"One more day" is all I have heard today! I can tell students are getting itchy for break to start! We worked hard today on a project in the computer lab. I can't tell you specifics, but I can tell you that students learned how to import a picture into a Word Document as well as format a paper with margins: very important computer skills! I was very proud of them! Wait until you see what they made you!
In math, we worked on forming bar models to help us solve word problems. We also did math stations but not until this afternoon. We ended up having "Afternoon Meeting" rather than Morning Meeting because we forgot this morning!
Please remember the book for the book swap tomorrow. Let me know if you don't have one.
Thanks!
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Wednesday
Told to Mrs. F by 2F students:
Today we did the portfolio reflections in the computer lab. We did some math this morning. We had music in the classroom. In music, we learned about the wooden soldiers. We listened to the Nutcracker and sang Lonely Little Christmas Tree. In word work, we did an assignment where we had a partner and a sheet of paper and you had paper letters that you tried to make a word with. We had morning meeting. We had snacks at our seats today. We had outside recess for all 3 recesses! Today in Second Step, we learned about two kinds of criticism. We had lunch and then we went to the computer lab to do portfolios and Kidblogs. Today was awesome!
Today we did the portfolio reflections in the computer lab. We did some math this morning. We had music in the classroom. In music, we learned about the wooden soldiers. We listened to the Nutcracker and sang Lonely Little Christmas Tree. In word work, we did an assignment where we had a partner and a sheet of paper and you had paper letters that you tried to make a word with. We had morning meeting. We had snacks at our seats today. We had outside recess for all 3 recesses! Today in Second Step, we learned about two kinds of criticism. We had lunch and then we went to the computer lab to do portfolios and Kidblogs. Today was awesome!
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Tuesday
We did some assessments today in math and writing. We were also able to get into small groups for math. I am still going over subtraction with some students. Any support at home is greatly appreciated!
In reading we read a poem called "Winter Dark" and talked about personification and alliteration! Very cool! In word work, I introduced the 5 new word wall words.
Students finished uploading to their blogs. Others wrote more on the iPads!
In reading we read a poem called "Winter Dark" and talked about personification and alliteration! Very cool! In word work, I introduced the 5 new word wall words.
Students finished uploading to their blogs. Others wrote more on the iPads!
Monday, December 16, 2013
Monday
The energy is high in 2F and all around! We had Mrs. Jones come this morning and we learned how to play "Blink" and "Circles": 2 fun card games. Everyone got a chance to play both.
In reading, we did a challenging activity involving reading a selection about traditions and holidays in different religions. Students then needed to answer questions using this source of information. We talked about main idea and what that means: a challenging topic. We were able to split into 3 groups, which was helpful to get our work done. After this, we uploaded our prompts to our blogs. Check out our Kidblog page! You can see them there.
This afternoon, we read a book and drew a quilt square for a Winter Traditions quilt. Also, we worked on Weekend News.
Don't forget about the book swap on Friday! Thanks so much!
In reading, we did a challenging activity involving reading a selection about traditions and holidays in different religions. Students then needed to answer questions using this source of information. We talked about main idea and what that means: a challenging topic. We were able to split into 3 groups, which was helpful to get our work done. After this, we uploaded our prompts to our blogs. Check out our Kidblog page! You can see them there.
This afternoon, we read a book and drew a quilt square for a Winter Traditions quilt. Also, we worked on Weekend News.
Don't forget about the book swap on Friday! Thanks so much!
Thursday, December 12, 2013
Thursday
Thank you to all of you who have signed up to bring things for our Holiday Party. It should be a fun time!
We played a bit of catch up today since I was out yesterday. Students worked on math and had some fun in the computer lab. In word work, they did a making words activity with the phonics focus of the week.
This afternoon, we worked on our work jobs. Some went to the library, some worked on the iPads. All went well!
We played a bit of catch up today since I was out yesterday. Students worked on math and had some fun in the computer lab. In word work, they did a making words activity with the phonics focus of the week.
This afternoon, we worked on our work jobs. Some went to the library, some worked on the iPads. All went well!
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Tuesday
We worked more with bar modeling this morning. Then we were able to break into math groups. Some were on the computer, a few played games, and some worked with me on subtraction!
In reading, we learned about reading with fluency. I introduced Freddy Fluency whose advice is "Don't Read Like a Robot!" We read The Day the Goose Got Loose and talked about punctuation and how that tells us how to read. After that was the work board.
In word work, we found words with long i sounds. We finished up Weekend News and had writing share. Ethan shared his pictures of his trip to England as well!
In reading, we learned about reading with fluency. I introduced Freddy Fluency whose advice is "Don't Read Like a Robot!" We read The Day the Goose Got Loose and talked about punctuation and how that tells us how to read. After that was the work board.
In word work, we found words with long i sounds. We finished up Weekend News and had writing share. Ethan shared his pictures of his trip to England as well!
Monday, December 9, 2013
Monday
My apologies once again for not updating. We've been busy! This morning, Mrs. Jones came to do some work with us on empty number lines. Our number sense is excellent! We learned an easier way to subtract something like 289 from 500. We jump from 289 to 300 by adding 11. Then add 200 to get from 300 to 500. We add 11 + 200 to get 211, which is the answer to 500 - 289. That's so much easier than the algorithm. After she left, we did some work with word problems and determining if you add or subtract in a problem. This will be our focus for the next unit. We will be working with bar models for this unit. Stay tuned for more on that!
In reading, I introduced a new work job using the iPad. It's called Write About and students choose a picture and a prompt to compose on the iPad. We will be uploading these to our personal blogs, instead of posting to my Kidblog. We will learn how to upload on Friday. Very exciting!
Students are also learning how to revise their Write About Reading from last week based on comments I have made on last week's work. Lots going on!
In word work, we learned 5 new word wall words. 4 of the 5 have long i followed by silent e. This is the phonics rule for the week. Finally, in writing this afternoon, we answered a question for a writing prompt and then did Weekend News. Students shared their published pieces with the class.
New homework went home today. Thanks for your help with this.
In reading, I introduced a new work job using the iPad. It's called Write About and students choose a picture and a prompt to compose on the iPad. We will be uploading these to our personal blogs, instead of posting to my Kidblog. We will learn how to upload on Friday. Very exciting!
Students are also learning how to revise their Write About Reading from last week based on comments I have made on last week's work. Lots going on!
In word work, we learned 5 new word wall words. 4 of the 5 have long i followed by silent e. This is the phonics rule for the week. Finally, in writing this afternoon, we answered a question for a writing prompt and then did Weekend News. Students shared their published pieces with the class.
New homework went home today. Thanks for your help with this.
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Wednesday
Happy Holiday Concert! How fun was that? What a wonderful time! Thanks to all who could make it.
In math today, we reviewed subtraction. Any help you can give with addition facts to 20 would be fabulous. Don't forget XTra Math too. That's an option. There are also great iPad apps out there for studying basic facts. You can make your own flashcards on Quizlet.
We had dress rehearsal this morning when we performed for the whole school too. After that, we did the workboard in reading. This afternoon, we worked a little in our handwriting books and then Mrs. Kleiner came for a Second Step lesson.
In math today, we reviewed subtraction. Any help you can give with addition facts to 20 would be fabulous. Don't forget XTra Math too. That's an option. There are also great iPad apps out there for studying basic facts. You can make your own flashcards on Quizlet.
We had dress rehearsal this morning when we performed for the whole school too. After that, we did the workboard in reading. This afternoon, we worked a little in our handwriting books and then Mrs. Kleiner came for a Second Step lesson.
Monday, December 2, 2013
Monday
Happy Monday and welcome back! It was a pretty smooth re-entry, considering the kiddos are very excited to see one another again. We reviewed subtraction across zeros by rebuilding numbers. For example, 500 is 5 hundreds and 4 hundreds, 10 ones and 4 hundreds, 9 tens, 10 ones. This was tricky for some. We will keep reviewing subtraction until the test on Friday. Any help at home would be fabulous!
In reading today, we learned about 3 new words: baubled, bangled and draped. These were in the poem that we read for shared reading. We also learned about a new form for the listening center and for write about reading. Next were work jobs.
This afternoon, we read The Night Tree by Eve Bunting and began to discuss traditions. Part of our social studies unit is to talk about traditions. Students are being asked to talk about family traditions for homework and I have a post on Kidblog about traditions. Thank you for your help with the paper part of the homework. In word work, we got our new words. To end our day, we made snowmen glyphs to decorate the MPR for the concerts tomorrow and Wednesday.
In reading today, we learned about 3 new words: baubled, bangled and draped. These were in the poem that we read for shared reading. We also learned about a new form for the listening center and for write about reading. Next were work jobs.
This afternoon, we read The Night Tree by Eve Bunting and began to discuss traditions. Part of our social studies unit is to talk about traditions. Students are being asked to talk about family traditions for homework and I have a post on Kidblog about traditions. Thank you for your help with the paper part of the homework. In word work, we got our new words. To end our day, we made snowmen glyphs to decorate the MPR for the concerts tomorrow and Wednesday.
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Tuesday
Happy Thanksgiving to one and all!
We were very energetic today! In math, we tackled subtraction across zeros. For example 500 - 237. This is a very tricky concept for second graders. We worked with the blocks to help us understand.
In reading,we read a book about Thanksgiving and then did an unscrambling sentences activity. Finally, we finished up any work we needed to do for the workboard.
In writing this afternoon, we edited our published pieces (personal narratives). Some of us are in the publishing stage!
No homework this week! Enjoy the break!
We were very energetic today! In math, we tackled subtraction across zeros. For example 500 - 237. This is a very tricky concept for second graders. We worked with the blocks to help us understand.
In reading,we read a book about Thanksgiving and then did an unscrambling sentences activity. Finally, we finished up any work we needed to do for the workboard.
In writing this afternoon, we edited our published pieces (personal narratives). Some of us are in the publishing stage!
No homework this week! Enjoy the break!
Monday, November 25, 2013
Monday
We started our day with Mrs. Jones coming in and doing some number sense activities with beans. Mrs. Maynard was supposed to come to read, but had another commitment, so students had free choice time after snack and morning meeting. This was a treat! In reading, we read a Thanksgiving book and did a basic retelling of the beginning, middle and end on paper. Students got a chance to go on our Kidblog site and respond to a few questions I put out there. They really love this. It is my hope that they will begin to add things to their own blogs as soon as they are familiar with the idea.
This afternoon, we read a book called Saving Sweetness. After that, we wrote notes to go along with food baskets that are being delivered to families who need them. Next, we picked out things for our portfolios.
Please remember there is no school on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday this week. Also, the holiday concert is Dec 4 at 1:45.
This afternoon, we read a book called Saving Sweetness. After that, we wrote notes to go along with food baskets that are being delivered to families who need them. Next, we picked out things for our portfolios.
Please remember there is no school on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday this week. Also, the holiday concert is Dec 4 at 1:45.
Saturday, November 23, 2013
Thankful
I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to go to a national conference in Boston yesterday.
Please see the kidblog to find out what else I'm thankful for........
http://kidblog.org/JoanFollansbeesclass
Please see the kidblog to find out what else I'm thankful for........
http://kidblog.org/JoanFollansbeesclass
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Wednesday
Today in math we talked more about subtraction with regrouping. Students then broke into small groups to work with an adult. After music, where we practiced in the Multi-purpose Room for the concert, we had morning meeting and snack. Students had a movement break outside and came back to work on the work board for reading. We listened to 2 more book talks this afternoon and worked on revising our narrative stories.
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Monday and Tuesday
Have you heard? We used iPads today to record our book talks! Very exciting! Students were really excited to do this and watch their videos. Between that and MAP tests yesterday as well as Fire Prevention things, we are a little off the beaten path as far as normalcy goes this week. That's okay, though. We've been having fun!
In writing, we are revising up a storm! Students are making their changes on the computer but yesterday, we took out SPECIAL pens! The revision pens that have the power to revise. So, exciting!!!! We learned to revise by answering questions within our writing. Adding carets to insert sentences was a skill that we practiced.
In math, our math stations are going really well! Subtraction with regrouping is still the focus. We are so busy! Life is good in 2F! It's really clicking for us now.
In writing, we are revising up a storm! Students are making their changes on the computer but yesterday, we took out SPECIAL pens! The revision pens that have the power to revise. So, exciting!!!! We learned to revise by answering questions within our writing. Adding carets to insert sentences was a skill that we practiced.
In math, our math stations are going really well! Subtraction with regrouping is still the focus. We are so busy! Life is good in 2F! It's really clicking for us now.
Friday, November 15, 2013
Friday
What an exciting day! We went to the computer lab this afternoon and went on our own blogs! Each child has their own blog on Kidblog.org. They learned to log in, change their avatar and post a comment on a general question that I posed. I plan to use these blogs in many different ways. I hope to share this work with you as we get it up and running. There is power in children writing for an audience.
Mrs. Jones came in for math this morning and worked with us on some mental math strategies. We are reviewing making a ten to help us whenever we can to add in our heads.
I hope you have a wonderful weekend! Please let me know if you have any questions.
Mrs. Jones came in for math this morning and worked with us on some mental math strategies. We are reviewing making a ten to help us whenever we can to add in our heads.
I hope you have a wonderful weekend! Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Thursday
Popcorn Tomorrow!!!!
We are rocking it in math. The assessments are showing improvement in their computation skills. I'm thrilled! We learned to regroup the hundreds and tens today. We will need more work with this skill. It is tricky.
We had art in the classroom due to the artist in residence. In reading, we read another Ladybug book: Creepy Carrots. We went outside to draw the naked tree! It was gorgeous out this afternoon. Finally, we did some word sorting with 3 letter beginning blends.
We are rocking it in math. The assessments are showing improvement in their computation skills. I'm thrilled! We learned to regroup the hundreds and tens today. We will need more work with this skill. It is tricky.
We had art in the classroom due to the artist in residence. In reading, we read another Ladybug book: Creepy Carrots. We went outside to draw the naked tree! It was gorgeous out this afternoon. Finally, we did some word sorting with 3 letter beginning blends.
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Wednesday
This morning in math, we began regrouping with 3 digit subtraction. We regrouped in the tens and ones and then tomorrow we will do the hundreds and tens. Using blocks is the best way for students to see concretely what this process means. I'm seeing lightbulbs come on daily! It's great. We were able to do math stations as well. Small group work is the way to go!
Mrs. Kaplan came in to read us a Ladybug book. That was fun to have a visitor. We are also fortunate to have a high school student come in and work in our room every other day. Jed Aubertin (Mrs. Aubertin's son) will be here for the remainder of his semester.
During reading, students found tricky words in their reading and thought about the strategy they used to solve it. This was an interesting activity. It's difficult for some to think about how they are solving words when they read.
In word work, we searched for beginning blends in the books which are in our book boxes. This was challenging, but I am proud of our class for sticking it out! They did great! Finally, we were able to write the questions down from yesterday's writing activity when we used the iPads.
Mrs. Kaplan came in to read us a Ladybug book. That was fun to have a visitor. We are also fortunate to have a high school student come in and work in our room every other day. Jed Aubertin (Mrs. Aubertin's son) will be here for the remainder of his semester.
During reading, students found tricky words in their reading and thought about the strategy they used to solve it. This was an interesting activity. It's difficult for some to think about how they are solving words when they read.
In word work, we searched for beginning blends in the books which are in our book boxes. This was challenging, but I am proud of our class for sticking it out! They did great! Finally, we were able to write the questions down from yesterday's writing activity when we used the iPads.
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Tuesday
I hope you all had a wonderful long weekend. Today seemed like a Monday for sure. We began our day doing something different. I started with a math lesson and then we broke into groups for math stations. Some students played a math game, some worked on math facts, others did independent work, some worked on the computer and others worked with me. It was great! After PE, we had snack and morning meeting. Next came reading. I showed students what we were doing this week for Write About Reading. Students this week will be preparing a book talk on a favorite book from the classroom library. This week, they will brainstorm the important parts of the book for this book talk. It is my hope that students will share their favorite books with each other by the end of the week.
After lunch and recess, we read The Paperboy. Next I introduced the 5 new word wall words for the week: street, long, give, through, and school. Finally, in writing workshop we began the revision stage of our narrative writing. Students partnered up and asked each other questions using the iPad to record the questions. Tomorrow we will learn to take those questions and add them in somewhere to our writing.
New homework went home today. Let me know if you have questions! Thanks!
After lunch and recess, we read The Paperboy. Next I introduced the 5 new word wall words for the week: street, long, give, through, and school. Finally, in writing workshop we began the revision stage of our narrative writing. Students partnered up and asked each other questions using the iPad to record the questions. Tomorrow we will learn to take those questions and add them in somewhere to our writing.
New homework went home today. Let me know if you have questions! Thanks!
Friday, November 8, 2013
Thursday and Friday
We had some fun with the Artist in Residence. Students got to use digital cameras and take pictures of their environment that looked like the letters of the alphabet. They worked in partners for this fun activity.
In math, we learned how to check our work in a subtraction problem by adding. We also are continuing to work on regrouping. I introduced 3 digit subtraction without regrouping on Thursday.
In writing, students all typed their published piece first drafts. Now we will work to revise them and make them the best they can be!
We had an assembly this morning for Veteran's Day. I have a video of us singing God Bless America that I will post this weekend.
In reading, we are continuing to fine tune our work with retelling stories. Also, we are reviewing strategies for solving words in text.
Have a wonderful weekend! Remember, no school on Monday.
In math, we learned how to check our work in a subtraction problem by adding. We also are continuing to work on regrouping. I introduced 3 digit subtraction without regrouping on Thursday.
In writing, students all typed their published piece first drafts. Now we will work to revise them and make them the best they can be!
We had an assembly this morning for Veteran's Day. I have a video of us singing God Bless America that I will post this weekend.
In reading, we are continuing to fine tune our work with retelling stories. Also, we are reviewing strategies for solving words in text.
Have a wonderful weekend! Remember, no school on Monday.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Wednesday
Sorry for the late post! We had a visitor from the Math in Focus program come today. She introduced bar models to our class. They did a great job listening and focusing. In writing this morning, we read a book Fireflies and wrote about when we went on a hunt for something in nature. In reading, we talked about strategies for what to do when you come to a word that you don't know in text. We did a fun activity called Guess the Covered Word. In word work, we sorted pictures with beginning blends. It was a busy day!
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Tuesday
This morning, we worked on subtraction with regrouping. This is a tough concept! We will continue to keep it going. Tomorrow we have a representative from the Math in Focus program come into our class to teach a lesson. I can't wait!
After PE, we had reading for the remainder of the morning. I modeled how to complete this week's write about reading. It's a summary and it's a lot of work! We wrote one together about Gooney Bird Greene (the read aloud). Work jobs took us to lunch time. I enjoy having reading in the middle of the morning. I may need to revisit the way the schedule goes! It's good to change it up!
When the students come back from lunch and recess, I read aloud to them. This is a nice transition from the outside world back into the classroom. We finished Owen and Mzee. Next, we did word work. The focus of that lesson was beginning blends and the difference between a blend and a digraph. After that, we moved into writing workshop where some students were typing their published pieces while others did other work.
After PE, we had reading for the remainder of the morning. I modeled how to complete this week's write about reading. It's a summary and it's a lot of work! We wrote one together about Gooney Bird Greene (the read aloud). Work jobs took us to lunch time. I enjoy having reading in the middle of the morning. I may need to revisit the way the schedule goes! It's good to change it up!
When the students come back from lunch and recess, I read aloud to them. This is a nice transition from the outside world back into the classroom. We finished Owen and Mzee. Next, we did word work. The focus of that lesson was beginning blends and the difference between a blend and a digraph. After that, we moved into writing workshop where some students were typing their published pieces while others did other work.
Monday, November 4, 2013
Monday
Today we had MAP testing first thing. The kiddos worked really hard on this test! It was very challenging but I am so proud at how well students tried. We had snack and a movement break outside after this. After morning meeting, we had reading. We usually have this in the afternoon, but it was a zigger zagger day! We read a new story called Owen and Mzee. We will finish this tomorrow. In word work, we have 5 new word wall words: place, friend, people, start, grade. During writer's workshop, we wrote a story together about our scarecrow experience. Then, we went to the computer lab to type our drafts of the narrative piece that will go through the writing process.
New homework went home today. The math is work to finish up from their folders. Thanks for your help with that!
New homework went home today. The math is work to finish up from their folders. Thanks for your help with that!
Friday, November 1, 2013
Friday
We had a very busy day today! One exciting victory is that students were able to log into the server and do portfolio reflections, answer in sentences, print and save them in the correct place on their own! Very exciting news!!!
Our MAP test (computer based standardized test) in reading will be Monday. Please make sure your child has had a good night's sleep and a solid breakfast before school Monday. Please let me know if you have questions about this.
Our MAP test (computer based standardized test) in reading will be Monday. Please make sure your child has had a good night's sleep and a solid breakfast before school Monday. Please let me know if you have questions about this.
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Thursday: Happy Halloween!
What a great day we've had! Wow, I'm exhausted.... scarecrows, computer lab, 3B's parade and trick or treating still to come! Fabulous! It was awesome!
We are almost done Gooney Bird Greene! Thanks to Mrs. Guay who read at the end of the day.
We are almost done Gooney Bird Greene! Thanks to Mrs. Guay who read at the end of the day.
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Wednesday
The excitement for the week is building! We can hardly wait for tomorrow! In school, we have the 3B's parade in the morning and then scarecrow making in the afternoon. There is a lot going on!
Today in math, we began the algorithm of subtraction with regrouping. For some, it was easy. Others are still trying to get a handle on it. We will continue with 2 digit subtraction this week. The goal is for them to learn 3 digit minus 3 digit subtraction (across zeros even!) by the end of the unit. Wow!
In writing, we are working on those sensory details. We read an amazing story called Come On Rain! with some amazing details! After, I have asked students to choose a piece of writing to bring to publishing stage. More on this to come. This piece is a narrative piece of writing.
In word work, we finished up our work on word families today.
During reading, we did the work board with work jobs.
Don't forget to have your child wear black and yellow tomorrow!
Today in math, we began the algorithm of subtraction with regrouping. For some, it was easy. Others are still trying to get a handle on it. We will continue with 2 digit subtraction this week. The goal is for them to learn 3 digit minus 3 digit subtraction (across zeros even!) by the end of the unit. Wow!
In writing, we are working on those sensory details. We read an amazing story called Come On Rain! with some amazing details! After, I have asked students to choose a piece of writing to bring to publishing stage. More on this to come. This piece is a narrative piece of writing.
In word work, we finished up our work on word families today.
During reading, we did the work board with work jobs.
Don't forget to have your child wear black and yellow tomorrow!
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Tuesday
I am so impressed with the writing that these second graders are producing! It is FABULOUS!!!!! They are integrating the lessons I've done into their Weekend News and everything! Yipee!!!! We will be talking about doing a published piece of writing together. Each child will draft, edit, revise, and publish (type) a personal narrative. It will be the culmination of this unit and will be finished by November 22.
In math, we are working through double digit subtraction with regrouping. Subtraction is typically difficult for second graders. We keep plugging along. Ask about the poems I showed them today. It helps with subtraction (More on top, no need to stop; More on the floor, go next door, take a ten and start again; Numbers the same? Zero's the game!)
In word work, we talked about the phonics rule of the week: double letters at the end of the short vowel word. We practiced making words.
We made paper chain necklaces to wear for the 3B's parade on Thursday. Don't forget to dress in black and yellow that day!
In math, we are working through double digit subtraction with regrouping. Subtraction is typically difficult for second graders. We keep plugging along. Ask about the poems I showed them today. It helps with subtraction (More on top, no need to stop; More on the floor, go next door, take a ten and start again; Numbers the same? Zero's the game!)
In word work, we talked about the phonics rule of the week: double letters at the end of the short vowel word. We practiced making words.
We made paper chain necklaces to wear for the 3B's parade on Thursday. Don't forget to dress in black and yellow that day!
Monday, October 28, 2013
Monday
Happy Monday!
This morning, Mrs. Jones came in to do empty number line with us. You should ask your child about this activity. There is some serious mental math happening in here! We then looked at renaming numbers with a different amount of blocks. This is an activity that will get us ready for subtracting and regrouping.
In writing, we reread Twilight Comes Twice by Ralph Fletcher. This is one of my favorite picture books. The description is amazing! We talked about using sensory details in our writing. Students identified the details Fletcher used in his book and then tried using some of these type of details in their Weekend News. It was fun to see what each child did with this assignment.
In word work, we have 5 new words: across, off, your, small, still
We read aloud Gooney Bird Greene and then did the work board. We have new activities that go with Word Work on the work board. Ask your child!
Thanks for all of the scarecrow things. If you haven't sent them yet, please do so. Thank you!
This morning, Mrs. Jones came in to do empty number line with us. You should ask your child about this activity. There is some serious mental math happening in here! We then looked at renaming numbers with a different amount of blocks. This is an activity that will get us ready for subtracting and regrouping.
In writing, we reread Twilight Comes Twice by Ralph Fletcher. This is one of my favorite picture books. The description is amazing! We talked about using sensory details in our writing. Students identified the details Fletcher used in his book and then tried using some of these type of details in their Weekend News. It was fun to see what each child did with this assignment.
In word work, we have 5 new words: across, off, your, small, still
We read aloud Gooney Bird Greene and then did the work board. We have new activities that go with Word Work on the work board. Ask your child!
Thanks for all of the scarecrow things. If you haven't sent them yet, please do so. Thank you!
Friday, October 25, 2013
Friday
To say the least, it has been a busy week! I haven't posted all week and I apologize!
Please remember to send in scarecrow things. Your child brought home a sheet on Monday for what they need to donate to make the scarecrows. Let me know if you haven't seen that. Also, we are collecting $1.50 from each child to purchase a snack for that day. Please send this in as soon as possible. Thank you.
I have let the class know that it is okay with me if they chew gum during the day to help them focus on their schoolwork. If you would like to send in some gum for the class, that would be great. If you feel you do not want your child chewing gum, please let me know. I appreciate it.
We have begun subtraction. Any work at home on the facts within 20 would be great. Thank you.
In writing, we have continued to work on narrative writing. I am impressed with the amount of writing that the students are doing. We made graphs in the computer lab yesterday and typed our portfolio reflections today. The more typing we do, the better we get!
We read Scholastic News today. Students worked in pairs or by themselves to read and answer questions. We had a test in spelling on our word wall words this week.
Our new read aloud is Gooney Bird Greene. It's a fun book. Have a wonderful weekend!
Please remember to send in scarecrow things. Your child brought home a sheet on Monday for what they need to donate to make the scarecrows. Let me know if you haven't seen that. Also, we are collecting $1.50 from each child to purchase a snack for that day. Please send this in as soon as possible. Thank you.
I have let the class know that it is okay with me if they chew gum during the day to help them focus on their schoolwork. If you would like to send in some gum for the class, that would be great. If you feel you do not want your child chewing gum, please let me know. I appreciate it.
We have begun subtraction. Any work at home on the facts within 20 would be great. Thank you.
In writing, we have continued to work on narrative writing. I am impressed with the amount of writing that the students are doing. We made graphs in the computer lab yesterday and typed our portfolio reflections today. The more typing we do, the better we get!
We read Scholastic News today. Students worked in pairs or by themselves to read and answer questions. We had a test in spelling on our word wall words this week.
Our new read aloud is Gooney Bird Greene. It's a fun book. Have a wonderful weekend!
Monday, October 21, 2013
Monday
Wow, what a busy day! Mrs. Jones was absent today so we started our day with a math test. Students did really well! They have shown so much growth in math already! During calendar, we go around and give a math fact about the number of school days we've had (today is day #35). I'm impressed what their math sentences! Woo Hoo! After the test, we worked in our handwriting books.
In writing workshop, we went over expectations for our Weekend News pieces. I related this to our study on narrative writing. I modeled a piece of writing for them and sent them on their way to work. Again, we are getting better at embellishing with details. We continue to work on capitalization and end punctuation too.
In word work, we have 5 new words: which, both, much, pick, watch. We practiced them by writing them and acting them out.
This afternoon, we got together in groups and decided which supplies we would bring for the scarecrow activity. Please let me know if you have a question about what your child is supposed to bring.
In reading, I read Leo the Late Bloomer and we talked about beginning, middle and end. Students practiced picking out beginning, middle and ends of the books they are reading. We then did the work board.
In writing workshop, we went over expectations for our Weekend News pieces. I related this to our study on narrative writing. I modeled a piece of writing for them and sent them on their way to work. Again, we are getting better at embellishing with details. We continue to work on capitalization and end punctuation too.
In word work, we have 5 new words: which, both, much, pick, watch. We practiced them by writing them and acting them out.
This afternoon, we got together in groups and decided which supplies we would bring for the scarecrow activity. Please let me know if you have a question about what your child is supposed to bring.
In reading, I read Leo the Late Bloomer and we talked about beginning, middle and end. Students practiced picking out beginning, middle and ends of the books they are reading. We then did the work board.
Friday, October 18, 2013
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Thursday
This week is flying by! Today in math, we did more work with regrouping in the tens and the ones place. Double regrouping is difficult, but we are plugging along! Mrs. Emerson would like for students to bring in a leaf for a clay project for next week.
In computer lab, we typed our reflections for our portfolios this week. I sent home the work that wasn't chosen for the week. We worked on digraphs in word work by playing BINGO! (Always a hit!)
This afternoon, we went outside to draw our tree. We've noticed that it changed! We worked on the Voice Thread project in reading too.
In computer lab, we typed our reflections for our portfolios this week. I sent home the work that wasn't chosen for the week. We worked on digraphs in word work by playing BINGO! (Always a hit!)
This afternoon, we went outside to draw our tree. We've noticed that it changed! We worked on the Voice Thread project in reading too.
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Tuesday
It was great to see so many of you at parent teacher conferences on Thursday. Thank you for taking the time to talk with me about your child.
Homework went home today and is due on Monday. Let me know if you have any questions. The Xtra Math site is optional.
In math this morning, we did a monthly assessment on computation. Students need to know their addition facts to 20. Any help at home with this is greatly appreciated. Also, in math, we reviewed regrouping in the tens place. Tomorrow we will do regrouping in the tens and the ones place.
In writing this morning, we worked on Weekend News. I introduced 5 new word wall words in word work: children, should, would, why, think. We will test them on Friday.
This afternoon, we had the librarians introduce the Ladybug books. They dressed up, it was fun! Ask your child. The rest of the afternoon was spent on "ketchup" work.
Check out the new Twitter feed on this page. Thanks to Mr. Carozza, you can follow our tweets as class. If you are on Twitter, please follow us: @FollansbeeFocus.
Homework went home today and is due on Monday. Let me know if you have any questions. The Xtra Math site is optional.
In math this morning, we did a monthly assessment on computation. Students need to know their addition facts to 20. Any help at home with this is greatly appreciated. Also, in math, we reviewed regrouping in the tens place. Tomorrow we will do regrouping in the tens and the ones place.
In writing this morning, we worked on Weekend News. I introduced 5 new word wall words in word work: children, should, would, why, think. We will test them on Friday.
This afternoon, we had the librarians introduce the Ladybug books. They dressed up, it was fun! Ask your child. The rest of the afternoon was spent on "ketchup" work.
Check out the new Twitter feed on this page. Thanks to Mr. Carozza, you can follow our tweets as class. If you are on Twitter, please follow us: @FollansbeeFocus.
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Tuesday
We switched things up a bit today. We did writing first thing and then math later. I had the students work on an assessment for writing this morning. They all wrote to a prompt for a benchmark at the beginning of the year. Everyone did well! In math today, we worked on regrouping when adding. This is a work in progress. We mainly focused on regrouping in the ones place. Tomorrow we will focus on regrouping in the tens place. We did work with this on paper too.
In word work, we talked about short e and short u words. Then we highlighted (fun!) all of these words in 2 poems. It was really fun using highlighters!
This afternoon, we took a closer look at Chester's Way, a Kevin Henkes book. Tomorrow we will correlate all of our information about these books into a final paper. We did the workboard and then had writing share.
In word work, we talked about short e and short u words. Then we highlighted (fun!) all of these words in 2 poems. It was really fun using highlighters!
This afternoon, we took a closer look at Chester's Way, a Kevin Henkes book. Tomorrow we will correlate all of our information about these books into a final paper. We did the workboard and then had writing share.
Monday, October 7, 2013
Monday
This morning, Mrs. Jones came in to do a math lesson. She introduce how to regroup 3 digit numbers when adding. The math homework (School to Home Connection) that went home today is about regrouping numbers. We are just beginning this concept so if you could wait until later in the week to go over this with your child, that would be great.
We visited the book fair after Mrs. Jones. Students filled out their Wish Lists for the books that they want. Please know that they were given all the leeway in choosing books. I didn't screen any of the books for Good Fit books. Some of the books on those lists are definitely stretchers for many. If you have a question about a particular book, please let me know.
In writing workshop, we read a book called My Rotten Red-Headed Older Brother. This book has a lot of temporal words (after, last, then, next. etc.) and we talked about that. I asked students to use these words in their Weekend News writing today. So far, we've discussed "establishing the situation" and using these temporal words to move the writing along.
I introduced 5 new word wall words today. These are the focus for the week: end, you, jump, tell, and run. I will test them on Wednesday this week.
This afternoon, students did a final project for the unit on trees. We made a flip book with the parts of a tree. After this, we did reading with the workboard.
We visited the book fair after Mrs. Jones. Students filled out their Wish Lists for the books that they want. Please know that they were given all the leeway in choosing books. I didn't screen any of the books for Good Fit books. Some of the books on those lists are definitely stretchers for many. If you have a question about a particular book, please let me know.
In writing workshop, we read a book called My Rotten Red-Headed Older Brother. This book has a lot of temporal words (after, last, then, next. etc.) and we talked about that. I asked students to use these words in their Weekend News writing today. So far, we've discussed "establishing the situation" and using these temporal words to move the writing along.
I introduced 5 new word wall words today. These are the focus for the week: end, you, jump, tell, and run. I will test them on Wednesday this week.
This afternoon, students did a final project for the unit on trees. We made a flip book with the parts of a tree. After this, we did reading with the workboard.
Friday, October 4, 2013
Friday
Wow, we worked really hard today! Students accomplished a lot! In math today, we did some workbook pages on 3 digit addition without regrouping. Next, we read The Screaming Mean Machine and wrote about an amusement park ride that students have been on. Some students did Scholastic News; others did a spelling test. We had writing share today too.
This afternoon, after indoor recess, we did a combination of things. One was our portfolios. Another was catch up work. Finally, students finished up reading work from the week. Phew! If your child is tired, you'll know why!
Have a great weekend!
This afternoon, after indoor recess, we did a combination of things. One was our portfolios. Another was catch up work. Finally, students finished up reading work from the week. Phew! If your child is tired, you'll know why!
Have a great weekend!
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Thursday
In math today, we worked on 3 digit addition. I was impressed their abilities! We worked on problems with no regrouping today. Tomorrow will be problems with regrouping.
We went to the library and researched an animal for our new Backyard Habitat unit. This went well! Students were excited to learn more facts about animals. In word work, we did some making words activities.
This afternoon, we went to the computer lab and did Spelling City (a website). We ended with some work in reading for catching up.
We went to the library and researched an animal for our new Backyard Habitat unit. This went well! Students were excited to learn more facts about animals. In word work, we did some making words activities.
This afternoon, we went to the computer lab and did Spelling City (a website). We ended with some work in reading for catching up.
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Wednesday
This morning in math, we reviewed fact families and number bonds. We did some work with this and also some catch up work. After music, snack, and morning meeting, we had writing workshop. We talked about strategies when we are stuck on words to spell. Finally, this morning in word work, we sorted words into short vowel sounds using pictures.
This afternoon, we had Second Step and then reading. We did the workboard for reading.
This afternoon, we had Second Step and then reading. We did the workboard for reading.
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Tuesday
Busy day today! We began by reviewing addition facts. We played a game called I Have, Who Has? Then we all did a bunch of activities to review math facts. Lots of people did lots of things. It was fun!
In writing today, we talked about narrative writing. The first standard we are learning about is "establishing a situation". This comes straight from the Common Core. We discussed what this meant and tried it on our own in our own writing. I am impressed already with the growth I see in writing this year. Students are used to the routine and know what's expected.
In word work, we reviewed short vowel sounds /a/, /i/ and /o/. We came up with words that followed this rule. We did this in teams. After lunch, we went over them.
This afternoon, we had reading and did the workboard.
In writing today, we talked about narrative writing. The first standard we are learning about is "establishing a situation". This comes straight from the Common Core. We discussed what this meant and tried it on our own in our own writing. I am impressed already with the growth I see in writing this year. Students are used to the routine and know what's expected.
In word work, we reviewed short vowel sounds /a/, /i/ and /o/. We came up with words that followed this rule. We did this in teams. After lunch, we went over them.
This afternoon, we had reading and did the workboard.
Monday, September 30, 2013
Monday
Greetings!
New homework went home today. I sent home an October reading log. No need to send this in until the end of October. I don't need to check them weekly. Thank you! Let me know if you have any questions about the homework. The math is a game that requires a deck of cards. If you don't have one, let me know.
This morning, Mrs. Jones came in to do some activities with us around math. It is fun when she comes in! The rest of the time was spent on catching up on past work in math.
After snack and a movement break, we had morning meeting and then did Weekend News. Some students went out with Mrs. Ogden to take a post test on the 20 word wall words from first grade. In word work, we introduced 5 new words: got, ran, stop, want, and hid. We did an "on the back activity" too with rhyming words.
This afternoon, we read a poem called "September" and reread Lily's Plastic Purse. We examined the elements of this story and compared it to other Kevin Henkes books we've read. Finally, we did the workboard where I introduced Write about Reading this week!
New homework went home today. I sent home an October reading log. No need to send this in until the end of October. I don't need to check them weekly. Thank you! Let me know if you have any questions about the homework. The math is a game that requires a deck of cards. If you don't have one, let me know.
This morning, Mrs. Jones came in to do some activities with us around math. It is fun when she comes in! The rest of the time was spent on catching up on past work in math.
After snack and a movement break, we had morning meeting and then did Weekend News. Some students went out with Mrs. Ogden to take a post test on the 20 word wall words from first grade. In word work, we introduced 5 new words: got, ran, stop, want, and hid. We did an "on the back activity" too with rhyming words.
This afternoon, we read a poem called "September" and reread Lily's Plastic Purse. We examined the elements of this story and compared it to other Kevin Henkes books we've read. Finally, we did the workboard where I introduced Write about Reading this week!
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Thursday
Thank you to Mrs. Mollano for the mechanical pencils! We will use them tomorrow!
We had a math test today on place value. Some of us didn't finish. We will finish tomorrow.
In computer lab we went on Think Central which is the math website. We played a game with place value. There was a really challenging activity to do too!
In word work, we played a game with a ball... ask your child about it. This afternoon, we did the workboard in reading.
Tomorrow is Picture Day!
We had a math test today on place value. Some of us didn't finish. We will finish tomorrow.
In computer lab we went on Think Central which is the math website. We played a game with place value. There was a really challenging activity to do too!
In word work, we played a game with a ball... ask your child about it. This afternoon, we did the workboard in reading.
Tomorrow is Picture Day!
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Wednesday
In math today, we played a game with dice and worked on some workbook pages. We are coming to the end of our chapter on place value. Students will be assessed tomorrow and Friday. We will continue to review this concept as the year progresses.
In writing today, we talked about writing about a "seed" idea. I talked about the watermelon being the whole big topic and trying to find a small idea to focus on. I also used the analogy of a whole pizza vs. a piece of the pizza. Students tried this on their own.
In word work, we did some silly sentences with alliteration. They made their own and illustrated them. FUN!
We had Second Step this afternoon. We went to the library to learn about Nonfiction Features.
In writing today, we talked about writing about a "seed" idea. I talked about the watermelon being the whole big topic and trying to find a small idea to focus on. I also used the analogy of a whole pizza vs. a piece of the pizza. Students tried this on their own.
In word work, we did some silly sentences with alliteration. They made their own and illustrated them. FUN!
We had Second Step this afternoon. We went to the library to learn about Nonfiction Features.
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Tuesday
We started the work board in reading today! It was great. Students got to read to self, listen to reading or work in a group. Some even began by going to the library. I think it was successful! We are using the headphones that you sent in for the listen to reading. They are very helpful.
I forgot to mention the homework for the week yesterday. I sent each child home with work from math that they have not finished last week. Let me know if what I sent home is not doable. I can adjust here. Thanks for your help. Remember to pass the reading log in on Monday for the month of September. There is also something about trees for homework.
In math this morning, we worked more with ordering and patterning 3 digit numbers. Students did well.
In writing, we learned about writing with details to make a small moment full. Students tried their hand at writing about something they know and adding many details. Some even got to share!
In word work, we wrote the last of the review first grade words and put them on the word wall. We will be introducing new words on Monday!
Finally, we watched a video where Kevin Henkes talked about his work as a writer. We have been reading many of his books aloud. We reread Chrysanthemum and discussed elements such as character, vocabulary, and author's message about this book. We will do the same with other books of his.
I forgot to mention the homework for the week yesterday. I sent each child home with work from math that they have not finished last week. Let me know if what I sent home is not doable. I can adjust here. Thanks for your help. Remember to pass the reading log in on Monday for the month of September. There is also something about trees for homework.
In math this morning, we worked more with ordering and patterning 3 digit numbers. Students did well.
In writing, we learned about writing with details to make a small moment full. Students tried their hand at writing about something they know and adding many details. Some even got to share!
In word work, we wrote the last of the review first grade words and put them on the word wall. We will be introducing new words on Monday!
Finally, we watched a video where Kevin Henkes talked about his work as a writer. We have been reading many of his books aloud. We reread Chrysanthemum and discussed elements such as character, vocabulary, and author's message about this book. We will do the same with other books of his.
Monday, September 23, 2013
Monday
We worked up to 11 minutes of Read to Self time today! Woo Hoo! Students are learning how to sit in one spot, read the whole time and choose good books for reading. We are building stamina so that we will be able to do this independently during reading time.
In science this afternoon, we watched a movie about trees and added to our knowledge bank of information that we've learned. We also read a book called A Chair for My Mother. We will refer to this book tomorrow in writer's workshop.
Today in writing, we did our Weekend News. Mrs. Jones came in for math today to do some work with patterns.
Thank you to all of you who sent in donations!
In science this afternoon, we watched a movie about trees and added to our knowledge bank of information that we've learned. We also read a book called A Chair for My Mother. We will refer to this book tomorrow in writer's workshop.
Today in writing, we did our Weekend News. Mrs. Jones came in for math today to do some work with patterns.
Thank you to all of you who sent in donations!
Saturday, September 21, 2013
Friday, September 20, 2013
Friday
This morning in math, we played a game where we compared numbers. Students are learning the greater than and less than symbols. We also did a workbook page to go along with this. After PE, snack and morning meeting, we had a MARVELOUS writing workshop. Students worked silently writing for a good amount of time. Some students shared their writing too. In word work, we did some activities with the word wall words that are review from first grade.
This afternoon was spent doing our portfolios and working on "Ketchup" work. Students worked very hard!
Have a wonderful weekend!
This afternoon was spent doing our portfolios and working on "Ketchup" work. Students worked very hard!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Thursday
"This day has gone so fast!" This is something I hear so much! We are busy. I tell my students, "Time flies when you are having fun!" Today in math, we compared 3 digit numbers. We talked about greater than, less than, equal to. Students did some work out of the textbook too. Next, we had art with a substitute teacher. After snack, morning meeting, and a movement break outside (it was so nice out!), we had computer lab. Here we typed sentences about our favorite places to read. We will make a book of these! Students drew pictures to go with them.
After lunch, we did some brainstorming for writing. Students filled in things under specific categories: favorite animals, family members, favorite foods, etc. Each of these things on the list has a story behind it which I hope will inspire our writers to write! In reading, we began to build our stamina for Read to Self time. We talked about what that time looked like and sounded like and then we practiced!
After lunch, we did some brainstorming for writing. Students filled in things under specific categories: favorite animals, family members, favorite foods, etc. Each of these things on the list has a story behind it which I hope will inspire our writers to write! In reading, we began to build our stamina for Read to Self time. We talked about what that time looked like and sounded like and then we practiced!
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Wednesday
Happy Wednesday!
In math this morning, we played a game where we practiced building numbers and writing them in standard, word, and expanded form. It was fun! We also did a workbook page doing the same thing. In reading, we discussed the similarities of all the Kevin Henkes' books we've read so far. We came up with a good list. We will continue this work tomorrow. In word work, we did Look, Say, Cover, Write, Check to practice our word wall words.
This afternoon, Mrs. Kleiner came in for Second Step and then we read/listened to Chicken Soup with Rice. We focused on September for the poem. Also, we went to the library to talk about Good Fit Books.
I'm still in need of donations: dry erase markers, extra snacks (goldfish, graham crackers, applesauce, etc.), plastic spoons, and tissues. Thank you!
Please don't forget the fill out lunch envelopes and send them on Monday for the week. Thanks!
In math this morning, we played a game where we practiced building numbers and writing them in standard, word, and expanded form. It was fun! We also did a workbook page doing the same thing. In reading, we discussed the similarities of all the Kevin Henkes' books we've read so far. We came up with a good list. We will continue this work tomorrow. In word work, we did Look, Say, Cover, Write, Check to practice our word wall words.
This afternoon, Mrs. Kleiner came in for Second Step and then we read/listened to Chicken Soup with Rice. We focused on September for the poem. Also, we went to the library to talk about Good Fit Books.
I'm still in need of donations: dry erase markers, extra snacks (goldfish, graham crackers, applesauce, etc.), plastic spoons, and tissues. Thank you!
Please don't forget the fill out lunch envelopes and send them on Monday for the week. Thanks!
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Tuesday
Sorry for the later than normal post. Today was a great day in 2F! We had one of our friends bring in moose antlers! Very cool! I will attempt to post the picture here after the update.
In math today, we did an assessment to start us off. Next, we learned about writing numbers in standard, word and expanded form. We used the virtual manipulatives that go with our program. This was really cool! In writing, we read a book called All the Places to Love and then we wrote about a place that we love. We even began sharing our pieces. In word work, 5 new words were put on the word wall: don't, her, here, how, and mother.
This afternoon, we watched a brief video about our Constitution since it is Constitution Day. We signed our 3B's Constitution and a copy was sent home for you to sign. We read a Scholastic News about this topic and then had a lesson about shoes in reading. Finally, we picked Good Fit books for our book boxes. Mrs. Guay read to us at the end of the day.
In math today, we did an assessment to start us off. Next, we learned about writing numbers in standard, word and expanded form. We used the virtual manipulatives that go with our program. This was really cool! In writing, we read a book called All the Places to Love and then we wrote about a place that we love. We even began sharing our pieces. In word work, 5 new words were put on the word wall: don't, her, here, how, and mother.
This afternoon, we watched a brief video about our Constitution since it is Constitution Day. We signed our 3B's Constitution and a copy was sent home for you to sign. We read a Scholastic News about this topic and then had a lesson about shoes in reading. Finally, we picked Good Fit books for our book boxes. Mrs. Guay read to us at the end of the day.
Monday, September 16, 2013
Monday
Greetings! Happy Monday! We had a full schedule today with lots going on. This morning, Mrs. Jones came in for a math lesson. Next, we had Mrs. Maynard from the town library come and read to us. For a change, we had snack at our tables and went outside for a movement break. After, we were able to settle into Morning Meeting, calendar and science time. We added more to our chart about what we know and don't know about trees. AFter, we went outside to draw a tree. We will do this many times this year to chronicle the changes in the tree. Students are learning to be scientists, focusing on details. We wrote some sentences about the tree as well. In word work, we played 20 questions.
This afternoon, we did our Weekend News. Then, we learned a RAP song! Ask your child about that! We will practice more tomorrow and I will post it here when it's finalized. Basically, we are beginning our discussion about how to choose an appropriate book for ourselves. This discussion will last all week!
Homework went home tonight. It is due Monday. Don't forget to fill out the reading log! Thanks!
This afternoon, we did our Weekend News. Then, we learned a RAP song! Ask your child about that! We will practice more tomorrow and I will post it here when it's finalized. Basically, we are beginning our discussion about how to choose an appropriate book for ourselves. This discussion will last all week!
Homework went home tonight. It is due Monday. Don't forget to fill out the reading log! Thanks!
Friday, September 13, 2013
Friday
Our first five day week is complete! Don't be surprised if your children are wiped when they get home. We did a lot of work today!
First, in math, we worked in our workbooks. There were 6 pages! Some of us didn't finish so we did them at Finish Up Friday (or Ketchup Time) this afternoon.
Later in the morning, we read Splat the Cat and did a short writing assignment. Students were to write about something fun that they did. We checked our work for Word Wall Words before passing them in. We also were introduced to our writer's notebooks. Any writing we do will go in these.
In word work, we played a game changing parts of words to make new words. This afternoon, we worked on our portfolios, choosing work to go in them. The remainder of the work went home today. We will do this every Friday. The day ended with time to catch up on work.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Thursday
We had another busy day here in 2F! In math this morning, we worked with base ten blocks and made numbers in the hundreds. Students worked with the concept of one more and ten more with the blocks. We also began to write the numbers in word form. We will continue with this tomorrow.
After art, snack and morning meeting/movement break, we had computer lab. Students learned how to get to Tumblebooks so they can listen to books being read. This will be a key part of our reading program once it is up and running. This is what your child needed his/her headphones for in the classroom. We also cleaned up our bookmarks bars and bookmarked this site so we can get to it on our own.
In word work, we played a game called Sparkle. Ask your child about it! This afternoon, we finished Someday a Tree, did a fun writing activity with shoes (ask!), and had library time. One group did Scholastic News whiles others read to themselves.
Thank you to all who came to Open House last night. It was a pleasure to meet/see all of you!
After art, snack and morning meeting/movement break, we had computer lab. Students learned how to get to Tumblebooks so they can listen to books being read. This will be a key part of our reading program once it is up and running. This is what your child needed his/her headphones for in the classroom. We also cleaned up our bookmarks bars and bookmarked this site so we can get to it on our own.
In word work, we played a game called Sparkle. Ask your child about it! This afternoon, we finished Someday a Tree, did a fun writing activity with shoes (ask!), and had library time. One group did Scholastic News whiles others read to themselves.
Thank you to all who came to Open House last night. It was a pleasure to meet/see all of you!
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Wednesday
It sure is hot! We had a busy day today. Students began working with base ten blocks in math. We are learning about place value. After music in the classroom, morning meeting, and snack, we went outside for a movement break. In writing workshop, we edited our Weekend News papers for capitals, periods, and word wall words. In word work, we did an activity with syllables.
This afternoon, we had Second Step and went to the library to learn about book care rules. We began a book about a sick tree after that.
See you tonight!
This afternoon, we had Second Step and went to the library to learn about book care rules. We began a book about a sick tree after that.
See you tonight!
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Tuesday
Happy Tuesday to all!
Just a quick reminder that Open House is tomorrow night (Wednesday, September 11) from 6:30 to 7:30. Please drop me a note and let me know if you can't make it. I will have a sign up for Parent Conferences there. We can arrange this through email, if you can't make it.
Today, we began our Math in Focus program. We did a bit of review with counting by 10, number bonds, and ten frames. These are all things your children were exposed to in first grade. We played a game, used whiteboards, and some chips.
After PE, we had snack and morning meeting. Many children are sharing news from home. We are learning how to stay on topic when we share a story as well as ask appropriate questions to the speaker. I'm so thrilled with the enthusiasm for sharing. It has been great.
After a quick movement break (ask your child about singing My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean!), we went into Writing Workshop. Students learned how to transform their notes from yesterday into sentences. I modeled how to do this and then they all tried. I will look how they did tonight and we will go from there tomorrow. The goal is to be able to write a solid paragraph on one topic.
During word work, students worked on their penmanship while writing their 5 word wall words.
It was indoor recess! The children were fabulous! They played so nicely together. After this, we began our study of trees. We began with what we think we know. We read some and then moved some of those tidbits to Confirmed facts, Misconceptions, and/or new information.
Finally we ended our day with reading. Students worked on Scholastic News, going to the library, and/or silent reading.
Phew! If your children come home tired, now you know why! Hope to see you tomorrow!
Just a quick reminder that Open House is tomorrow night (Wednesday, September 11) from 6:30 to 7:30. Please drop me a note and let me know if you can't make it. I will have a sign up for Parent Conferences there. We can arrange this through email, if you can't make it.
Today, we began our Math in Focus program. We did a bit of review with counting by 10, number bonds, and ten frames. These are all things your children were exposed to in first grade. We played a game, used whiteboards, and some chips.
After PE, we had snack and morning meeting. Many children are sharing news from home. We are learning how to stay on topic when we share a story as well as ask appropriate questions to the speaker. I'm so thrilled with the enthusiasm for sharing. It has been great.
After a quick movement break (ask your child about singing My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean!), we went into Writing Workshop. Students learned how to transform their notes from yesterday into sentences. I modeled how to do this and then they all tried. I will look how they did tonight and we will go from there tomorrow. The goal is to be able to write a solid paragraph on one topic.
During word work, students worked on their penmanship while writing their 5 word wall words.
It was indoor recess! The children were fabulous! They played so nicely together. After this, we began our study of trees. We began with what we think we know. We read some and then moved some of those tidbits to Confirmed facts, Misconceptions, and/or new information.
Finally we ended our day with reading. Students worked on Scholastic News, going to the library, and/or silent reading.
Phew! If your children come home tired, now you know why! Hope to see you tomorrow!
Monday, September 9, 2013
Monday
Good Afternoon!
Welcome to the first full week of second grade! We had a great day today! After working through lunch count and our new "CHICO" (Check In Check Out) system, we had the pleasure of having Mrs. Jones come in to do a math lesson. It was great to see how much our class remembers from last year! We are great mathematicians already!
We began a new writing assignment that will occur every week: Weekend News. STudents pick a topic that happened over the weekend about which to write. We began with a 5 Finger Planner to map out the topic and details. Tomorrow we will turn these into sentences.
After snack and a movement break outside, Mrs. Cannon came in to finish a lesson from last week Friday. We are making a class book based on a book called The Important Book. We should be finished by Open House for you to see!
In word work today, I introduced new word wall words: after, are, because, before and could. These are the focus for this week. I sent home the entire September list in the homework packet. If you could help your child practice these words, that would be great.
After lunch and recess, we talked about the homework packet. Please let me know if you have questions. The September reading log is due at the end of the month. The other papers are due next Monday.
We read Officer Buckle and Gloria and made a class contract about the rules of 2F: another thing for you to see at Open House. This afternoon, we worked on handwriting and reading benchmarks along with Scholastic News for some. Monday's group went to the library.
Carlie, Owen, Ava, and Logen are the group that go to the library on Mondays.
Welcome to the first full week of second grade! We had a great day today! After working through lunch count and our new "CHICO" (Check In Check Out) system, we had the pleasure of having Mrs. Jones come in to do a math lesson. It was great to see how much our class remembers from last year! We are great mathematicians already!
We began a new writing assignment that will occur every week: Weekend News. STudents pick a topic that happened over the weekend about which to write. We began with a 5 Finger Planner to map out the topic and details. Tomorrow we will turn these into sentences.
After snack and a movement break outside, Mrs. Cannon came in to finish a lesson from last week Friday. We are making a class book based on a book called The Important Book. We should be finished by Open House for you to see!
In word work today, I introduced new word wall words: after, are, because, before and could. These are the focus for this week. I sent home the entire September list in the homework packet. If you could help your child practice these words, that would be great.
After lunch and recess, we talked about the homework packet. Please let me know if you have questions. The September reading log is due at the end of the month. The other papers are due next Monday.
We read Officer Buckle and Gloria and made a class contract about the rules of 2F: another thing for you to see at Open House. This afternoon, we worked on handwriting and reading benchmarks along with Scholastic News for some. Monday's group went to the library.
Carlie, Owen, Ava, and Logen are the group that go to the library on Mondays.
Sunday, September 8, 2013
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Wednesday: Hump Day!
I am sorry for the delay in the post. Wednesday nights I am teaching a class at New England College right after school so it will be difficult for me to post on these nights. Next, week, however is Open House at HMS. I look forward to seeing you and your family there at 6:30 in our classroom! We have made a few fun things to share with you.
Today, we worked with Cuisenaire Rods again in math. Students are working on doubles facts and addition facts to ten. We made as many different combinations of rods that make ten. Next, we transferred the color rods to numbers in addition sentences. Some of us even could make multiplication sentences! So impressive for second graders!
Students had music in the classroom as we will every week. Mr. Levergood shares his room with Mrs. Emerson and on Wednesdays, they are double booked. Therefore, he teaches on a cart this day.
We were able to have morning meeting while eating snack and doing calendar. We also went outside to have a movement break, which we needed! Next, Mrs. Pond came in to talk about the rules for using the iPads. The exciting part was that we used an app called Doodle Buddy for a project with our Hopes and Dreams. We can't wait for you to see them on Open House!
This afternoon, Mrs. Kleiner and Mrs. Patterson came into our class to talk about a new system that we will be using beginning next week called CHICO (check in, check out). Students will monitor their behaviors for one month 3 times a day. This is a program that Mrs. Kleiner and Mrs. Patterson would like to try out with the whole second grade.
After this, we finished sharing our Me Bags. I didn't get a chance to take pictures of the children who shared today, so I kept the things until tomorrow when I can take those pictures. I will send the things home tomorrow.
Today, we worked with Cuisenaire Rods again in math. Students are working on doubles facts and addition facts to ten. We made as many different combinations of rods that make ten. Next, we transferred the color rods to numbers in addition sentences. Some of us even could make multiplication sentences! So impressive for second graders!
Students had music in the classroom as we will every week. Mr. Levergood shares his room with Mrs. Emerson and on Wednesdays, they are double booked. Therefore, he teaches on a cart this day.
We were able to have morning meeting while eating snack and doing calendar. We also went outside to have a movement break, which we needed! Next, Mrs. Pond came in to talk about the rules for using the iPads. The exciting part was that we used an app called Doodle Buddy for a project with our Hopes and Dreams. We can't wait for you to see them on Open House!
This afternoon, Mrs. Kleiner and Mrs. Patterson came into our class to talk about a new system that we will be using beginning next week called CHICO (check in, check out). Students will monitor their behaviors for one month 3 times a day. This is a program that Mrs. Kleiner and Mrs. Patterson would like to try out with the whole second grade.
After this, we finished sharing our Me Bags. I didn't get a chance to take pictures of the children who shared today, so I kept the things until tomorrow when I can take those pictures. I will send the things home tomorrow.
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Tuesday 9/3
Today feels like Monday but we are on a Tuesday schedule. We began our day with a math assessment and some work with Cuisenaire Rods. We are using these to build our number sense and begin to reinforce those addition facts to 10. After PE this morning, we had a morning meeting during snack. We also did calendar at this time. After this, we wrote about our Hopes and Dreams for second grade. Students shared (those who wanted) and we talked about what rules in the classroom we will have to accomplish these goals. Next, we made Friendship Salad (ask your child!) and ate it! Yum! Next, we had a word work assessment.
This afternoon was very fun! Some of us shared our Me Bags and we guessed whose was whose. We didn't get to all of these today but will try tomorrow. To end the day, we had Rick Charette come in for a concert. We sang "Alligator in the Elevator" and "Yellow Bus" among others. So fun!
Book orders went home today. They are due Monday 9/9. Please write a check to Scholastic, no cash. Thank you!
This afternoon was very fun! Some of us shared our Me Bags and we guessed whose was whose. We didn't get to all of these today but will try tomorrow. To end the day, we had Rick Charette come in for a concert. We sang "Alligator in the Elevator" and "Yellow Bus" among others. So fun!
Book orders went home today. They are due Monday 9/9. Please write a check to Scholastic, no cash. Thank you!
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Wednesday
It was another HOT day today! We had lots of drinks but having a water bottle is greatly appreciated! Thank you for sending those in. It helps a lot.
We had a lot of visitors today. Mrs. Wood came in to speak with us about one of our classmates. Mrs. Alibrandi came in to talk about the library and to read us a book. Mrs. Math Jones came in to read us a book and talk a little about math. Mr. Carozza talked to us a little over the intercom about the anniversary of Martin Luther King, Jr's speech today. We had a fire drill and a tour of the classroom. Students began to think about their hopes and dreams for second grade. I related this to MLK's dreams. We will finalize these goals next week.
I sent home some "homework" tonight. I would like students to put 5 things in the bag that I gave them. The five things need to be about themselves. They should not put a name on the bag. We will reveal the bags next week in class and try to guess whose is whose. Thanks for your help with this. Let me know if you have any questions.
Also, I am in need of overflow snacks (Goldfish, animal crackers, applesauce, crackers) for our friends who forget their snacks. Also, I would love a supply of plastic spoons. If girls could bring hand sanitizer and boys could bring a box of tissues, I would so appreciate it! Finally, if you are shopping and would like to donate Dry Erase markers, we would love some for our room. Thank you so much!
Have a great long weekend!
We had a lot of visitors today. Mrs. Wood came in to speak with us about one of our classmates. Mrs. Alibrandi came in to talk about the library and to read us a book. Mrs. Math Jones came in to read us a book and talk a little about math. Mr. Carozza talked to us a little over the intercom about the anniversary of Martin Luther King, Jr's speech today. We had a fire drill and a tour of the classroom. Students began to think about their hopes and dreams for second grade. I related this to MLK's dreams. We will finalize these goals next week.
I sent home some "homework" tonight. I would like students to put 5 things in the bag that I gave them. The five things need to be about themselves. They should not put a name on the bag. We will reveal the bags next week in class and try to guess whose is whose. Thanks for your help with this. Let me know if you have any questions.
Also, I am in need of overflow snacks (Goldfish, animal crackers, applesauce, crackers) for our friends who forget their snacks. Also, I would love a supply of plastic spoons. If girls could bring hand sanitizer and boys could bring a box of tissues, I would so appreciate it! Finally, if you are shopping and would like to donate Dry Erase markers, we would love some for our room. Thank you so much!
Have a great long weekend!
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Tuesday
It was a fabulous day in 2F! Again, we were busy. This morning, we began our morning with a math activity using Cuisenaire Rods. Next, we went to PE and then had snack and morning meeting. After that, we created a riddle for Open House, but it is a secret for you! We read 2 books by Kevin Henkes: Chrysanthemum and Wemberly Worried. We did a word work activity after the first book. This afternoon, we filled out a reading survey and made a puzzle piece. It was very busy! Please send in your blog forms and a pair of head phones for your child to use all year. Don't forget about the Million Words or Less too! Thanks!
Monday, August 26, 2013
Welcome Back!
We had a great day in 2F! Students came in with smiling faces and left the same way! We made bracelets today and got to know each other a little better. Students learned each other's names while we played a Blanket Game. We made books about our day (ask your child to see his/hers). We read a book about Amber Brown. We even did math with Cuisenaire Rods and played a game called Squeeze Play. It was fun!
Friday, August 16, 2013
Welcome!
I am so happy to be making another web page for my new class! This is where we will blog, together, about our days in second grade. Be sure to have your parents check this site for all important information.
I look forward to seeing you on Monday, August 26!
I look forward to seeing you on Monday, August 26!
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