Week in Review - 11/16/12

Hello 2-3 Families!

I'm looking forward to meeting with you all next week!  Here is the latest news from our classroom..

Report Cards

You will find your child's report card and the MAP test scores in the envelopes that were sent home today.  Please make sure to look these over before we meet so that we can go over any questions or comments you may have.  Please sign and return the report card folder.  We will use the same folder throughout the year.  You can bring them to conferences if you would like.  I am happy to start collecting them right away!

And the Winner Is..............

Last week we had our own classroom election where we chose our new class pet (stuffed of course!).  The kids have been working very hard on their Citizenship unit and have learned about the election process.  The kids chose the candidates, created campaign posters, and gave speeches for their stuffed candidates.  The class even filled out their very own Voter Registration Cards before filing into the voting booth to cast their ballot.  Check out the slideshow of photos and the campaign speeches below.

Oh wait, you probably want to know what pet won.......Class, take it away!!

Mayor Mulder Visits 2nd Grade

Last Friday Mayor Mulder also took time out of  her busy schedule to come and visit the 2nd grade classes.  We talked about the Presidential election, our local elections, and the duties of the Mayor.  Here are some photos from her visit with us.

Treasures

It's hard to believe that next week is another review week for Treasures and the class will complete their Unit 2 Treasures test.  This week in Treasures, we worked on a variety of blends that make the long O sound....oa, ow, oe.  We also continued working on singular possessive, plural possessive, and plural nouns.  This is a very tricky concept to grasp and is something that will take continual practice.  The kids are working very hard on this though. After the Unit 2 test, the kids will begin taking their tests individually.  Up until this point I have read and explained the tests to them.  Now that they are familiar with the process and expectations, they will be working independently on the tests.  I will be reinforcing that they take their time and double check their work.

Scholastic Book Orders

This week I sent home a few different Scholastic orders.  With the holidays around the corner, I often have parents who want to order books as holiday presents.  If you want to order something without your child knowing, just let me know and I will arrange for you to pick-up the book order without them knowing!  Please submit your orders online or to me by November 30th to ensure delivery before winter break.

Math

The kids are continuing to work hard on their math facts.  I know I say this all the time, but PRACTICE MAKES PROGRESS!  Having your child practice their facts at home using the Everyday Math login information, XtraMath, or other means of practice are so important for their continued growth. Having a solid grasp of these skills will make the transition to subtraction much smoother this winter.  We have also been practicing how to make change by counting up.  This strategy encourages the kids to start with the total cost and count up to the amount they paid with to determine how much change they should receive.  You will also notice that in chapter 4 some of the problems will have multiple steps.  Answering these types of problems takes quite a bit of practice to master.  I have been reinforcing to the class that it is not important how fast you finish your work, what is important is taking the time to double check your work to avoid silly mistakes and errors.

I wish you all a safe, relaxing, and wonderful Thanksgiving break.  I look forward to see you next week at conferences!

-Danielle Porte