new spelling words. Continue bringing in those box tops!

***A letter about conferences went home today. Please make sure to check your child's folder and bring back the bottom portion of the letter.

Monday--Miss Calderone's class

Today our day started right away with music and P.E. As soon as we came back we had snack and wrote in our January journals about what we did over the weekend. After sharing, we reviewed how holidays are proper nouns (the students did not do as well as I thought they would on a recent grammar sheet) and independently finished a grammar page. We then came together and read the rest of "The Secret Life of Trees". Our morning ended with one center. After lunch we silent read for a bit and then had math. We worked in partners to complete some review pages and then corrected them together. We finished math by writing some math problems on a sheet of paper. We moved on to science. We reviewed what we remember about matter and then completed a refresher page which we corrected together. Our day ended with media center.

The homework for tonight is to read The Secret Life of Trees, study for the Social Studies test on Friday (see green note), and continue working on the math facts packet.

Monday in Mrs. Bognetti's Room

This morning after art and gym, we re-read the story The Secret Life of Trees in small groups. We worked on a scavenger hunt (search for vocabulary words, etc.) in class, but some students need to finish it for homework. We also completed three centers today. This afternoon, we reviewed for and took our Math Test. We will begin actually adding two-digit plus two-digit numbers tomorrow. There is no math homework today. In Social Studies, we read about and discussed the concept of conservation. We made a vocabulary card for the word and began a worksheet that needs to be completed for homework tonight. In your child's mailbox today is a small sheet that will tell you the pages to study for the Social Studies test on Wednesday. They are also bringing home the landform booklets they made and vocabulary cards to study from. Please help your child do his/her best!

Thursday in Mrs.Bognetti's Room

This morning we wrote poems about snow, due to the immense amount that is falling from the sky!!! After, we broke words up into syllables, based on a consonant -le pattern. The students began working on, but need to finish for homework, a spelling worksheet. We discussed the difference between facts and fiction. We finished reading The Secret Life of Trees. The students worked on their packets again with a partner. We completed our DLP and a grammar worksheet. We also finished two centers today and then had Book Buddies. This afternoon, we renamed numbers up to 4 different ways. The students have one page of math homework. In Science, we re-read our lesson on matter and its properties. We completed one worksheet together in class, and the students have another for homework. At the end of the day, we went to Music class.

Thursday--Miss Calderone's class

We began our day correcting our DLP and writing in our Jan. journals. We used the word wall words to create sentences and then shared what we wrote. We then learned the second cursive letter; t. After practicing it, we reviewed holidays and how they are proper nouns. We then were assigned a month and created a calendar and picture that also included any holidays and/or special events for that particular month. It was a big job but the calendars look awesome! After finishing we began working on a Secret Life of Trees packet. We used our books to find answers. We will have some more time next week to finish the packet and go over it as a class prior to the test. We watched a movie on natural resources and finished up the morning reading another part of our story. After lunch we read Harry Potter for a bit and then moved onto math. We learned about renaming numbers by moving numbers from the tens group into the ones group. We practiced a lot and I encouraged the students to draw pictures if they need to. It can help a lot to understand what's happening visually. We moved onto science and learned about the 3 states of matter. I was pleasantly surprised to see how excited the kids were to learn about solids, liquids, and gases! We had a great discussion before going to P.E.

The homework for tonight is to read The Secret Life of Trees, math 12-4, and science pg. 239/240.

****Please remember we have a half day tomorrow!!!!!! Still bring a snack :)

Wednesday--Miss Calderone's class

Our day began correcting our DLP and writing in our January journal. After sharing we listened to a story, and then learned the vocabulary for the new story. Together we looked in our glossary to find the definitions for our vocabulary word. We partnered up to complete a workbook page and then corrected it as a class. We then were introduced to the new centers and completed two. The centers will carry on to next week so we will not be doing centers every day like usual. We then came together and read the beginning of The Secret Life of Trees. We ended our morning with social studies. We reviewed natural resources by completing a worksheet together. After reading about bar graphs and finishing one together, we got a Time For Kids magazine. We discussed the pictures and stories and the students were able to take it home. After lunch we read Harry Potter for a bit and then went to math. Today (in my math class) we started double digit addition. We first used cubes, and then moved onto practical application. We learned how to add the ones place and then the tens place and when it was necessary to regroup (we learned it as carrying, but please use the term regroup when working with your child). We seemed to catch on, but of course there will be tons of more practice. After math we went to library and then finished the day with our book buddies.

The homework for tonight is to read The Secret Life of Trees and complete math 12-3. A math facts packet to be completed at home and returned on January 22nd went home along with a scholastic book order that is due January 20th (if you would like to order).

Wednesday--Miss Calderone

Wednesday in Mrs. Bognetti's Class

We accomplished a lot today! This morning we got new cursive name tags on our desks and learned the lowercase letter "i". The students can finish the worksheet given in class, but do not need to return it. We practiced writing sentences with -00 in some words. Then, we completed some analogies using our word wall words. We have one page of spelling homework. We read a few more pages in The Secrect Life of Trees. We talked about the difference between broad-leaved trees and conifers. With a partner, we completed some more comprehension questions. In Science today, we started our unit on matter. We talked about properties of matter, mass, and temperature. We also watched a video clip to help us understand. We have one page of science homework to complete using our science books. This afternoon, we started adding two-digit plus two-digit numbers. It was a bit challenging, but some are starting to catch on! To help us practice basic math facts, a math fact packet is coming home today and will be due on January 22nd. Please help your child practice, practice, practice! There is also one page of math homework. In Social Studies, we read about Cesar Chavez and how he helped migrant farm workers. We also read about natural resources and discussed the word "crop". At the end of the day, we went to the library.

Tuesday in Mrs. Bognetti's Class

This morning we wrote in our journals what it would be like if we owned an apple orchard. The students had some good ideas! Then, we reviewed words with 00. We completed a word scramble in class and a workbook page that we corrected together. The students have one page of spelling homework. Then, we discussed the meanings of our vocabulary words and watched a Power Point presentation using those words. We did a KWL chart about trees. We wrote down what we know about trees, what we want to know about trees and later we will write down what we learned about trees. We talked about the different between facts and fiction. Then, we read the first section of our story The Secret Life of Trees. In partners, the students completed 14 comprehension questions using that section. At the end of literacy, we completed a workbook page about proper nouns...holidays! We capitalized both the holiday and the word "day". This afternoon was very exciting. First, we learned to add numbers and regroup using tens and ones blocks. The students have one page of math homework. Then, we learned our first cursive letter "i"! The children were very excited, but I reminded them to only practice cursive on the worksheets that I give them. We don't want to start any bad habits before we learn the correct way to write the letters! They CANNOT write their names until they have learned all the letters in their name. At the end of the day, the students had art class.

Tuesday--Miss Calderone's class

Today our day started out correcting some sentences in our DLP and writing in our January journals about thing we like and dislike about winter. After sharing, one paragraph was put up and we identified the main idea, detail sentences, and feeling sentence. We listened to a winter story and then learned our first cursive letter! The letter i! I sent an additional practice sheet home with the correct movements to practice at home. We moved on and discussed different holidays and how they are proper nouns. We got with a partner to complete a sheet and then corrected it together. We then completed part of a KWL (what do you know, what do you want to know, and what did you learn) chart about trees. We will start the story tomorrow. The last part of our morning was dedicated to social studies. We learned about a producer, consumer, natural resource and crop! We did a lot of work and finished social studies creating our own "stamp" of a natural resource. Some need to finish the stamp at home. After lunch we jumped right into math. We practiced regrouping and moved on to adding ones and then regrouping. This knowledge will help us master double digit addition; which we have not started just yet. After math we went to art and we returned to begin science. We reviewed matter and mass completed a properties of matter web. We then compared which objects have more or less mass using a balance. We completed a worksheet together based on information in the book.

The homework for tonight is science pg. 235/236, read The Secret Life of Trees, and complete math 12-2. Remember to keep practicing those math facts!!!! Look for a note in your child's folder explaining a change in plans. Also, I resent the vocabulary and spelling words.

Monday--Miss Calderone's room

I'm so glad that everybody came back today! Today was an unusually quiet morning, but by the afternoon the students warmed up. We started our day with music and P.E. and then wrote in our January journals about what we did over break. We corrected a couple D.L.P. sentences before sharing our journals. We learned the new chunk for our story, -oo, and then took our spelling pretest. We corrected it together and ended the day choosing 4 spelling words to write sentences with and draw accompanying pictures. We will be reading The Secret Life of Trees for the next two weeks because it is a tough story. Therefore, there will be no reading test or spelling test this Friday; rather it will be next Friday on the 15th. After lunch we read for a bit and then began math. We learned that we need ten ones in order to regroup and make one ten. We used number cubes and a place mat to practice regrouping and complete some workbook pages. After math we learned about matter in science. We predicted what was inside mystery containers and then discussed some science book pages. We had a lot of fun! Our day ended with Media Center.

The homework for tonight is to read The Secret Life of Trees (or at least a part of it), complete math 12-1, and sign/return the reading test.

***We will begin writing cursive this week. Please do not allow your child to write any letters that we have not learned.

Monday in Mrs. Bognetti's Room

Welcome Back! Many students were lopping over on their desks today, so I am sure that they had a lot of fun over the break! Tonight, let's try to get a little extra sleep! I explained to the students that we will be covering the story The Secret Life of Trees over the next two weeks because it is a very difficult and lengthy story. Because of that, the students will not have a reading and spelling test this Friday, but will have two full weeks to study. We did introduce the phonics pattern (oo sounding like food) and spelling words today. We completed a workbook page to practice both. We also discussed how a research report is written. In grammar, we will be working on capitalizing names of holidays because they are proper nouns. A common mistake is to not capitalize the word "day" in "Thanksgiving Day". In math today, we started talking about regrouping (carrying, borrowing). It is a very difficult concept for children to learn so I ask that you work with your child this week to make sure they succeed! Also, we will be adding double-digit plus double-digit numbers VERY SOON! Make sure you are practicing math facts with your child!!!!! They need to know their math facts off the top of their heads...no more fingers and number lines! The students have one page of math homework for tonight. In Social Studies, we re-read a lesson we discussed before break. Then, we looked at some ads for harvesting and selling fruit. The students have one page of Social Studies homework to complete. Keep in mind that while we will be beginning cursive very soon, your child SHOULD NOT be practicing writing in cursive at home! We do not want to start any bad habits before we even begin! I know the students are eager, but premature practice leads to chaos in the end!!! Thanks for your help! I hope you enjoyed the break with your child.