January Roundup!

Hello 2-3 Families,

I think it is safe to say that January has been an interesting month.  We have only had 1 full week of school.  Hopefully Mother Nature has gotten all of the madness of her system and we can return to our "normal" routines.  While our schedule has been a bit choppy, our learning has plowed forward with full steam!  Here is a look at what we have been up to this month.

G'Day Mates!
Colin told you guys about our flight to Australia a couple weeks ago and we have been having a blast in the Land Down Under.  We have learned about the history of Australia, the people who live there, the culture, the land, and some AMAZING animals that can only be found on this incredible continent (Well,  in the wild that is).  Make sure to keep an eye on your mailboxes next week as you should receive something from your little travelers.  As we wrap-up our time in Australia, the students will be presenting their research projects on an Australian Animal this week.  Once our presentations are done, we will be able to "fly" back home on Friday!  

Multiplication and Division
While we are still working on our addition and subtraction facts, our Unit 6 math lessons has focused a lot on the beginning skills and strategies of multiplication and division.  We have learned how to create arrays and divide things equally among a group of people.

ARRAYS

DIVIDING EQUALLY

We will take our Chapter 6 math test on Monday!

Persuasive Writing
Last week we launched our Persuasive Writing unit.  The "ingredients" of persuasive writing include stating your opinion, giving reasons to support your opinion, and knowing your audience.  Over the past two weeks we have been working with the texts, I Wanna Iguana and I Wanna New Room.  These hilarious stories have been a great way to introduce the skills of persuasive writing.  This week, the kids worked on writing letters to YOU about a pet they should be allowed to have.  Next week, the kids will continue practicing their persuasive writing skills by writing a book review on I Wanna Iguana OR I Wanna New Room.  This week you also sent your child to school with cereal boxes.  Over the next couple of weeks, the kids will create their own cereal and write persuasive letters to General Mills about why the company should produce the cereal they created.  I can't wait to see what the kids come up with!

VARIETY SHOW
The kids are doing an AWESOME job with our CUPS song.  I told them it was important to get the lyrics down before we start practicing our routine with the cups.  Well, they are ready so we will begin learning the cup portion this week.  Jeremy (my husband) is coming in Friday afternoon to record the kids singing so we can add their voices to the music track.  I will post that track for you next weekend so your child can continue to practice at home.  I can't wait for the Variety Show!

Next week we will resume spelling and fluency practice.  Just a reminder that JANUARY READ CALENDARS are due on Monday! Don't forget to visit our photo galleries for Mystery Reader and Star Student photos. Have a safe and warm weekend!

- Danielle