Thursday, December 20th

We had another exciting day!  I think we all have jet lag from traveling so much today!  This morning the students went to Poland.  They learned about the holiday traditions there and made a project, too.   When they returned, we took our Social Studies test.  Then, we had Book Buddies.  This afternoon, we silent read.  Then, we traveled to Mexico where we made poinsettas and learned about their traditions.  At the end of the day, we watched part of Matilda, since we finished the book last week.  It was a great day.  There is no homework, except for the usual Book Bag. 

Wednesday, December 19th

This morning we wrote about what we would do if we had reindeer.  The ideas were quite creative!  Then, in math we learned how to add tens and hundreds mentally.  We do have one page of math homework.  After we went to the library, we took our Science test.  In Social Studies, we learned about bartering and we reviewed for our test tomorrow.  This afternoon we silent read.  Then, we traveled to Germany!  We learned about the custom Weinachten.  We also learned about advent calendars and how to use them to count down to Christmas.  Did you know that the first Christmas tree was cut down by a German man named Martin Luther in 1604?  In his honor, we made a Christmas tree.  We also learned some German words and sang "O'Christmas Tree".  It was fun.  Tomorrow we will continue traveling to two more countries and we will take our Social Studies test.

Tuesday, December 18th

Today we traveled to Israel!  The students learned about the holiday tradition of Hannukah.  They made miniature menorahs.  They also colored the flag and located Israel on a map.  Then, they went to art class.  When they returned, we worked on two review pages for our Science test tomorrow.  They don't need to be returned, but should be used as a study tool.  This afternoon we silent read.  Then we went to gym and music.  After, we learned how to add hundreds.  Some students have math homework to finish tonight. 

Don't forget: Science test tomorrow, Social Studies test Thursday!

Monday, December 17th

Since we are learning about "Holiday Traditions Around the World" this week, our schedule looked a lot different today.  We started off our day by doing math.  We started a new chapter by taking an "Are You Ready?" quiz, practicing vocabulary and making a foldable.  Then, in Science we learned about things that are made of plants and things that are not made of plants.  Tonight for homework, you need to go on a hunt of things that ARE made from plants in your household.  I told the children to start in their kitchens.  So many spices and foods are made from plants.  We also started a lesson outline in class that needs to be completed for homework.  There will be a Science test on Wednesday.  A small sheet is going home with your student that lists the pages that need to be reviewed.  Then in Social Studies, we read about how we trade goods with other countries.  Since we do not grow everything we need in the United States, we trade our goods to get ones that we cannot grow. We completed a worksheet in class and made two more vocabulary cards.  There will be a Social Studies test on Thursday.  I know that is a lot to focus on during this busy week, but there will not be a Spelling or Reading test this week.  Also, in this way, we will have our units wrapped up before the long break.  We will be able to start fresh when we come back.  Then, this afternoon, we "traveled" to another country!  We visited Poland (in Mrs. Walter's class).  Ask your child what he/she learned about holiday traditions in Poland!  Tomorrow we will be visiting another country.  It is very exciting!  The children have suitcases, passports and boarding passes, too.  Altogether, the students will be visiting six different countries this week.

Friday, December 14th

This morning we wrote in our journals and shared with the class.  Then, we put our poem in our poetry binders and turned in our book bags.  We took our Reading and Spelling tests, too.  We also corrected our DLP.  This afternoon we FINISHED Matilda.  We were so excited and shared our favorite parts.  We went to music and gym class.  We took our math test.  Then, we started preparing for our exciting unit next week.  We are going to be studying holiday traditions around the world.  We will be traveling to different countries (between Mrs. Walter, Mrs. March, and our own classroom) and learning about how people celebrate the holidays.  Today we prepared our passports and suitcases so we are ready to "travel" on Monday!  It will be a lot of fun!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

We had a very busy day!  This morning we wrote how trees change in the winter.  Then, we reviewed the oo pattern and learned our vocabulary words.  We talked about facts and fiction.  Then, we read our story for this week The Secret Life of Trees. After art, we finished talking about the story and completed an activity about capitalizing proper nouns (names of holidays).  We also presented our musical to the whole school.  This afternoon we read Matilda....we are nearing the end!  Then, we went to gym and music.  In math, we reviewed place value, greater than/less than, and numbers before and after one another.  There is no homework.  We also took a timed test.  At the end of the day, we completed a "Months of the Year" activity.

There will not be a blog for the next two days as I will be pulled out for a Math Committee meeting tomorrow and an Evaulation Committee meeting on Thursday.  I will post on Friday, as usual.  Next week, there will be a Science test and Social Studies test.  That way we will not have topics left hanging over break.  We will be working hard right up until the end!

Monday, December 10th

Tonight is the 2nd grade musical!  Meet us in the classroom at 6:45!  Because I know that it can be crazy at home before a school event, there is no homework for tonight.

This morning we wrote informational paragraphs in our journals about trees.  Then, we learned about words with -oo.  We introduced our spelling words and completed a word sort, too.  We talked about research papers and names of holidays as well.  In Social Studies, we read about how goods get from the factory to us.  We did a sequencing activity to put the steps in order.  We made a vocabulary card for the word "factory" and completed a geography packet as well.  This afternoon we read Matilda.  In math, we learned how to skip count by 5's, 10's and 100's with numbers up to 1,000.  It was quite challenging!  At the end of the day, we took a timed test and then practiced for our musical.  See you all tonight!

The Spelling Packet is due on Thursday.

Friday, December 7th

This morning we wrote about our plans for this weekend.  Then, we reviewed words with -eer and -ear.  We practiced capitalizing proper nouns.  We also practiced writing words in ABC order.  Then, we took our Spelling test.  After guided reading/centers, we took our Reading test.  This afternoon, we read Matilda.  Then, the power went out!  It added to our very exciting afternoon!  The kids practiced for their musical in the dark....luckily our voices still work without electricity.  When the power came back on, we read a Time for Kids magazine and did some problem solving.  We also reviewed place value using a domino game we learned at the math conference.

Have a wonderful weekend!

This morning we wrote about our favorite months during Journal time.  Then, we reviewed many skills: VCV patterns, diagrams, vocabulary words, and proper nouns.  We also completed our DLP.  We read with our 4th grade Book Buddies and had centers/guided reading.  In Social Studies, we looked at a diagram of a fire engine.  This aftternoon we read Matilda.  Then, we learned a lot about plants and diagrams in Science.  We labeled the parts of a plant and flower.  Some students have Science worksheets to finish.  In math, we learned how to read and write numbers to one thousand.  We do have math homework.  At the end of the day, we got our Dinosaur Dioramas and paragraphs back with grades.  We learned so much and really enjoyed hearing all the presentations.  We have been admiring our work every day! Tomorrow we will bring home our fossils, too.

There is a Reading and Spelling test tomorrow!

Wednesday, December 5th

This morning we wrote about why it is fun to imagine.  The children had some really creative ideas!  Then, we made a pamphlet about our story From Seed to Plant to use as a study guide for the test on Friday.  We reread the story in pairs and completed a scavenger hunt.  After we went to the library, we had centers/guided reading.  In Social Studies we wrote about service workers and what they do.  After lunch we read Interrupting Chicken and some of Matilda.  In Science, we continued learning about plants.  We made a diagram of plant parts.  The children have a lesson outline for homework.  In math, we tried some logical reasoning.  You may need to help your child with the math homework tonight as there are a lot of steps to think through!  Make sure he/she has completed all of them before answering! 

Book Orders are due on Friday.  Spelling Packets are due tomorrow.

Tuesday, December 4th

This morning we wrote about how water changes seeds.  It is great to do some non-fiction writing!  The students are really enjoying sharing their knowledge of plants and how they grow with the class.  Next, we practiced words with spr, thr, and str through a Making Words activity.  We also learned our vocabulary words and how to read diagrams.  Then, we read our story for this week, From Seed to Plant.  It is a non-fiction story about how plants grow and it goes hand-in-hand with our Science unit.  Part of the Reading test this week will actually count for Science, too.  The children went to art class.  After lunch we read more of Matilda.  Then, the students practiced for their musical that will be next Monday night.  In math, we learned how to write numbers in expanded form.  There is one page of math homework.  At the end of the day, we took a timed test.

Spelling packets are due on Thursday.

Monday, December 3rd

It is hard to believe it is already December!!!  We started this morning by writing about how pumpkins grow in our journals.  Then, we learned our phonics pattern for this week (str, spr, thr).  We introduced the spelling words and completed a word sort.  We corrected two sentences of DLP and talked about informational paragraphs.  We learned that Months of the Year are proper nouns and should always be capitalized.  In Social Studies, we learned about service workers in our community.  We also discussed the word "tax".  We watched a video clip including goods and services along with service workers, too.  This afternoon we took our Math MAP test on the computer.  Then, we reviewed our spelling pattern from last week (ear, eer).  We also worked on a worksheet about capitalizing proper nouns.  Some students need to finish it for homework.  At the end of the day, I shared some of the things I learned from the math conference with the class.  We did some common core problem solving.  I got to meet the author of Lemonade for Sale while I was there.  I shared a picture of him with the class.  There are many fun things I will be sharing with the students throughout the year.

The Spelling Packet is going home tonight and will be due on Thursday, as usual.  Students also need to complete their Book Bags.

Wednesday, November 28th

We had another great day today!  First we wrote about what farmers do.  Then, we read a book called Tops and Bottoms.  Ask your child about the trick Hare played on Bear.  They loved it! Then, we practiced our play, Johnny Appleseed.  After we went to the library, we had two groups of centers/guided reading.  In Social Studies, we learned about income, goods and services.  We shared what jobs our parents do to earn money. We found that some of the children do not know what their parents do!  Please share with your child so he/she knows about your important job.  We also talked about budgets that families must follow and how we have to pay for needs before wants.  It was an interesting conversation!  This afternoon we silent read.  In math, we learned about hundreds.  The children have one page of math homework.  We went to a PBIS assembly and we finished the day with a little bit of Science.

There will be no blog tomorrow or Friday.  I am very fortunate to have an opportunity to represent our district at the National Math Conference in Chicago for the next two days.  I will be learning about new common core mathematics and getting math ideas to add to our classrooms in Addison.  Mrs. Merkle will be subbing in the classroom.  She will accompany the class to the ballet on Friday as well.  Have a wonderful week and weekend!

Tuesday, November 27th

This morning we read a book about Johnny Appleseed and wrote about him in our journals.  We also read a poem about him.  Then, we reviewed words with -eer and -ear.  We also learned our vocabulary words.  Then, we read the play of Johnny Appleseed.  The children enjoyed sharing their different parts.  After art class, we finished our DLP and did a grammar activity on capitalizing the names of days of the week.  This afternoon we read Matilda.  Then, we went to gym and music.  In math, we introduced Chapter 5.  We will be working with place value up to 1,000.  Many students did not know that 999 comes before 1,000.  Talk with your student about numbers in the hundreds.  We cut apart some vocabulary cards to help us practice our new math words and we made a foldable with ones, tens, and hundreds.  Tomorrow we will begin the first lesson.

Spelling Packets are due on Thursday.  We will also take our Spelling test that day.

Monday, November 26th

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving break.  I know mine was filled with celebration after celebration!  This morning we reactivated our brains and wrote everything we could about plants.  We will be studying plants in literacy and science.  It was great to find out what we already know about plants so we can add to that knowledge in second grade!  Then, we talked about words with -eer and -ear.  The toughest words on our spelling list were reindeer, pioneers, and country.  Study those at home!  We will be taking our Spelling test on THURSDAY this week, as we are attending a ballet on Friday and won't have enough time.  We completed a spelling activity in class.  We also completed our DLP, talked about informational paragraphs and the days of the week.  We prepared our Book Bags for this week, too.  In Social Studies, we started a new unit.  We will be talking a lot about income, goods and services.  We read about making predictions and cut apart vocabulary cards.  A sheet went home today will all the vocabulary words for you to help study at home.  I am predicting that we will take a test before the holiday break.  After lunch, we took our Reading MAP test again.  We will compare the results to the first test and alter our instruction accordingly for each student.  Next week we will take the Math MAP test.  When we were finished, we worked on some map skills using a map key.  We also watched a video clip on plants, parts of plants, and saw how they make food. 

Friday, November 16th

Even though it was a shortened day for students, we sure packed in a lot of things!  We wrote about what we are planning to do over Thanksgiving break.  Then, we added a new poem to our binders.  We took our Social Studies test.  Then, we read a Reader's Theater play about Thanksgiving.  We made "glyphs" showing different things about how we celebrate Thanksgiving.  When our glyphs were completed, we added a demonstration on how to set a table.  Your child should be able to help you next Thursday by using his/her glyph!  I do hope you enjoy our Thanksgiving recipes next week.  The children really enjoyed sharing about the different ways we celebrate.  At the end of the day, we did a subject/predicate activity to make silly sentences about Thanksgiving.  I hope you all enjoy reading your child's directions on how to cook a turkey.  Most of them won't be helpful, but they sure are fun to read! Have a wonderful break.  I really enjoyed meeting with all of you this week.

Wednesday, November 14th

This morning we wrote about things we are thankful for and worked in our Thanksgiving packets.  After we went to the library, we read some of the recipes you have sent in to school and then wrote our own recipes telling  how to cook a turkey.  In Social Studies, we read about how to care for natural resources and made our last vocabulary card.  You can use the cards that come home today to practice for the test on Friday.  We also studied bar graphs and did an activity in class as well.  This afternoon we silent read.  Then, we presented Dinosaur Dioramas.  The students are so proud of their creativity!  In math, we practiced subtracting double-digit numbers for our test tomorrow.

Tuesday, November 13th

We thought we could help you go shopping for Thanksgiving so wrote a shopping list for you!  The children really put a lot of time and effort into dreaming up all their favorite foods.  Some were quite interesting!  I hope you enjoy reading your child's list!  Then, since we were talking about our favorite foods, we decided to make a graph of our class's favorite Thanksgiving foods.  We can't wait for you to check it out in the hallway on the way to your conference!  We also did a Pilgrim Punctuation activity.  Then, we went to art.  This afternoon we read Matilda.  Then, we went to gym and music class.  At the end of the day, we reviewed for our math test that we will take on Thursday.  The children will have to show that they know how to subtract double-digit numbers.  None of the children have math homework.

Don't forget that we have a Social Studies test on Friday.  Also, if you haven't sent in your recipe card, please do so!

Monday, November 12, 2012

We had a great day! This morning we wrote acrostic poems about things we are thankful for.  Then, we watched a video about the Pilgrims, when they first came to America, and the first Thanksgiving.  We read about Thanksgiving in our Social Studies book and then watched a factual video about Thanksgiving today.  We then compared today's Thanksgiving celebrations with the first Thanksgiving on a Venn Diagram.  After that, we reviewed consumers and producers by making a wheel.  You can use that to help your child understand the concepts for Friday's Social Studies test on Unit 2.  A reminder sheet is coming home today with the pages you need to review with your child.  Then, we re-read our lesson on natural resources and made some vocabulary cards for you to study with as well.  This afternoon we read a Mo Willems Elephant and Piggie book.  Check some out at your library...they are hilarious!  In math, we are reviewing for our subtraction test on Thursday.  We made some fact family turkeys.  We also have one page of math homework for practice.  At the end of the day, we went to the computer lab. 

Please help us by sending in a Thanksgiving recipe.  A recipe card and parent letter is coming home with your student today.  Please send it back by Wednesday, if possible.

Friday, November 9, 2012

This morning we wrote in our journals about things we've always wanted to do.  They were quite interesting to listen to!  Then, we put a new poem in our binder for this weekend.  We reviewed words with -our and completed our DLP.  We also took our Reading and Spelling tests.  For Celebration Day we made lemonade to go along with our story this week.  It was fun!  We also had centers/guided reading.  This afternoon we read more of Matilda.  Then we went to gym and music.  In math, we did some problem solving.  Have a wonderful weekend!

Thursday, November 8th

This morning we wrote in and shared our journals.  Then, we reviewed many skills including our vocabulary words, spelling words, compare/contrast, and graphing.  We also completed our DLP and a grammar worksheet on proper nouns.  We re-read the story Lemonade for Sale and read with our 4th grade Book Buddies.  In Social Studies we read about natural resources.  We completed an activity in class.  This afternoon we read Matilda.  Then, we took our Science test and presented more dinosaur projects.  In math, we used our subtraction skills to solve problems.  Most students have homework, but a few finished in class. 

Tomorrow we have a Reading and Spelling test!  There will be no new spelling words for next week as we will be Theme Testing and learning about Thanksgiving traditions.

Wednesday, November 7th

This morning we wrote about our favorite songs.  There were some popular hits in here!  Then, we read Lemonade for Sale and practiced using our voices to imitate different characters.  It was fun!  Then, we completed a scavenger hunt.  We were able to shop at the Book Fair.  If your child did not bring money today, he/she might have a wish list for you.  They can shop again on Friday during the day or next Tuesday night during conferences.  We had centers/guided reading.  Then, we did some "catching up" in Social Studies.  Many of us needed to finish our Landform Booklets.  Those that were finished got to read a Time for Kids magazine and answer some questions about it, too.  After lunch, we read more of Matilda.  In Science, we put on our paleontologist caps and went to work cleaning fossils.  The children were able to re-read their science lessons for tomorrow's test.  We also started presenting the dinosaur dioramas.  We learned a lot!  The students are so proud to show off their work!  In math, we learned how to check subtraction problems by adding.  They were getting quite good at it!  Every student has math homework. 

Don't forget that the Spelling Packet is due tomorrow and the decorated turkey feather is due on Friday!

Election Day 2012

Today we learned a lot about our election process and voting!  We watched a Brainpop video on the duties of the President.  Then, we learned about the process of being elected.  We also learned about each candidate running for President.  And then after lunch, we voted in Wesley's own Presidential Election!  Every child should come home with a sticker that said he/she voted.  We did discuss that our selections are private.  Ask your child who won our election!

In Literacy, we did a Making Words activity to practice our spelling words.  Then, we learned our vocabulary words for this week's story, Lemonade for Sale.  We completed our DLP and talked about capitalizing proper nouns.  Then, we went to art class.  This afternoon we silent read and swapped out our books in our Book Bags.  Then, we went to gym and music class.  After, we practiced more two-digit subtraction.  We do have one page of math homework.

Don't forget that we have a Science test on Thursday.  The spelling packet is due on that day as well.

Monday, November 5th

This morning we wrote about what we would do if we had our own lemonade stand.  The children came up with their own slogans, prices, and reasons why we should stop at their stands.  They were very creative!  Then, we learned our new phonics pattern for this week: words with -ar, -arm, and -ark.  We completed a word sort in class.  Then, we practiced our spelling words for this week.  I apologize for not sending the words home last Friday!  Then, we completed a workbook page using our new words.  We also checked two sentences of DLP and set up our Book Bags for this week.  In Social Studies, we read about how goods get from the farmer to us.  We also introduced the following vocabulary words: ancestors, producers, and consumers.  We made vocabulary cards and did a sequencing activity as well.  Then, we completed a geography packet.  This afternoon we silent read.  Then, we went to math class and learn how to subtract two-digit numbers from two-digit numbers.  We do have one page of math homework.  We took a timed test and then went to the computer lab.  In the computer lab, we worked on an endangered animals activity to help us study for our Science test that will take place this Thursday.  A half-sheet was sent home today with pages for you to review with your student along with the Science book.

The Spelling packet is due on Thursday. 

Friday, November 2nd

We had such a fun day!  For starters, we baked a cake!  Since Hedgehog bakes a cake in our story, we thought it would be fun to bake one ourselves.  We even followed the directions and tried not to include eggshells!  In the afternoon, we ate it, too!  I sent home Hedgehog's recipe for yellow cake in case you'd like to bake a cake with your child.  Then, we completed an activity on abbreviations and finished our DLP.  We took our Reading and Spelling tests, too.  This afternoon we read some of Matilda.  We also had gym and music.  In math, we learned how to do double digit subtraction without using tens and ones blocks.  Students do have one page of math homework.

The dioramas look great!  The children were so proud when they walked into school today!  I can't wait to listen to the presentations next week!  Have a wonderful weekend.

Thursday, November 1st

We sure were tired this morning after all that trick-or-treating!  We shared in our journals about our favorite type of candy.  I could tell that the sugar highs were all wearing off!  Then, we practiced our word wall words, talked about synonyms, and completed a lesson on following directions.  We finished our DLP for today and completed a grammar worksheet on proper nouns, too.  We read with our Book Buddies and had centers/guided reading.  In Social Studies, we learned how to read landforms on a map.  This afternoon we read more of Matilda.  Then, we learned about endangered animals in science.  We completed one activity together (and we did an explore activity) and then one individually as well.  We watched a short video clip on endangered animals too.  Then, in math we continued working on double digit subtraction.  We all have one page of math homework to finish. 

Don't forget that the dinosaur projects are due TOMORROW.  The rubrics should be sent back to school along with your child's paragraph.  Also, we will have our Reading and Spelling tests.

Tuesday, October 30th

This morning we used transition words to tell how a witch rides a broomstick or how to get a bat out of your attic.  The students' creativity was put to the test!  Their writing turned out to be quite entertaining!  After that, we reviewed words with -our and did a making words activity.  We made a web about cooking.  Then, we learned this week's vocabulary words.  We also read Hedgehog Bakes a Cake.  After art class, we completed our DLP and worked on a proper nouns worksheet.  This afternoon we went to gym and music.  Then, we started regrouping to subtract two-digit numbers in math.  Students do not have math homework as we will be working on this skill again tomorrow.

Don't forget that the Dinosaur Projects are due on FRIDAY. 

Monday, October 29th

This morning we wrote about baking cakes.  We will read a story this week about a Hedgehog who makes a cake with his friends. We will be talking a lot about making foods in the kitchen this week.  Try including your son or daughter when preparing for meals in your home this week.  Explain the steps you go through when making a certain dish and especially show your child the recipe!  We then learned our phonics pattern for this week -our.  We completed a worksheet together using words with our and then introduced our spelling words.  We did a spelling word sort.  Then, we completed our DLP and talked about proper nouns (people's names).  In Social Studies we worked on and nearly finished our Landform Models.  They look great!  This afternoon we set up our Book Bags for this week and then went to math.  We used fact families to add higher numbers. Students do have math homework. We took a timed test, too.   At the end of the day, we went to the computer lab. 

4 DAYS UNTIL THE DINOSAUR PROJECTS ARE DUE!!!!!  Don't forget that your child needs to turn in the diorama with a paragraph written in his or her own words by Friday!

Thursday, October 25th

We wrote about what we would do in a toy store this morning and then we shared with the class.  We talked about predicting outcomes, practiced writing abbreviations, and alphabetical order.  We completed our DLP and read with our Book Buddies.  We also had centers/guided reading.  This afternoon we learned about herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores.  Then, we read about animals that are extinct and some that are endangered.  We also worked on the lesson outline.  In math, we took our Chapter 3 test.  We also took a timed test.  Don't forget that in order to meet the standard, your child needs to be on their +6's by the end of the trimester! 

There will be a reading and spelling test tomorrow.  The dinosaur dioramas and paragraphs are also due on November 2nd.  If your child needs a shoebox, please have him/her let me know!

Wednesday, October 24th

This morning we wrote about what we would do if we could fly a plane.  I'd like to travel to some of the places your children mentioned!  We had some very creative ideas!  Then, we re-read our story Mr. Putter and Tabby Fly the Plane in small groups.  We also completed a scavenger hunt.  The children illustrated their vocabulary words as well.  We went to the library and we had centers/guided reading.  In Social Studies we started planning for our Landform Model project.  In groups, the children will create landforms out of clay.  They were very excited to get started!  This afternoon we decorated a pumpkin as Pete the Cat for our Pumpkin Decorating Contest!  It looks really cute!  Then, we acted as paleontologists and made some fossils!  Meanwhile, we worked in a dinosaur packet.  In math, we reviewed for our math test tomorrow.  Make sure your child can add two-digit numbers!

Don't forget that the spelling packet is due tomorrow!

Tuesday, October 23rd

After we wrote in our journals today, we practiced using abbrevations.  We talked about the months of the year, days of the week, people's names, street names and added some math abbreviations as well.  Then, we made a web about how animals help people.  We introduced the vocabulary words for this week and talked about predicting outcomes.  Then, we read Mr. Putter and Tabby Fly the Plane.  The children really enjoyed it.  After art class, we completed our DLP and worked on a page about plural nouns.  This afternoon we silent read and then went to music and gym class.  During math, we worked on more two-digit addition and problem solving.  We will be having a math test on Thursday.  Tomorrow we will review.  Mrs. Bognetti's math class does not have math homework tonight, but Mrs. Walter's class does.

I apologize for the goofy spelling packets this week!  The pages must have duplicated when I put them through the copier!  Please ignore the repeated page in the packet.  Students do not have to do it twice!  It will still be due on Thursday.

Make sure you are working on the dinosaur project.  They are due on November 2nd.

Monday, October 22nd

We wrote in our journals about things we like to do with our best friends.  Then, we learned about abbreviations.  We will be practicing writing abbreviations for the days of the week, months of the year and for people as well this week.  We will add more difficult ones as we start to realize that all abbreviations need capital letters and periods.  You will notice on your child's papers that we will be practicing writing the date with abbreviations every day.  Then, we completed the DLP, talked about adjectives, and learned about irregular plural nouns.  We also set up our Book Bags for this week and completed a handwriting center.  In Social Studies, we worked to finish our Landform Booklets.  We will be planning to make Landform Models in groups this week.  This afternoon we read more of Matilda.  Then, in math we learned how to add multiple two-digit numbers.  It was challenging!  We are about to wrap up our addition unit and will move on to two-digit subtraction. At the end of the day, we went to the computer lab.

Friday, October 19th

We learned how to evacuate a bus today in case of an emergency.  After our drill, we added a new poem to our binders and turned in our Book Bag logs.  Thanks for helping your child complete his/her activities every night!  I appreciate your support!  We reviewed words with -ack and -ock and finished our DLP for this week.  Then, we took our Spelling test.  We had centers/guided reading.  We also took our Reading test.  This afternoon we had gym and music.  Then, in math, we learned how to rewrite math problems from horizontal to vertical.  All students have one page of math homework. 

Don't forget to start planning with your child about what dinosaur he/she would like to research for the dinosaur project!  It is due on November 2nd, two weeks from today.

Thursday, October 18th

We learned how to write acrostic poems today! Students chose to either write one about pumpkins or ghosts. We will hang them in the hall until Halloween. Then, we clapped out words in syllables and wrote them down in our workbook packet. We reviewed main idea and details and practiced finding them. We completed our DLP and watched a BrainPop video on nouns and plural nouns. We had centers/guided reading. In Social Studies, we started working on a Landform Booklet.  We are writing definitions for and illustrating each type of landform.  After lunch we read Matilda.  Then, we introduced the dinosaur project.  Today you will receive a packet of information about the project.  The final paragraph and diorama is due on November 2nd.  Please make sure your child gives you the information today so you can plan your time in the next two weeks to work on the project.  The children are VERY excited to get started!  In math, we added two-digit numbers with another two-digit number.  The lightbulbs are going on!  It was a very exciting day to feel the energy of children learning.  All students have one page of math homework.

Reading and Spelling tests will take place tomorrow.  Reading books were sent home with the children.

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

This morning we started a using a new tool called a "whisper phone" to help us with our fluency when we read. Ask your child how it works.  We re-read our story Helping Out.  Then, we drew pictures to show the meanings of our vocabulary words.  We completed a worksheet on nouns, too.  After we went to the library, we had centers/guided reading.  Some of us got to read books about dinosaurs!  In Social Studies, we started learning about landforms.  We will make a landform booklet in class.  This afternoon we read more of Matilda.  Then, in Science we learned how to research dinosaurs on zoomdinosaurs.com.  Tomorrow, a dinosaur project will be presented to the students and it will be due on November 2nd.  Be on the lookout for details.  Then, we acted like paleontologists and attempted to put together dinosaur skeletons.  It was fun!  In math, we learned how to add two-digit numbers with regrouping. All students have one page of math homework.

Don't forget that the Spelling Packets are due tomorrow!

Tuesday, October 16th

We got a lot done today!  This morning we made a list of jobs we do in our journals.  Then, we reviewed words with -ear.  We did a Making Words activity to practice our spelling words.  Then, we made a web about ways we help out at school.  We learned our vocabulary words for the story Helping Out.  We talked about the main idea of paragraphs.  Then, we read our story for this week.  After art class, we finished our DLP, talked about adjectives and plural nouns.  This afternoon we read more of Matilda.  Then, we went to music and gym class.  In math, we used manipulatives to add two-digit numbers.   Both classes have one page of math homework.  It was a great day!

Don't forget the spelling packet is due on Thursday. 

Monday, October 15th

This morning we wrote about different ways we help at home.  We will be talking a lot about chores and jobs children can help with.  Take this opportunity to have your child help at home!  We learned about words with -ear and sound like -ur.  This is a very difficult phonics pattern and students will need lots of practice with their spelling words this week.  The packet is being sent home today and is due on Thursday, as usual.  We introduced the spelling words and added words to our word wall.  We completed our DLP, talked about writing personal letters, and about plural nouns.  In Social Studies, we started a new unit.  We cut apart vocabulary cards, read about cause and effect, and completed a geography packet together.  This afternoon we started reading a book by Roald Dahl, Matilda.  We're off to a good start!  Then, in math we learned how to regroup numbers.  We used tens and ones blocks to show that we can trade ten ones for a ten stick.  Since this concept is so important, we are taking two days for this lesson.  There will be no math homework tonight and we will continue regrouping tomorrow.  At the end of the day, we went to the computer lab.

Happy Monday!

Friday, October 12, 1012

This morning we had many things to do!  After we wrote in our journals and shared, we talked about sequencing, practiced our vocabulary words, and completed our DLP.  We got a new poem about dinosaurs for our poetry binders.  Make sure your child is reading those over the weekend.  Then, we took our Spelling test.  We had centers/guided reading.  Then, we took our Reading test.  This afternoon we had music and gym class.  Then, we learned how to take numbers apart to add two-digit numbers.  There is no math homework over the weekend.  We will practice more adding next week!  It was a busy week!

Wednesday, October 10th

This morning we made a web of words with -ack and -ock.  Then, we completed a workbook page together using words with the same pattern.  We practiced making our spelling words with letters we cut apart and used the pattern to build other words.  We learned our vocabulary words and used a Power Point to help illustrate the meanings of the words.  We talked about sequencing, a skill that is important for reading comprehension.  Then, we read the story The Enormous Turnip.  We told about the order in which the characters were introduced into the story.  Then, we completed our DLP and completed a page together on nouns.  We visited the library.  After, we reviewed for our Social Studies test that we will take tomorrow.  Practice the geography packet that is coming home, too.  This afternoon, we learned about finding fossils, putting them together, and were introduced to dinosaurs.  We have one page of science homework.  At the end of the day, we took our math tests.  Tomorrow we will begin learning about a new standard in math, therefore we will be changing the classes. 

Don't forget that the Spelling packet is due tomorrow and we will be taking our Social Studies test as well.

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

There are several things coming home with your student today!  Please go through all the papers so that you don't miss any important information.  I will highlight a few of them for you.  A half sheet is coming home with the scores of your child's Theme Test.  If you would like to view the test, please email me and we can set up a time for you to come in.  The reading portion was on main idea and compare and contrast skills.  The language portion was on identifying parts of sentences and types sentences.  Next, another half sheet is coming home to let you know what needs to be studied for Thursday's Social Studies test.  We will also have a math test on skip counting, arrays, number patterns and even and odd numbers tomorrow.  Vocabulary cards and review sheets were sent home with your student to study.

This morning we wrote about farmers in our journals.  Then, we read a story called the Enormous Potato.  It is a folktale like this week's story The Enormous Turnip.  We learned about words with -ack and -ock and introduced our spelling words.  We completed our DLP, talked about dialogue within a story, and nouns.  We also set up our Book Bags for this week.  If your child lost his/her word ring, please purchase another one for him/her, as they are quite expensive to replace class sets.  Then, we went to art class.  This afternoon we had music and gym class.  In math, we reviewed for our test tomorrow.  It will be a busy week!

Friday, October 5th

This morning we finished our Theme Test.  The tested skills were main idea and compare and contrast.  Then, we did a number of Christopher Columbus activities including a map, sequencing, writing, and we even put on a play!  For Celebration Day, we made hats like Columbus' sailors might have worn.  It was a lot of fun learning about Columbus Day!  This afternoon we went to gym and music.  Then, in math class, we used doubles to find out what two addends make up different even numbers.  Most students have math homework, but some did finish in class. 

Have a wonderful three day weekend!  Ask your child what he/she learned about Columbus!

Thursday, October 4th

This morning we reviewed types of sentences and punctuation.  Then, we took our Theme 1 grammar test.  We did a sequencing activity using events from Christopher Columbus' adventures.  We read with our 4th grade Book Buddies.  In Social Studies, we finished our posters from yesterday.  Some students did a map activity as well.  This afternoon we finished our book, Frindle.  We shared about our favorite parts of the books, too.  In Science, we learned more about fossils.  We completed a worksheet together and then the students completed a vocabulary page in class.  The lesson outline was assigned for homework.  Science books were sent home with your student.  In math, we learned about even and odd numbers.  All students have one page of math homework. 

Wednesday, October 3rd

This morning we learned a lot about Christopher Columbus!  We read two books and watched a video clip about Columbus and how his adventures changed the world. We also visited the library.  Then, we started making a poster in Social Studies to show where we live (in a home, in a neighborhood, in a city, state and country).  We will finish them tomorrow.  This afternoon we read more of Frindle.  In Science, we started learning about fossils.  We read in our textbook, discussed how fossils are formed and watched a video clip of palentologists digging up fossils as well.  In math, we worked more on arrays.  Everyone has one page of math homework, but Mrs. Walter's class has two. 

Tuesday, October 2nd

This morning we learned how to write letters using all five parts: heading, greeting, body, signature and closing.  We wrote Mr. Langman a letter about all the things we love about Wesley School as a class.  Then, each individual student wrote me a letter telling about things they like in our classroom.  Then, we completed an activity called "Airmail Delivery" to see if the students could identify the parts of a letter.  We also practiced writing the printing letters "t" and "o".  We need to be sure that we are starting our letters from the top!  Then, we glued pictures of the governor in our Illinois Booklets and worked on pages we have not completed.  Before lunch, we went to art class.  After lunch, we read more of Frindle.  Then, we went to gym and music.  In math, we learned how to do repeated addition using arrays.  All students have math homework.

Monday, October 1st

We wrote fun paragraphs about fall today!  I showed the students how to use a four-square graphic organizer to write down their ideas first.  Then, we wrote "final copies" of our paragraphs.  It took a lot of concentration!  We learned about the continents and oceans in Social Studies.  We read about them, looked at a map, and completed a Daily Geography Packet together.  Then, the students completed a worksheet on their own.  We set up our Book Bags for the week.  Don't forget to initial each box they complete!  The parent log is turned in every Friday along with the math fact sheet.  This afternoon we read some more of Frindle.  Then in math, we learned how to use repeated addition.  All students have one page of math homework to complete.  If your child finished it in class, please take this opportunity to go over it with your child and make sure the answers are correct!  At the end of the day, we went to the computer lab to finish our Illinois booklets.  We researched the governor of Illinois. 

**There is no spelling packet this week since we do not have new spelling words.

Friday, September 28th

This morning we wrote about our plans for this weekend.  It sounds like we've got lots of fun things to do!  We started by adding another poem in our poetry binders.  Then, we reviewed words with a y that needs to be changed to an i before adding -ed.  We completed our DLP and worked hard on naming subjects and predicates of sentences.  We took our Spelling test.  For Celebration Day, we watched a Magic School Bus video about volcanoes that are formed underwater.  The children really enjoyed it.  Then, we had centers/guided reading.  After, we took our Reading test.  This afternoon we read more of Frindle.  After gym and music, we did some problem solving in math and made equal groups.  Both classes have math homework. At the end of the day, we took a timed test. 

Have a wonderful weekend!  Practice reading those poems!

Thursday, September 27th

Today we wrote about things we like to make.  I love to hear how much all of you involve your children in the kitchen!  They were quite interesting to listen to!  Then, we clapped out compound words into syllables and learned where to separate the words.  We talked about narrative story elements including characters' feelings.  We completed four sentences of DLP and we worked a lot on predicates (telling parts) of sentences.  We read with our 4th grade Book Buddies and had centers/guided reading.  Then, we worked on our Illinois Booklets in Social Studies.  This afternoon we took our Science test.  Then, in math we worked on skip-counting and problem solving.  The students do have one page of math homework.

Don't forget about the Spelling and Reading tests tomorrow!  The Reading books will come home tonight for you to re-read with your child.

Wednesday, September 26th

We wrote about volcanoes, landslides and earthquakes in our journals today.  Then, we shared.  We read our story Wilson Sat Alone as a class and discussed how Wilson felt.  Students have to finish the scavenger hunt that goes with our story for homework tonight.  Then, we went to the library.  We had centers/guided reading today.  In Social Studies, we learned about our state motto, state bird and we colored our state flag.  This afternoon we reviewed for our Science test.  We even erupted a volcano!  Every child has a review vocabulary packet that we completed in class today to help him/her study tonight.  There is a test tomorrow!!!  In math, we worked again with skip-counting.  Some students saw the connection between skip-counting and multiplication.  There is one page of math homework for all.

Tuesday, September 25th

This morning we had to pack things in because it was Picture Day!  We wrote in our journals about how to make a friend.  We practiced words with - at and -ate.  We did a Making Words activity, too.  Then, we learned our vocabulary words for this week and watched a Power Point using our new words.  We completed our DLP as well.  Then, we went to art class.  This afternoon, we silent read.  Then we went to music and gym class.  In math we learned about skip-counting.  Please practice skip-counting by 2's, 5's, and 10's with your child.  He/she can count while jumproping, walking up stairs, etc.  My class has two pages of math homework.  Mrs. Walter's class has one.

A reminder about our first Science test was sent home today.  We will take the test on Thursday.  Your child should have the textbook for you to re-read and practice the vocabulary words.  Please have your child describe to you in words what happens during the water cycle, what happened when Mt. Vesuvius erupted, and what happens during erosion. 

Monday, September 24th

This morning we wrote and shared about our weekends and we heard from our Book Buddies, too!  Then, we learned about words with -at and -ate.  We analyzed words with that pattern in a poem.  We introduced our spelling words.  The toughest word for all was "appreciate".  We completed a word sort in class.  Then, we corrected our DLP and worked on predicates of sentences.  Seemingly, this skill has been difficult for the students to grasp.  We worked on subjects of sentences all last week and some are still not catching on.  We will pay specific attention to both subjects and predicates this week with that in mind.  In Social Studies, we learned about our neighboring states, the crops that are grown in Illinois, our state flower and drew our state tree.  This afternoon we prepared our new Book Bags for this week.  Please be sure to fill out the log in the bag.  Some students decided to put a folder in the book bag to keep all the paperwork together.  You may choose to do that as well.  By the end of the week, all students should be done taking the Reading MAP test and should be able to have a book.  Thanks for being patient through this process.  In math, we started switching classes today.  We introduced the new chapter.  We cut apart vocabulary cards for Chapter 2.  We also made a foldable book.  Students in Mrs. Walter's math class need to finish the foldable for homework.  In my math class, students have a worksheet to complete using a hundreds chart.  Plspeease ask your child whose class they were in for math today.  They will continue to go to that class for the next two weeks of math.  Then, we read a book about events that happened two thousand years ago in Pompeii, Italy when Mt. Vesuvius erupted and covered an entire city.  The students were really engaged in the story and are very excited to learn about it. 

Spelling packets will be due Thursday.  Book bags will be homework every night Monday-Thursday.

Friday, September 21st

We squeezed a lot into our half day today!  We started by making a book about what we can do to be responsible at Wesley School.  Then, we reviewed words with -ed endings.  We completed our DLP and a grammar worksheet on subjects of sentences.  We had centers/guided reading.  We took our Reading test, but actually ran out of time for our Spelling test.  For Celebration Day, we made a special Frog and Toad quilt out of construction paper. 

The only homework over the weekend is to practice reading the poems in your child's poetry binder. 

Thursday, September 20th

We had another busy day in second grade!  We started off by writing in our journals.  Then, we reviewed our phonics pattern and began discussing the strategy of compare and contrast.  We used some non-fiction information to compare frogs to toads.  We completed a chart together including information about both.  We completed our DLP and an activity on subjects of sentences.  We read with our 4th grade book buddies.  We also had centers/guided reading.  In Social Studies, we started working in an Illinois Booklet.  We talked about some characteristics of Illinois, looked at a map, and started a word search on things we find in Illinois.  We will work in that next week, too.  After lunch, we read some more of Frindle.  Then, we watched a video clip about the changing earth in science.  We completed one activity together and one individually.  The children are really enjoying learning about earthquakes, volcanoes, and landslides.  In math, we took our problem solving test.  We did a worksheet containing missing addends in class and finished our Fact Family houses. 

For homework tonight, please complete the items your child has in his/her book bag.  The parent check-off sheet is due tomorrow.  Reading books are also being sent home tonight for you to re-read Frog and Toad with your child.  The Reading and Spelling tests will be tomorrow.  Don't forget also that it is an Early Dismissal day.  School dismisses at noon.

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

As usual, today was another busy day!  We wrote about good books we've read in our journals and shared them with the class.  Then, we reviewed words with -ied.  We wrote dictated sentences in our journals.  Then, we reviewed our vocabulary words for this week.  We re-read our story Frog and Toad.  We also had centers/guided reading.  We visit the library every Wednesday, so make sure your child has his/her books!  After the library, we learned about maps in Social Studies.  We completed an activity in class and watched a video clip showing parts of maps.  This afternoon we read two more chapters of Frindle.  Ask your child what a "frindle" is!  In Science, we learned about things that can make the Earth change very quickly.  We discussed earthquakes, landslides, and volcanoes.  I told the students about the day I climbed Mt. Vesuvius when I was in high school.  We also talked about the village of Pompeii and the tragedy there two thousand years ago.  We watched a video clip of Mt. Vesuvius as well as Mt. St. Helens.  The lesson outline was assigned for homework tonight.  In math, we worked on fact family houses (to be continued tomorrow) and we took our first math test.  Tomorrow we will take a problem solving test.  Don't forget that the spelling packet is due tomorrow.

I've had a few questions about the levels of books coming home in the book bags.  Please understand that the levels were determined by our MAP test and are part of a range that we will be working in all trimester.  Children will move up levels every couple of weeks within their range.  I will let your child know when it is his/her turn to move to a different bin of books. 

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Because I was at a math committee meeting today, I can only tell you what was in the plan for today.  This morning we reviewed the phonics pattern for today (change y to an i and add -ed).  We practiced the spelling words and learned our vocabulary words.  We read the story for this week, Frog and Toad.  Then, we completed a story map telling what happened in the beginning, middle and end of the story.  We completed our DLP, talked about the parts of a friendly letter, and practiced finding the subjects (naming parts) of sentences.  We also went to art class.  This afternoon, we went to music and gym class.  In math, we reviewed for our math tests that we will take this week.  We will have one on solving addition and subtraction facts and another on problem solving.  We will also take an AIMS-WEB math test.  Hopefully there was also time for a timed test at the end of the day.  I asked the sub to send home the math vocabulary cards tonight for you to study with your child.  We have discussed all of these in class and have been using the terms over and over. 

Students will need to complete the items in their Book Bags tonight for homework and don't forget that Spelling Packets are due on Thursday.

Monday, September 17, 2012

This morning we wrote in our journals about what we do and how we feel when we are alone.  Then, we set up our Book Bags that I showed you all on Curriculum Night.  Some students will not have a book in it just yet because they have not finished their MAP tests and I don't have an exact reading level for them.  It might take another week.  HOWEVER, all students will be able to practice the Word Wall Ring and Math Fact timed test.  Also, if the level seems low to you, do not be alarmed.  This was part of your student's "range" and we are starting at the bottom of everyone's range and working our way up to the top of the ranges.  Then, we learned how to add -ed to words with -y endings.  We know we have to change the y to and i and then add -ed.  We introduced our spelling words that have the same pattern.  We did a practice page together, completed our DLP, and talked about subjects of sentences.  We also talked about the five parts of a friendly letter.  In Social Studies, we talked about our country and our state.  We looked at our neighboring countries to the north and south, as well as the states that border Illinois.  We watched a video clip to support our topic.  We also worked on a vocabulary card for the word "capital".  This afternoon we read two more chapters of "Frindle".  Then in math, we learned how to find missing addends by using fact families.  The students have one page of math homework.  At the end of the day, we took our Math MAP test.  After we get the results, we will be able to put the students in groups to switch classes starting next week.  We will have a math test this week on problem solving and on using additon and subtraction strategies.  I will send home the math vocabulary cards tonight for you to practice at home. 

Friday, September 14, 2012

We sure had a busy morning!  First we wrote about books we read this week and shared.  Then, we answered riddles that had the answers with -ame and -ake phonics patterns.  We put a new poem in our poetry binder.  Don't forget to practice reading those over the weekend.  We completed our DLP.  We made a Venn Diagram comparing and contrasting Henry with Mudge.  We completed one rotation of centers/guided reading.  We took our Reading and Spelling tests.  Then, we went to the park for Celebration Day.  This afternoon, we silent read after lunch.  We went to gym and music.  At the end of the day, we solved two-step story problems in math.  We did some together and some on our own.  There is one page of math homework to complete.  We also took a timed test.

Thanks to everyone who attended Curriculum Night last night.  It really was a pleasure to see you all and be able to tell you what we do here at school every day!  Thanks for your continued support.  I know this can be a successful year for all the children with your help!

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Today was busy!  We each wrote a letter for you to read tonight when you come to Wesley for Curriculum Night.  It starts at 6:00 in the Wesley gym where Mr. Langman will go over important information about our school, grading, and report cards.  Then, we dove into words with -ed and the three different sounds -ed can make.  We talked about what a setting of a story is and then listened to Henry and Mudge.  We drew what we saw to show the setting.  We reviewed our word wall words, completed DLP and identified sentences, questions, and exclamations.  We also had 15 minutes for centers.  In Social Studies, we did a community sort.  We looked at pictures and decided which community they belong to: urban, rural or suburban.  After lunch, we started reading the book Frindle.  The children really seemed to enjoy it.  In Science, we watched a video clip on erosion.  Then, we completed a worksheet together and one on our own.  I tried REALLY hard not to assign homework for tonight because you will be with me as opposed to being at home helping with homework HOWEVER, some students did not stay with us and did not end up completing their work.  Those students do have to finish the science.  In math, we worked on fact families.  We decorated houses of fact families, completed the "On My Own" in class and some students started the homework page.  I did not send it home to be completed.  Reading books are being sent home for you tonight because the test is tomorrow on Henry and Mudge.  We will have a Spelling test, too.

I'm looking forward to telling you about all the wonderful things we do here in second grade.  Please plan on arriving at 6:00pm. 

September 12, 2012

This morning we reviewed our words with -ed endings.  We talked about our vocabulary words and completed our DLP.  We re-read Henry and Mudge in groups and completed a scavenger hunt.  Together, we identified and corrected sentences as commands or exclamations.  We also went to the library.  In Social Studies, we watched a video clip on different communities. Then, we each drew a picture of a suburban, urban or rural area.  This afternoon we wrote some goals for second grade.  We can't wait for you to read them tomorrow night when you come for Curriculum Night.  In Science, we learned about erosion.  We did an explore activity to show how rocks can be worn down.  Then, we started a lesson outline with a partner.  Students are to finish it for homework tonight.  In math, we used related facts to solved addition and subtraction problems.  The students have one page of math homework.  The spelling packet is due tomorrow.

I look forward to meeting with all of you tomorrow night! I have so much to share with you!

September 11, 2012

This morning we wrote about what we like to do with our best friends.  After we shared, we wrote some words with -ed endings in our Quick Words.  Then, we practiced writing sentences with similar words.  We did a Making Words activity to build our spelling words.  The letters are being sent home for your child to practice at home, too.  Then, we learned our vocabulary words for this week.  We completed our DLP and started an activity on commands and exclamations.  We will finish it tomorrow.  We also read our story Henry and Mudge Under the Yellow Moon.  The illustrations are great!  There are LOTS of Henry and Mudge books at the library....check some out!  They are written by Cynthia Rylant.  We also went to art class.  This afternoon we silent read.  Then, we went to gym and music.  For math, we reviewed subtraction strategies and took a quiz called "Check My Progress".  We did very well!  We took a timed test, too.  At the end of the day, we worked on a page to practice our science vocabulary words with partners.  Those who used their time wisely were able to turn it in.  Those who did not work as efficiently need to finish it for homework. 

Don't forget Curriculum Night is this THURSDAY.  I have a lot to tell you about what we do in 2nd grade so please plan on attending!

Monday, September 10th

We are finally catching on to the routines of second grade!  We write in our journals every morning.  Today we wrote about qualities of a good friend.  Over the next few weeks, we will be reading stories that are themed with friendship.  Then, we introduced the phonics pattern of the week (-ed endings).  After, we introduced our spelling words.  I can tell who studied over the weekend!  We completed a workbook page using our spelling words.  Then, we completed our DLP for today, talked about parts of a paragraph and how to identify sentences using commands and exclamations.  In Social Studies, we read about how communities can change over time.  We made a vocabulary card for the word "history".  Then, we read about different types of communities (urban, rural and suburban) and completed a worksheet in class. This afternoon, we learned how to use doubles addition facts to help us subtract.  The hardest part is to write in words how this strategy helps us subtract.  The students do have one page of homework for tonight.  At the end of the day, the students took their MAP Reading test in the computer lab.  This test helps us to identify students' strengths and weaknesses in the area of reading so that we can tailor our instruction to meet everyone's needs. 

The spelling packet is coming home tonight.  It is due on Thursday, as usual. 

Friday, September 7th

This morning we got to choose our own topics for journal writing.  It was very interesting to listen to!  Then, we talked about how we can be safe at Wesley School and made a class book sharing our different ways.  We read three more Eric Carle books, too.  Then, Officer Brucal came to talk to the children about safety.  Ask your child what he/she should do in case of an emergency.  We took our first reading test and spelling test.  I guided the children through the test and helped change the question into a statement for the last two questions.  We also had a severe weather drill this morning.  In the afternoon, we had Celebration Day.  We learned how to draw the Very Hungry Caterpillar.  After gym and music, we received another poem for our poetry binders and turned in our centers for this week.  In math, we learned how to subtract all or subtract none.  We have one page of math homework.  At the end of the day we took a timed test.  Have a wonderful weekend!

Thursday, September 6th

This morning we read several more of Eric Carle's books.  Then, we watched the stories being read on a DVD.  The children really loved seeing the characters, like the Mixed-Up Chameleon animated.  Then, we read with our 4th grade book buddies.  Every student was given the AIMS-WEB test for reading today.  We will be taking MAP tests next week.  Then, we practiced doing centers activities.  In Social Studies, we worked on our map reading skills.  We completed a worksheet together.  This afternoon, we learned how to do a lesson outline in Science on the water cycle.  Each student also completed a worksheet independently.  In math, we learned how to use a numberline to count backward.  In this way, the students completed subtraction problems.  They have one page of math homework, though several of them finished it in class.  This is your opportunity to check over that page and make corrections before they turn it in tomorrow.  We took a timed test as well.

Typically, I would send home the reading books on Thursday nights.  I chose not to tonight because I am going to guide the students through the reading test tomorrow so that they learn how to take the test.  We will also take our first spelling test.

Wednesday, September 5th

We wrote this morning about what we love about Eric Carle's books.  Then, we read The Very Hungry Caterpillar.  We made our own caterpillars and had fun using hole punches to show where the caterpillar had eaten our leaves.  They turned out great!  We visited the library for the first time and learned how to pick "just right" books.  If there are more than 5 words your child does not know on a page, it is probably too difficult for him/her to read.  In Social Studies, we practiced voting.  We chose student council representatives for our class.  Then, we learned about different communities and made a vocabulary card for the word "community".  We completed a worksheet in class.  This afternoon, we made water cycle posters.  Some are still finishing up, but most of them look fantastic!  In math, we took a quiz called "Check Your Progress".  I wanted to see how well we are using the strategies that have been taught in class.  It is coming home with your child today.  We also took a timed test at the end of the day.

Don't forget that the spelling homework is due tomorrow!  We will have a reading and spelling test on Friday.  We will send home reading books tomorrow night.

Tuesday, September 4th

I hope everyone had a restful weekend.  The children had lots to write about this morning as they told of their adventures over the weekend!  After we wrote in our journals, we re-read the book The Mixed-Up Chameleon.  Then, we made our own mixed-up chameleons!  We can't wait for you to see them on September 13th at Curriculum Night!  We read two more books by Eric Carle and had art class.  This afternoon we silent read.  Some of us are still having a difficult time reading in our heads, as opposed to out loud.  We are working on this!  After gym and music class, we worked on problem solving in math.  I walked them through the steps you will find on tonight's homework.  Then, they solved problems with a partner in class.  They have one page to complete at home.  Encourage your student to make a number sentence, make a ten, find a double, count on or draw a picture to solve.  There are many different ways to solve problems! 

Every month, your child will come home with a calendar in their homework folder.  On it will be important dates to remind you, but also will indicate what color your child was on that day (green, yellow, orange, or red).  Please initial the box of today's color every night and keep it in your child's folder.  He/she will not get a new one until October!

Also, the spelling "packet" this week is one sheet, two-sided, because of the shortened week.  It is still due on THURSDAY.  There will be a Reading and Spelling test this FRIDAY.

It's Friday!

This morning we used words with -id and -ide. We also read a phonics story and highlighted all the words with that pattern.  We added another poem to our poetry binder.  Your child needs to practice reading his/her poems over the weekend.  Two lucky students also get to take home our class book buddies to read to and write about.  Every child will get a turn in time.  We completed our DLP, re-read our story in groups, and reviewed what makes a sentence.  We had our first "Celebration Day" today....a time when we celebrate our good behavior that has been occuring all week.  This afternoon we went to gym and music.  Then, in math we learned how to add three numbers by making tens or using doubles facts.  We used dice to roll three numbers and used a number line to help us add, too.  We do have one page of homework to do over the weekend.  At the end of the day, we took another timed test.  Practice those math facts!  Enjoy the long weekend!

Thursday, August 30th

We sure worked hard today!  This morning we wrote in our journals about different laws we follow.  After we shared, we clapped out some words in syllables.  We read paragraphs and identified the main ideas.  We learned about indexes, glossaries, dictionaries and tables of contents.  We completed our DLP, too.  Typically on Fridays we would have our Reading and Spelling tests, but since it is the beginning of the school year, we are going to study this story and the author next week, too.  We got together with our new 4th grade Book Buddies from Mrs. Walters' class.  The children also did a good job practicing for our fire drill. In Social Studies, we re-read our lesson in groups and completed a worksheet in class.  This afternoon, we made a water cycle wheel to take home and study.  We also read a book about rain and made a mini-book about water.  For tonight's "homework", your child should check in the mirror after his/her bath or shower to see the condensation.  Also, if you have ice in your freezer, please add some to your student's glass to watch the condensation on there as well.  Thanks for helping with some hands-on science lessons!  In math, we used a ten frame to help us solve problems with sums larger than ten.  It helped us to make a ten first, then add the leftovers.  There is one page of math homework to be returned tomorrrow. 

Thank you for submitting your Book Orders!  I will be sending in the final counts tomorrow.  Please explain to your children that the company has to send the books from a factory and it will take a few days to receive our books! :) 

Wednesday, August 29

We are just jumping in and learning so much in second grade!  We started our busy morning off with journal writing.  We wrote about what we might see at a zoo.  Then, we reviewed our phonics pattern, word wall words, and vocabulary words.  We re-read The Mixed-Up Chameleon in groups and completed a scavenger hunt using our story together.  We also completed our DLP and practiced identifying complete sentences.  I explained to the class what we will do during guided reading/centers time.  Tomorrow we will try some of the centers together.  In Social Studies, we talked about the words "law" and "vote".  We identified different road signs and talked about what they mean.  We also discussed what consequences people face when they break laws.  This afternoon we learned about the water cycle in Science.  We read about it and watched a brainpopjr clip about it. Then, we watched a Magic School Bus video showing the steps of the water cycle in a fun way.  In math, we learned how to use our doubles facts to solve near doubles problems.  The students have one page of math homework.  At the end of the day, we took another timed test.

Don't forget that Spelling Packets and Book Orders are due tomorrow! 

Tuesday, August 28

This morning we wrote about things we wish we could be.  Then, we shared our journals with the class.  We reviewed our phonics pattern for this week and next, -id and -ide.  We did a making words activity together on the board and completed a workbook page together.  Then, we learned our vocabulary words for the story The Mixed-Up Chameleon.  Students should know what the words mean and how to read the words.  They will need to put them into sentences on the test.  We read The Mixed-Up Chameleon together.  We talked about the chameleon's feelings as he got all mixed up.  After art class, we completed our DLP sentences.  After lunch, we took some time to silent read.  It is a difficult transition to go from reading out loud to reading in our heads in second grade.  Then, we went to music and gym class.  At the end of the day, we learned how to count on to add in math.  We used a number line to solve problems.  The students have one page of math homework for tonight.  We also took another timed test. 

**Don't forget that Book Orders and Spelling Packets are due on THURSDAY.  Curriulum Night for Parents will be held on Thursday, September 13th.

Monday, August 27th

This morning we worked hard!  We jumped right into the curriculum!  First we learned our phonics pattern for this week and next (-id and -ide).  Then we introduced our spelling words.  Thank you to those of you who practiced with your children over the weekend....I could tell!  We completed two workbook pages together in class and worked on correcting DLP sentences, too.  We talked about how we needed a topic when we write.  Every day there will be a journal topic on the board.  Some students earned wild cat cash today for being responsible this morning.  They got their journals out and started writing without me even reminding them!  Hooray!  We are learning the routine!  Then, we talked about what makes a sentence (complete idea, capital letter at beginning, punctuation at end).  In Social Studies, we introduced Unit 1.  We talked about our new vocabulary words and about groups we belong to.  We cut apart our vocabulary cards and put them in a baggie for us to use later.  This afternoon, we completed our first math lesson.  We learned about the commutative property (we can add in any order and still get the same sum) and the zero property (any number plus itself is that number).  We do have one page of math homework for tonight.  We also took a timed test.  At the end of the day, we went to the computer lab.  It was a great day!

Every Monday, a Spelling Packet will go home for homework.  It will be due on Thursday each week.  Also, a Book Club order was sent home as well.  Many students expressed an interest for the Pete the Cat books that we read last week.  If you would like to order, it is due on Thursday as well.  Thanks for supporting our classroom library!

Friday, August 24

We had another great day today!  Many students remembered that we start our day by writing in our journals.  They got their notebook right out and started writing about their favorite book. Then we shared some.  Every Friday, the students will receive a poem for their Poetry Binders (If you haven't sent one to school yet, please do so soon!).  We read the poem, highlighted rhyming words, and practiced reading it together.  For homework this weekend, your child needs to read his/her poem to someone at home several times.  We are working on reading with fluency.  The more times we practice reading something, the better we get at reading it!  Then, we read our third Pete the Cat book!  We had so much fun reading about the buttons that kept falling off his shirt and singing the song that goes with the story.  Then, we worked in a Pete the Cat packet for fun.  We attended an all-school assembly to review the school rules and expectations.  At Wesley, we are committed to being safe, responsible, and respectful at all times.  Students can earn rewards and prizes on account of their good behavior.  Then, we made a class book showing how we can be respectful.  This afternoon, we practiced silent reading.  We went to music and gym class.  At the end of the day, we took our first one minute timed test, cut apart some math vocabulary words, and did a Pete the Cat math activity.  It was a great day.  Have a wonderful weekend!

Our First Day of School

We had a great day today!  After talking about the rules of Wesley School and getting our books organized, we read a book called Pete the Cat Rocking in my School Shoes.  The class loved it!  We also sang Pete's song and made puppets of Pete.  Our puppets enjoyed rocking out with us.  We practiced writing the letters l and i correctly.  Some of us need to work on using the correct pencil grip.  Bad habits need to be broken!  This year we will be learning cursive and it will be difficult to do if we do not know how to correctly hold our pencils!  We learned about our classmates and shared things we found out about them.  At the end of the day, we wrote about what we are looking forward to in second grade.  You will be able to read the paragraphs when you visit on Curriculum Night. 

I am looking forward to spending a fantastic year with your children.  Thanks for sharing them with me!

Wednesday in Mrs. Bognetti's Class

This morning we learned two more cursive letters, "L" and "P".  Then, we went to an assembly to get the kids excited about summer reading.  There is a website called RAZkids that they will be set up on.  Students who read for 450 minutes over the summer will earn a T-shirt and a Pizza Party in the fall!  Information will be sent home for you.  Then, we listened to Student Council speeches.  Afterward, we voted for the best candidates.  After gym class, we wrote paragraphs about our second grade year.  After lunch, we finished the paragraphs and then attended Wesley's Talent Show.  It was fantastic, as usual! 

Please send your child to school tomorrow with GYM SHOES for Field Day.  We will be participating in the morning.  We will either be inside or outside, weather depending.

Tuesday in Mrs. Bognetti's Class

We had such a fun day!  This morning we wrote about our three day weekends and shared them with the class.  Then, we learned the cursive letters "T" and "F".  We read about different holidays we celebrate in Social Studies and analyzed them on a timeline.  Then, we made timelines of our school year!  They look great.  We put one event on the timeline for each month that we were in school.  Then, we went to the computer lab.  This afternoon, we took a timed test.  Then, we went to the Nature Center.  We listened to different sounds, looked for animal homes, and compared large things in nature to small things.  The children had some great stories to share and noticed many things.  While we were there, we had a treat from Dairy Queen.  Then, we walked back to school and learned the cursive letters "S" and "G".  We are almost finished with the alphabet!  There is no homework today!

Thursday in Mrs. Bognetti's Class

This morning we worked hard practicing all of our skills for Ruth Law.  We re-read the story and answered comprehension questions.  We learned about muscles and added them to our human bodies.  We made a skeleton and put together the bones.  All of our human body and dental things came home today to be studied for tomorrow's test.  This afternoon we learned about coordinates in math.  We will have a math test on data analysis tomorrow (median, mode, range, coordinates).  We went to gym and music at the end of the day.

There will not be a Reading or Spelling test tomorrow.

Wednesday in Mrs. Bognetti's Class

We worked so hard this morning to finish our timelines of our lives.  Then, we completed a couple of activities using timelines.  We looked at historical maps and practiced using one to answer some questions.  We also took our Social Studies test.  We went to music and art this morning.  After lunch, we learned about medians in math.  Most students did very well.  Only a few have homework.  In Science, we learned about bones.  We added a rib cage and leg bones to our models of human bodies.  We will have a human body/dental test on Friday.  A packet will be sent home to study tomorrow.

Tuesday in Mrs. Bognetti's Class

We were busy as usual today!  We started by writing in our journals.  Then, we used words with the prefixes over and un.  We wrote some words in our Quick Words and completed a workbook page.  Then, we introduced our vocabulary words and talked about making predictions.  Then, we read the story Ruth Law Thrills a Nation.  It is a non-fiction biography.  The students really enjoyed it.  We completed a scavenger hunt in class.  Then, we went to the computer lab.  Afterwards, we took an exciting tour of a third grade classroom!  We asked questions about third grade and the students answered us.  It was a great opportunity for us to curb some nervousness about next year.  After lunch, we took a timed test.  In math, we learned about range and mode.  Some students do have homework.  Then, we got together as an entire second grade to raffle off the Washington, D.C. posters and paragraphs.  In Science, we learned about the heart, stomach, instestines and lungs.  We cut them out and added them to the bodies we are putting together.  They look great.

Don't forget there is a Social Studies test tomorrow.  Please help your child study!

Friday in Mrs. Bognetti's Class

This morning we took our Math MAP tests.  I am so impressed with how much the class has grown!  We sure have learned a lot this year!  After, we had some high school football players come and read to us.  We enjoyed a good fiction book.  Then, we took our last Reading test.  We will still read a story next week, but we will not assess it.  We completed our DLP and a grammar activity together.  After lunch we squeezed in our Spelling test.  In math, we learned how to make predictions with probability.  We used spinners, cubes in bags, and coins to tell how many chances we had of getting certain things.  Most students do have homework.  In Social Studies, we started making timelines of our lives.  Thanks to those of you who sat with your children and helped them write events!  It made it so much easier to create!  We also added "brains" to our human bodies that we are working on.  Have a wonderful weekend!

Thursday in Mrs. Bognetti's Class

We wrote paragraphs this morning on how to make a sandwich.  I can't wait to read them to see if I can actually follow the directions and successfully make a sandwich.  We made sure to use transition words to show the sequencing of steps.  Then, we reviewed homophones and completed an activity in class.  We practiced breaking words into syllables.  We corrected the DLP and finished a grammar activity on helping verbs.  Next, we went to the library.  When we returned, we learned the cursive letters "J" and "Q".  We also had centers/guided reading.  After lunch, we practiced flossing and brushing on a model of teeth.  I think we have some future dentists in our class!  In math, we learned the terms "more likely", "equally likely" and "less likely".  Most students do have homework.  We had a lot of fun flipping coins, rolling dice, and shaking bags of cubes.  After gym and music we took a timed test, but only two students passed today.  I reminded everyone to practice tonight so we can have more pass tomorrow!  We will have a Social Studies test on Unit 5 next Wednesday.  A half-sheet reminder came home today and I will send the books home over the weekend for practice.

Wednesday in Mrs. Bognetti's Class

This morning we made a list of words we knew with aw and augh.  We found that our list of aw words was way longer than augh.  Then, we reviewed our vocabulary and word wall words.  We re-read our story in groups and completed a scavenger hunt.  After gym and music, we finished our DLP and had centers/guided reading.  After lunch, we finished the book Holes.  The children stood up and cheered when it ended because they were so excited about it.  They wished there was a sequel.  What fun books can be!  In math, we started learning about probability.  We discussed the terms certain, probable and impossible.  Some students have homework.  In Social Studies, we learned about timelines.  For homework, please help your child write one event from every year in his/her life so we can create our own timelines in class.  The sheet is due on Friday.  We also talked about westward expansion by train.  In Science, we began our unit on the human body.  We learned about our brains and how important it is that we protect it.  We got together in groups to trace bodies and we will add body parts as we learn about them.  It was a great day.

Tuesday in Mrs. Bognetti's Class

Even though we had no specials today, the children stayed focused and we learned a lot!  We wrote some words with au and augh in our Quick Words.  Then, I gave them a few minutes to work in their Spelling Packets (Oops!  I didn't send it home yesterday!).  They know it is still due on Thursday.  Then, we did a Making Words activity.  We introduced our vocabulary words.  We talked about homophones (words that sound the same but have different meanings).  We read our story Montigue Sails the High Seas.  The children really enjoyed hearing about the adventures this mole takes.  We completed our DLP, wrote directions together, and worked with helping verbs.  We learned the cursive letter "I".  Then we got to two centers/guided reading groups.  After lunch, we read more of Holes.  In math, we did some problem solving and took a test on fractions.  We will start probability tomorrow.  In Science, we reviewed our dental Power Point and then made "Tooth-Mobiles".  Each child had to write four facts they learned about teeth.  They turned out really well!  We will squeeze in even more tomorrow!

Monday in Mrs. Bognetti's Class

Monday, Monday!  We started this morning by writing what we would do if we lived in a palace.  The dreams were quite fascinating!  Then, we learned about words with aw and augh.  We introduced our spelling words and practiced writing them in our workbooks.  We completed our DLP, learned about writing directions, and talked about helping verbs.  Most of us finished our "how-to" paragraphs from last week.  We also learned the cursive letter "X".  We had art class, too.  After lunch, we read Holes again.  We only have 6 chapters left.  We learned how to compare fractions in math class.  Some students do have math homework.  In Social Studies, we learned all about Paul Revere and read Longfellow's famous poem Paul Revere's Ride.  The chldren really enjoyed it.  After, we read about westward expansion and talked about Lewis and Clark.  We discussed the life of pioneers and how difficult and risky it was.  Some students need to finish a S.S. worksheet for homework, but most turned it in before the end of the day. 

Wednesday in Mrs. Bognetti's Room

We practiced using words with ou and ough this morning.  Then, we re-read our story Dinosaurs Travel.  We completed a scavenger hunt together.  We completed our DLP and a grammar activity.  After gym and music, we had two centers/guided reading groups.  After lunch, we read Holes.  In math we learned about fractions of a group.  Some students do have homework.  We also took another timed test.  In Social Studies, we learned about the American Revolution and completed an activity in class.  We worked in our Dental Packet for Science today.  All of the children were AIMS-WEB tested this afternoon.  We tested their reading fluency skills.

Tuesday in Mrs. Bognetti's Room

We started our day with our math lesson on more fractions.  The students are doing a great job.  Some do have homework.  We took another timed test and three more people passed a level.  After that, we began literacy.  We analyzed words with ou and ough, did a Making Words activity, and added some words to our Quick Words.  Then, we introduced the vocabulary words for this week's story.  We put those words into sentences.  We made a web about different ways we travel.  Then, we read the story Dinosaurs Travel.  It is a non-fiction story written as a travel guide for children.  It is illustrated by Marc Brown, so a lot of the characters look similar to the ones in the Arthur Books.  The children loved it!  After lunch, we read more of Holes.  Then, we took our Science test.  We learned the cursive letters Y and Z.  Then, we started our new Dental unit.  We watched a Power Point and had a great discussion about teeth and what to do if there is an emergency with our teeth.  The children need to complete a chart at home over the next couple of weeks.  Every time they brush and floss their teeth, they need to cut and glue a tooth to put on the chart.  You will need to sign and return it when your child is finished.

Monday in Mrs. Bognetti's Class

Thank you to those of you who helped your child make a Native American diorama!  The ones that were turned in look great!  We were able to share the dioramas with the class at the end of the day.

This morning we learned about words with ou and ough, sounding like oo.  We completed an activity together and then introduced our spelling words with the same pattern.  We completed our DLP, talked about how to write "how-to" paragraphs, and discussed subject/verb agreement.  We also learned the capital cursive letters K and U.  Then, we went to art class.  We read more of Holes.  In math, we learned about fractions that equal one whole.  If you can, have your child help use fractions in the kitchen this week.  Have them use a whole cup, or half cup and use fraction vocabulary.  Some students do have math homework.  In Social Studies, we re-read our lesson on the first colonies, watched a video clip about Jamestown and Plymouth and then completed an activity in class.

Tomorrow we will take our Science test.  Coming home today are several papers on light and sound that can be used to study for the test.  Science books were sent home as well.  Thanks for all your help at home!

Friday in Mrs. Bognetti's Class

Thank you to all who attended Celebration of Learning Night!  I am so glad that you had the opportunity to come and see all the wonderful things we've been working on here at Wesley School!  Your children were so proud to show you everything! 

This morning we started our day off with math.  We began learning about fractions in math today.  We learned that they are parts of a whole.  Most students finished their work in class.  Then, we reviewed words with re- and pre-.  We completed our DLP and a grammar worksheet, too.  After, we took our Reading test and learned the cursive letter "N".  This afternoon, we read more of Holes.  We learned about explorers in Social Studies.  We talked about Christopher Columbus, settlers at Jamestown, and the Pilgrims. We also took notes.  Then, we learned the cursive letters "H" and "M".  We ran out of time to take our spelling test...so sorry!  At the end of the day we had Celebration Day.

Wednesday in Mrs. Bognetti's Class

This morning we wrote in our journals about why it is fun to learn about new places.  After we shared, we practiced writing sentences using our spelling words.  We reviewed our Word Wall words, too.  Then, we got into groups and worked on a comprehension packet of questions using our reading books.  Our story this week is an atlas, so there will be several Social Studies grades given this week!  After gym and music, we finished taking our Theme Test.  We also were able to fit in centers for a short time.  This afternoon, we read Holes.  Then, we did some problem solving in math using a working backward strategy.  We will have a math test on triple digit subtraction tomorrow so a review workbook page was sent home for homework.  We took another timed test.  In Social Studies, we re-read our lesson on Native Americans and made a chart for display in our room to remind us of the different materials that were used by each group.  In Science, we re-read our lesson about Sound and completed an activity in class.  Ms. Wilken also helped teach Science in Music class this morning, showing examples of pitch, vibrations, and sound.  We will have a Science Test on Heat, Light and Sound next Tuesday.

Monday in Mrs. Bognetti's Class

We started off our morning by practicing reading our Washington, D.C. paragraphs with our groups so that we were ready to present this afternoon.  Then, we wrote in our journals about our likes/dislikes of apple pie.  I couldn't believe how many students had never had apple pie before!  Then, we introduced our phonics pattern for this week (oo and ou).  We also learned our spelling words and wrote on notebook paper.  After we finished our DLP, writing and grammar, we also learned cursive capital letters C and E.  We are working hard to write our names correctly!  We went to art as well.  After lunch, we learned more about subtracting three digit numbers in math.  Some students do have homework.  Then, we presented our Washington, D.C. projects.  The groups did wonderfully!  We are so glad to be done so you can see them at Celebration of Learning Night this Thursday at 6pm.  At the end of the day, we read about Native Americans (and tied in what we learned on our field trip).  We talked about three different groups of Native Americans and what they eat, wore, lived in and how they traveled.  There is an optional Native American Diorama project that will be counted as extra credit for those who choose to do it.  Directions are coming home today!  The project will be due next Monday.  Thanks for all your extra support at home!