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.