Our First Week
I hope your children have enjoyed their first week of second grade as much as I have. We have shared many wonderful picture books, learned chess and new songs with Mr. Hass' class, explored our Rights and Responsibilities at school, and begun to dive back into reading and writing. One of the most popular activities we completed this week was a "Quick Write." This timed, 5 minute writing exercise about a given topic pushes them formulate their thoughts and transfer them to paper. In the past I've seen some second graders become anxious or even tear up when prompted to write in a timed setting. This group was amazing. They loved it and have begged to do it every day since. Needless to say, writing is one of our favorite times in the classroom.
This Week
This week we will begin more or our regular routines and procedures. Some of these I would like to explain so that you can discuss them at home. Your child will be bringing home a reading response log tomorrow. They are to read each day for at least 15 minutes and respond to the question/ suggestions about their reading. I do want it to be their own writing, but please feel free to talk them through it as this is very new to them. I know most of you were very involved in the interactive reading log with Mrs. Barnes last year, but this may seem a little more open-ended. We will complete one together in class tomorrow so they will know what is expected. Please read their response and sign it. They should put it in the "Turn-In" basket each morning. This response log gives me great insight into their thinking as readers.
News and Journals
We will also begin, "News and Journals" this week. Each morning during morning meeting we will discuss any new articles they bring in along with any entries they make in our class journals. These journals include: Math Journal, Language Journal, Science Journal, and the Culture Journal. I will begin introducing them tomorrow. For news articles, they need to be able to explain the topic with a good deal of understanding. They can bring in the article, but it may be helpful to have them also jot down their thoughts about the facts so they can communicate them. They do need to bring in something to refer to in their share. The journal entries are really more questions or noticings they have in these areas. Starting in September they will be required to complete one news share and one class journal entry each month.
Our Class Pet
One final topic is our class pet. Via, our hamster, will be joining us in the classroom this week. Each week, the first child to turn in a written note signed by a parent stating they have permission to bring her home will get to take Via home for the weekend. Every child will have a chance. If you agree to let Via visit, please supervise carefully to make sure she is safe. I know from personal experience dogs love to chase her when she is in the plastic ball!We are looking forward to an exciting week. There are some important dates below and some wonderful pictures from our first week together.
Our Schedule
8:00 Explorations
8:30 Morning Meeting
8:55 Writing Workshop
10:05 Special Areas
11:00 Lunch
11:30 Reading Workshop
12:30 Science/Social Studies
1:00 Recess
1:30 Math Workshop
2:30 Read Aloud
2:45 Wrap-Up
Important Dates
August 30- New Parent Orientation (6:30-7:30)
(We are encouraging all new parents to attend if they'd like to see how we live and learn here at the Center. )
September 3- Labor Day( No School)
September 4- Fall Pictures
September 6- Opening Picnic( More information coming in Center Connections from Dr. Mueller)
September 27- Curriculum Night (More information to come)
September 28- 11:30 Dismissal
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| Our first addition to the science area- Eastern Hercules Beetle. Thanks, Paige! |
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| Designing our cubby covers for the year. |
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| Exploring the bones in our classroom. |
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| Learning a few tunes alongside Mr. Hass' and Mr. Foote's classes. |
Presenting our personal tiles to the class.
