It is finally here...the last school week of 2014 is upon us. Tis the season to be busy! There is a lot going on this week with Christmas Concert practices, performances, parties, and special days.
We are going to try and keep as much of a 'regular week' as possible, but I am keeping it pretty flexible and have simple educational activities planned this week.
Reminders: Please have your child dress in black bottoms (skirt, dress, pants) and white top (sweater, shirt, etc) on Thursday for BOTH performances. Also, we have an activity on Thursday morning that may get a little messy so please send an extra shirt for your child to wear during this time.
Here is the weekly schedule:
Tuesday Dec 16: Christmas concert practice in the morning, Scholastic Book Fair in the Library
Wednesday Dec 17: Class Christmas party in the morning and Christmas concert practice in the afternoon, Scholastic Book Fair in the Library
Thursday Dec 18: Scholastic Book Fair in the Library, Special Class Activities in the morning, and Christmas Concert performances at 1:30pm and 7 pm. You are welcome to attend either performance. Please remember to have your child dress in black pants and a white top.
Friday Dec 19: PJ Day, Spelling Test, School Christmas party/movie in the afternoon, and Hot Lunch
Monday 15 December 2014
Monday 8 December 2014
December 8-12, 2014
Holiday fever has finally hit in full force. The next two weeks will be dedicated to Christmas Concert practices, holiday-themed activities, and Christmas parties. Although this week is fairly 'normal', there is still some changes happening.
This Friday is the deadline for "Santa's Helpers Donation box". There has been a box at the front door for items to be donated to Santa's Helpers. Please consider dropping something off if you are able to.
This Friday is the deadline for purchasing the West Edmonton Mall attraction passes. Please contact the office for more information.
For the Christmas concert, Grade 2 has been asked to wear black bottoms/pants/skirt and a white top/shirt. Each class is being asked to dress differently, but we are asked to follow this guideline for both performances.
Our class party will be on Wednesday morning. If you signed up to bring treats for this party, I will be emailing you to sign up for items. Keep an eye out for this email.
Here is the schedule for the next two weeks:
Tuesday Dec 9: Library
Wednesday Dec 10: Theme Day: CrAzY ChRiStMaS dress up day!, Popcorn ($0.50), Leduc Jr High SWAT visit (8:50-9:50am), Miss Kruse gone in the afternoon (sub in the afternoon)
Friday Dec 12: Spelling Test, DQ Hot Lunch, Scholastic book orders due, Santa's Helper's box donations due, West Edmonton Mall attraction passes deadline to purchase
Monday Dec 15: Christmas concert practice in the afternoon, Scholastic Book Fair in the Library
Tuesday Dec 16: Christmas concert practice in the morning, Scholastic Book Fair in the Library
Wednesday Dec 17: Class Christmas party in the morning and Christmas concert practice in the afternoon, Scholastic Book Fair in the Library
Thursday Dec 18: Scholastic Book Fair in the Library, Christmas Concert performances at 1:30pm and 7 pm. You are welcome to attend either performance. Please remember to have your child dress in black pants and a white top.
Friday Dec 19: School Christmas party/movie in the afternoon
Language Arts
Spelling: There will be new words this week. See the "Spelling Words" tab for the words. Test will be on Friday. The focus is on 'L' and 'R' blend words.
Phonics: Long vowel e words.
Writing: Naming forest creatures and matching specific information to pictures. Students will be provided specific information about an animal, they will then be able to research the animal and find out which animal it is (from a specific selection). We will also be sorting details into main idea categories (expository and informative writing pieces).
Math
Patterns: We have now wrapped up our pattern unit and the students are now applying their knowledge of patterns to create and recognize patterns in real life.
Numbers to 100: Equal and Unequal sets of numbers. Students will be able to recognize equal and unequal amounts of different manipulatives.
Science
We have dove right into our Hot and Cold unit. Every day we look at the weather, record, and discuss what the weather feels like. We are also talking about hot and cold areas in our house and at school. Talk with your child about hot/cold areas in the house and what the rules are about these areas. For example: The rule about the stove is not to touch the top of the stove while something is cooking or after something is taken off because we can burn ourselves.
Social
Students are in the middle of discussing Urban and Rural communities and specific characteristics of these communities. Some students are struggling to find specific characteristics of each community, so please discuss these with them. Urban communities are cities with buildings, lots of cars, malls, stores, lots of houses, parks, bikes, busses, etc. Rural communities are areas outside the major metropolitan area (usually farms and acreages) with tractors, fields, farm animals, less traffic, more open green space, etc.
This Friday is the deadline for "Santa's Helpers Donation box". There has been a box at the front door for items to be donated to Santa's Helpers. Please consider dropping something off if you are able to.
This Friday is the deadline for purchasing the West Edmonton Mall attraction passes. Please contact the office for more information.
For the Christmas concert, Grade 2 has been asked to wear black bottoms/pants/skirt and a white top/shirt. Each class is being asked to dress differently, but we are asked to follow this guideline for both performances.
Our class party will be on Wednesday morning. If you signed up to bring treats for this party, I will be emailing you to sign up for items. Keep an eye out for this email.
Here is the schedule for the next two weeks:
Tuesday Dec 9: Library
Wednesday Dec 10: Theme Day: CrAzY ChRiStMaS dress up day!, Popcorn ($0.50), Leduc Jr High SWAT visit (8:50-9:50am), Miss Kruse gone in the afternoon (sub in the afternoon)
Friday Dec 12: Spelling Test, DQ Hot Lunch, Scholastic book orders due, Santa's Helper's box donations due, West Edmonton Mall attraction passes deadline to purchase
Monday Dec 15: Christmas concert practice in the afternoon, Scholastic Book Fair in the Library
Tuesday Dec 16: Christmas concert practice in the morning, Scholastic Book Fair in the Library
Wednesday Dec 17: Class Christmas party in the morning and Christmas concert practice in the afternoon, Scholastic Book Fair in the Library
Thursday Dec 18: Scholastic Book Fair in the Library, Christmas Concert performances at 1:30pm and 7 pm. You are welcome to attend either performance. Please remember to have your child dress in black pants and a white top.
Friday Dec 19: School Christmas party/movie in the afternoon
Language Arts
Spelling: There will be new words this week. See the "Spelling Words" tab for the words. Test will be on Friday. The focus is on 'L' and 'R' blend words.
Phonics: Long vowel e words.
Writing: Naming forest creatures and matching specific information to pictures. Students will be provided specific information about an animal, they will then be able to research the animal and find out which animal it is (from a specific selection). We will also be sorting details into main idea categories (expository and informative writing pieces).
Math
Patterns: We have now wrapped up our pattern unit and the students are now applying their knowledge of patterns to create and recognize patterns in real life.
Numbers to 100: Equal and Unequal sets of numbers. Students will be able to recognize equal and unequal amounts of different manipulatives.
Science
We have dove right into our Hot and Cold unit. Every day we look at the weather, record, and discuss what the weather feels like. We are also talking about hot and cold areas in our house and at school. Talk with your child about hot/cold areas in the house and what the rules are about these areas. For example: The rule about the stove is not to touch the top of the stove while something is cooking or after something is taken off because we can burn ourselves.
Social
Students are in the middle of discussing Urban and Rural communities and specific characteristics of these communities. Some students are struggling to find specific characteristics of each community, so please discuss these with them. Urban communities are cities with buildings, lots of cars, malls, stores, lots of houses, parks, bikes, busses, etc. Rural communities are areas outside the major metropolitan area (usually farms and acreages) with tractors, fields, farm animals, less traffic, more open green space, etc.
Monday 1 December 2014
December 1-5, 2014
Well, tis the season....last month of 2014 and (by far) the busiest month of school.
I am glad to see all of the students safely back at school today after Friday's snow storm. Although we had just over half of the students come to school on Friday, it was still a productive day.
This will be a short week with an early dismissal on Wednesday (at 2:15) and no school on Friday (PD Day). Please ensure your child has the appropriate transportation at 2:15 on Wednesday.
Check out the review spelling words for the week and the "What's Coming Up" tab at the top.
Here is the week:
Tuesday- library (PLEASE send all library books back to school)
Wednesday- Popcorn ($0.50) and Early Dismissal at 2:15pm
Thursday-Spelling Test
Friday-No School
Language Arts
Spelling-see words on tab; this is a review week of words over the past 5 weeks.
Writing-Discussing the difference between facts and opinions (topic: Autumn), and summarizing an Autumn story.
Story Prompt-Students will be rearranging a 'Building Snowman' story and using the pictures to help write a story of their very own.
Phonics-reviewing long vowels (a,e,i,o,u)
Math
Patterns-we are nearing the end and are reviewing repeating, increasing, and decreasing patterns. We will review this until Christmas break.
Numbers to 100-Strategies for counting to 100 and strategies to count money.
Science
Hot and Cold Temperatures-We have been monitoring the weather changes in Leduc for the past few weeks and students are starting to recognize the different changes in temperature and how it affects them. This week we will be looking at temperature and what clothing is appropriate for which weather, how temperature changes throughout the day, and what heat sources are around our house/school.
I encourage you to talk with your child about the temperature and what clothes they think they may need for the weather. This will start to challenge them to think independently and make connections to their classroom learning.
Social
We are discussing the "early days" of Meteghan, Iqaluit, and Saskatoon. The students are learning about how a community changes over many years and what changes look like in these different communities. The changes we are focusing on are: transportation, housing, main industries, etc.
Gym
This is the second (and final) week of Mission Impossible. The kids are loving it and doing really well at going through the course set up in the gym.
I am glad to see all of the students safely back at school today after Friday's snow storm. Although we had just over half of the students come to school on Friday, it was still a productive day.
This will be a short week with an early dismissal on Wednesday (at 2:15) and no school on Friday (PD Day). Please ensure your child has the appropriate transportation at 2:15 on Wednesday.
Check out the review spelling words for the week and the "What's Coming Up" tab at the top.
Here is the week:
Tuesday- library (PLEASE send all library books back to school)
Wednesday- Popcorn ($0.50) and Early Dismissal at 2:15pm
Thursday-Spelling Test
Friday-No School
Language Arts
Spelling-see words on tab; this is a review week of words over the past 5 weeks.
Writing-Discussing the difference between facts and opinions (topic: Autumn), and summarizing an Autumn story.
Story Prompt-Students will be rearranging a 'Building Snowman' story and using the pictures to help write a story of their very own.
Phonics-reviewing long vowels (a,e,i,o,u)
Math
Patterns-we are nearing the end and are reviewing repeating, increasing, and decreasing patterns. We will review this until Christmas break.
Numbers to 100-Strategies for counting to 100 and strategies to count money.
Science
Hot and Cold Temperatures-We have been monitoring the weather changes in Leduc for the past few weeks and students are starting to recognize the different changes in temperature and how it affects them. This week we will be looking at temperature and what clothing is appropriate for which weather, how temperature changes throughout the day, and what heat sources are around our house/school.
I encourage you to talk with your child about the temperature and what clothes they think they may need for the weather. This will start to challenge them to think independently and make connections to their classroom learning.
Social
We are discussing the "early days" of Meteghan, Iqaluit, and Saskatoon. The students are learning about how a community changes over many years and what changes look like in these different communities. The changes we are focusing on are: transportation, housing, main industries, etc.
Gym
This is the second (and final) week of Mission Impossible. The kids are loving it and doing really well at going through the course set up in the gym.
Monday 24 November 2014
November 24-28, 2014
Welcome to the last week of November! It struck me today that one month from today is Christmas Eve. The season is upon us and has creeped its way into our classroom/school. As expected, the themes from now until the December break will be primarily based on Winter/Christmas/Holidays.
This week is pretty quiet with Popcorn Wednesday, hot lunch on Friday, and Spelling Test on Friday. There will be no assembly this week as the gym is set up for 'Mission Impossible'. 'Mission Impossible' is a series of obstacles set up in the gym for students to attempt during physical education class. It will be set up for 2 weeks and be taken down on December 4.
Last week, the class was introduced to two new technology opportunities in our classroom: KidBlog and Google Classroom.
1. KidBlog is a blog for our students and only our class can access it. I will be sending home information for parents to access this blog, but until students gain comfort with it, I will hold off.
2. Google Classroom is a way for students to gather, complete, and hand in assignments online. This will help reduce paper consumption in our classroom, provide students with an alternative way to demonstrate learning, and allow me to access their assignment at any time to provide feedback and guidance.
Language Arts
Writing-We will be using detail and questions to describe a story critical character. Students are reminded to use proper punctuation and spelling during their writing, whether it is story prompts, journals, reading comprehension, or general story writing. This is something you can work on at home too.
Math
Patterns-Solving problems using increasing patterns and predicting positions in the increasing pattern. We will be figuring out what the increasing pattern will look like in a specific part of the pattern.
Numbers to 100-This week, we will learn about place value as well as representing and describing numbers.
Science
Our unit "Hot and Cold" was introduced last week. We discussed things that are hot and cold, and the students got to use Google Classroom to help research some pictures that are hot or cold. This week we will be looking into what each season looks like and discuss them using 'hot and cold' terms.
Social
During our social classes, we will talk about the "Early Days of Meteghan" as well as "Urban and Rural Communities".
This week is pretty quiet with Popcorn Wednesday, hot lunch on Friday, and Spelling Test on Friday. There will be no assembly this week as the gym is set up for 'Mission Impossible'. 'Mission Impossible' is a series of obstacles set up in the gym for students to attempt during physical education class. It will be set up for 2 weeks and be taken down on December 4.
Last week, the class was introduced to two new technology opportunities in our classroom: KidBlog and Google Classroom.
1. KidBlog is a blog for our students and only our class can access it. I will be sending home information for parents to access this blog, but until students gain comfort with it, I will hold off.
2. Google Classroom is a way for students to gather, complete, and hand in assignments online. This will help reduce paper consumption in our classroom, provide students with an alternative way to demonstrate learning, and allow me to access their assignment at any time to provide feedback and guidance.
Language Arts
Writing-We will be using detail and questions to describe a story critical character. Students are reminded to use proper punctuation and spelling during their writing, whether it is story prompts, journals, reading comprehension, or general story writing. This is something you can work on at home too.
Math
Patterns-Solving problems using increasing patterns and predicting positions in the increasing pattern. We will be figuring out what the increasing pattern will look like in a specific part of the pattern.
Numbers to 100-This week, we will learn about place value as well as representing and describing numbers.
Science
Our unit "Hot and Cold" was introduced last week. We discussed things that are hot and cold, and the students got to use Google Classroom to help research some pictures that are hot or cold. This week we will be looking into what each season looks like and discuss them using 'hot and cold' terms.
Social
During our social classes, we will talk about the "Early Days of Meteghan" as well as "Urban and Rural Communities".
Tuesday 18 November 2014
Dress Up Day!! Dress like your 100 year old self
This Friday is a special day for students and staff...it is DRESS LIKE YOUR 100 YEAR OLD SELF day. Yes, it is exactly as it sounds. Kids and staff are allowed to dress up like they are 100 years old!
Our student council came up with this one and it was actually a student's idea! How cool is that?? Can't wait to see all this kids dressed up as 100 year olds on Friday!
Our student council came up with this one and it was actually a student's idea! How cool is that?? Can't wait to see all this kids dressed up as 100 year olds on Friday!
Sunday 16 November 2014
November 17-21, 2014
A full 5 day week is upon us and we will enter back into our regular routine.
Last week we started our Christmas Cards for families to purchase. On Friday an order form was sent home for families to purchase these cards. Please return that form as soon as possible to be handed into the office.
Another green form (half sheet) was sent home on Friday allowing families to purchase a 2014-2015 Year book. This year book will be a collection of pictures from events throughout the year.
We are still looking for Parents to participate in the "Operation Christmas Child" boxes this year. Unfortunately, it is a quick turn around and boxes will need to be returned to school by Wednesday November 19.
Here's what is going on this week:
Tuesday: Library (*Please return all library books by Tuesday morning*)
Wednesday: Popcorn Snack ($0.50), Operation Christmas Child boxes due
Friday: Spelling Test, Hot Lunch (Wok Box), and November Scholastic Book Orders due
Language Arts
Spelling Words: see tab at the top
Writing: Continuing with our writing prompts, reading comprehension, and narrative/expository writing about Autumn.
Reading: Our goal for Home Reading for the month of November is 3 hours. Please encourage your child to read 10 minutes every night.
Math
Patterns: Creating and Explaining Increasing Patterns
Numbers to 100: Using 10s and 1s to help determine numbers; Using Canadian Currency (money)
Science
The students will have a 'review quiz' on Magnets this week. We will introduce our next unit "Hot and Cold".
Social
We will be comparing the communities of Saskatoon, Leduc, Meteghan, and Iqaluit.
Last week we started our Christmas Cards for families to purchase. On Friday an order form was sent home for families to purchase these cards. Please return that form as soon as possible to be handed into the office.
Another green form (half sheet) was sent home on Friday allowing families to purchase a 2014-2015 Year book. This year book will be a collection of pictures from events throughout the year.
We are still looking for Parents to participate in the "Operation Christmas Child" boxes this year. Unfortunately, it is a quick turn around and boxes will need to be returned to school by Wednesday November 19.
Here's what is going on this week:
Tuesday: Library (*Please return all library books by Tuesday morning*)
Wednesday: Popcorn Snack ($0.50), Operation Christmas Child boxes due
Friday: Spelling Test, Hot Lunch (Wok Box), and November Scholastic Book Orders due
Language Arts
Spelling Words: see tab at the top
Writing: Continuing with our writing prompts, reading comprehension, and narrative/expository writing about Autumn.
Reading: Our goal for Home Reading for the month of November is 3 hours. Please encourage your child to read 10 minutes every night.
Math
Patterns: Creating and Explaining Increasing Patterns
Numbers to 100: Using 10s and 1s to help determine numbers; Using Canadian Currency (money)
Science
The students will have a 'review quiz' on Magnets this week. We will introduce our next unit "Hot and Cold".
Social
We will be comparing the communities of Saskatoon, Leduc, Meteghan, and Iqaluit.
Wednesday 5 November 2014
Remembrance Day
We have been talking a lot today (and will be tomorrow) about Remembrance Day. I encourage you, as families, to attend a ceremony on Tuesday November 12.
Today we read and went through the poem "In Flanders Fields", talked about Major John McRae, and watched a few memorial videos.
This evening I heard about an initiative that I believe is a wonderful opportunity for students. "No Stone Left Alone" is an Edmonton based initiative that has 3 goals:
1. To have all soldiers' headstones in Canada one day recognized by a poppy, the symbol of remembrance
2. To educate our youth in an Outreach Education event
3. To create an increased awareness of our veterans' and serving soldiers' needs by inspiring a new generation of Canadians who recognize and respect the sacrifices and service of all our Armed Forces
I think the students are starting to understand (as much as they can) what Remembrance Day is and recognize that they appreciate the men and women who fought for our country, which is free. It is for this reason that I think the "No Stone Left Alone" initiative is so important; it will give the students a chance to take part in something extremely important. For more information, please visit nostoneleftalone.ca
I encourage you to have a conversation with your child about the significance of this day. They are full of questions and are thirsty for more information.
Please note this information has been gathered from the website: http://www.nostoneleftalone.ca/index.shtml
Today we read and went through the poem "In Flanders Fields", talked about Major John McRae, and watched a few memorial videos.
This evening I heard about an initiative that I believe is a wonderful opportunity for students. "No Stone Left Alone" is an Edmonton based initiative that has 3 goals:
1. To have all soldiers' headstones in Canada one day recognized by a poppy, the symbol of remembrance
2. To educate our youth in an Outreach Education event
3. To create an increased awareness of our veterans' and serving soldiers' needs by inspiring a new generation of Canadians who recognize and respect the sacrifices and service of all our Armed Forces
I think the students are starting to understand (as much as they can) what Remembrance Day is and recognize that they appreciate the men and women who fought for our country, which is free. It is for this reason that I think the "No Stone Left Alone" initiative is so important; it will give the students a chance to take part in something extremely important. For more information, please visit nostoneleftalone.ca
I encourage you to have a conversation with your child about the significance of this day. They are full of questions and are thirsty for more information.
Please note this information has been gathered from the website: http://www.nostoneleftalone.ca/index.shtml
Monday 3 November 2014
November 3-6, 2014
Wow, another short week! Students sure came in this morning clearly recovering from a 'sugar and fun' filled weekend! I loved hearing all the stories about their trick-or-treating experiences on Friday night.
This week is a short week but (once again) we got lots going on!
Tuesday: Library (please ensure all library books come back every week)
Wednesday: Popcorn ($0.50) and Early Dismissal at 2:15
Thursday: Remembrance Day Ceremony @ 10:30am; Spelling Test; Quest Theater Presentation 1-3pm
Friday: No School
*Remember: This is a 5 day weekend! There is no school from November 7-11. Your child will return to school on Wednesday November 12.
Language Arts
Story Prompt: This week will be a prompt about an encounter with a cat who is willing to help out...
Reading Comprehension: Introduction to poetry
Spelling Words: Focus on the 'long vowel u' words
Writing: Opinions about Autumn
Math
Patterns: Using a set number of objects to create a pattern
Numbers to 100: Estimating and Counting to 50
Science
We will be wrapping up our Magnets unit this week and taking the review quiz next week.
Social
Discussing the weather, water, and land of Meteghan, Iqaluit, and Saskatoon.
This week is a short week but (once again) we got lots going on!
Tuesday: Library (please ensure all library books come back every week)
Wednesday: Popcorn ($0.50) and Early Dismissal at 2:15
Thursday: Remembrance Day Ceremony @ 10:30am; Spelling Test; Quest Theater Presentation 1-3pm
Friday: No School
*Remember: This is a 5 day weekend! There is no school from November 7-11. Your child will return to school on Wednesday November 12.
Language Arts
Story Prompt: This week will be a prompt about an encounter with a cat who is willing to help out...
Reading Comprehension: Introduction to poetry
Spelling Words: Focus on the 'long vowel u' words
Writing: Opinions about Autumn
Math
Patterns: Using a set number of objects to create a pattern
Numbers to 100: Estimating and Counting to 50
Science
We will be wrapping up our Magnets unit this week and taking the review quiz next week.
Social
Discussing the weather, water, and land of Meteghan, Iqaluit, and Saskatoon.
Monday 27 October 2014
October 27-31, 2014
Happy Monday!
Even though it is a 5 day week, we have lots going on!
Tuesday-Library; please return all library books
Wednesday-Popcorn (please send $0.50 for each bag of popcorn for your child to receive at snack recess)
Friday-Class party at 10:30am; Spelling Test; Hot Lunch; Walk to Salem Manor at 1:30pm
Please ensure that your child comes to school dressed up and ready to go on Friday. They can wear their costume all day, but teachers will not be on hand to put on make-up and costume pieces. Please refrain from sending costume pieces that may be inappropriate (ex. guns, knives, etc).
As the weather is becoming colder, please make sure that your child is wearing the appropriate clothing for outside recess. Each child should have: gloves/mittens (with insulation), hat/toque that covers ears, scarf, snow pants, and a winter jacket. Feel free to send an extra pair of socks to school for your child to wear if their socks get wet.
We are entering/have entered cold and flu season. As school policy will be followed, there will be no sharing of kleenex and hand sanitizer. Please send a small amount of each with your child to keep at their desk. They can keep the sanitizer and kleenex inside their desk and use it at their discretion. This supply will not be shared with other students.
This week:
Language Arts
-Spelling Words
-Journal Writing
-Phonics-introduction to long vowel u words, and review of long and short vowels a,i,u
-Story Prompt (Wednesday) about their Halloween costume they will wear on Friday.
-Writing-discuss the organizational framework of narrative writing, begin to distinguish features of narrative writing; read and evaluate facts on the topic of Autumn, identify facts they know, new information, and information they do not understand.
-Reading Comprehension (Friday) about a Halloween story
Math
-Patterns: predicting parts of a repeating pattern
-Numbers to 100: working with money (specifically: pennies, nickles, dimes, quarters, loonies, toonies), introduction of ordinal numbers (ex. 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, etc)
Social
Exploring the difference of land, water, and weather between Leduc, Iqaluit, Meteghan, and Saskatoon.
Science
We will be exploring the north and south poles of magnets and how they attract/repel each other. In addition, we will test magnets and if they are strong enough to attract/repel objects through another object (cloth, styrofoam, plastic, etc).
Gym
Our focus for this week (and the weeks to come until Christmas) will be ball throwing and running. Our time in the gym will incorporate these two skills.
Even though it is a 5 day week, we have lots going on!
Tuesday-Library; please return all library books
Wednesday-Popcorn (please send $0.50 for each bag of popcorn for your child to receive at snack recess)
Friday-Class party at 10:30am; Spelling Test; Hot Lunch; Walk to Salem Manor at 1:30pm
Please ensure that your child comes to school dressed up and ready to go on Friday. They can wear their costume all day, but teachers will not be on hand to put on make-up and costume pieces. Please refrain from sending costume pieces that may be inappropriate (ex. guns, knives, etc).
As the weather is becoming colder, please make sure that your child is wearing the appropriate clothing for outside recess. Each child should have: gloves/mittens (with insulation), hat/toque that covers ears, scarf, snow pants, and a winter jacket. Feel free to send an extra pair of socks to school for your child to wear if their socks get wet.
We are entering/have entered cold and flu season. As school policy will be followed, there will be no sharing of kleenex and hand sanitizer. Please send a small amount of each with your child to keep at their desk. They can keep the sanitizer and kleenex inside their desk and use it at their discretion. This supply will not be shared with other students.
This week:
Language Arts
-Spelling Words
-Journal Writing
-Phonics-introduction to long vowel u words, and review of long and short vowels a,i,u
-Story Prompt (Wednesday) about their Halloween costume they will wear on Friday.
-Writing-discuss the organizational framework of narrative writing, begin to distinguish features of narrative writing; read and evaluate facts on the topic of Autumn, identify facts they know, new information, and information they do not understand.
-Reading Comprehension (Friday) about a Halloween story
Math
-Patterns: predicting parts of a repeating pattern
-Numbers to 100: working with money (specifically: pennies, nickles, dimes, quarters, loonies, toonies), introduction of ordinal numbers (ex. 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, etc)
Social
Exploring the difference of land, water, and weather between Leduc, Iqaluit, Meteghan, and Saskatoon.
Science
We will be exploring the north and south poles of magnets and how they attract/repel each other. In addition, we will test magnets and if they are strong enough to attract/repel objects through another object (cloth, styrofoam, plastic, etc).
Gym
Our focus for this week (and the weeks to come until Christmas) will be ball throwing and running. Our time in the gym will incorporate these two skills.
Monday 20 October 2014
October 20-24, 2014
Another 5 day week is upon us! This week there are Parent/Teacher Interviews on Tuesday and Wednesday. Students are asked to attend these with their parents.
Lice Busters will be coming in on Tuesday to check the students. If you have returned the pink form, your child will not be checked.
Popcorn Wednesdays will begin again this week. Popcorn is $0.50 per bag and they will receive it at snack.
Friday is McDonald's hot lunch, spelling test, and October Scholastic Book Orders are due.
Language Arts
This week we will be working on our writing with a focus on 'Autumn Days'. We continue to discuss the difference between Expository and Informative writing.
Spelling test is this Friday. Please find the words under the "Spelling Words" tab.
On Wednesday, we will try our first 'Story Prompt'. Students will receive a picture with a 'starter sentence' and have free write time. This sparks a creative side of the students, and we will develop their skills over the course of the year.
Math
Our focus this week is on patterns that appear in every day sights, and extending those patterns.
With Numbers to 100, we will be looking at objects that appear in groups of 2, 5, and 10. We will then take those objects and find easier ways to count them.
Science
We are almost done our Magnets unit and are testing the magnets to see how many paper clips they hold. We are discussing predictions and observations with regards to science experiments/test.
Social
We have started to talk about the 3 areas of Canada: Meteghan (Nova Scotia), Iqaluit (Nunavut), and Saskatoon (Saskatchewan). We will be looking at these 3 communities throughout the year.
Lice Busters will be coming in on Tuesday to check the students. If you have returned the pink form, your child will not be checked.
Popcorn Wednesdays will begin again this week. Popcorn is $0.50 per bag and they will receive it at snack.
Friday is McDonald's hot lunch, spelling test, and October Scholastic Book Orders are due.
Language Arts
This week we will be working on our writing with a focus on 'Autumn Days'. We continue to discuss the difference between Expository and Informative writing.
Spelling test is this Friday. Please find the words under the "Spelling Words" tab.
On Wednesday, we will try our first 'Story Prompt'. Students will receive a picture with a 'starter sentence' and have free write time. This sparks a creative side of the students, and we will develop their skills over the course of the year.
Math
Our focus this week is on patterns that appear in every day sights, and extending those patterns.
With Numbers to 100, we will be looking at objects that appear in groups of 2, 5, and 10. We will then take those objects and find easier ways to count them.
Science
We are almost done our Magnets unit and are testing the magnets to see how many paper clips they hold. We are discussing predictions and observations with regards to science experiments/test.
Social
We have started to talk about the 3 areas of Canada: Meteghan (Nova Scotia), Iqaluit (Nunavut), and Saskatoon (Saskatchewan). We will be looking at these 3 communities throughout the year.
Tuesday 14 October 2014
October 15-17, 2014
**PLEASE SIGN UP FOR PARENT TEACHER INTERVIEWS NEXT WEEK! Go to the following link to sign up online: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0f4daeac29a2f58-october/
Even though it is a 3 day week, we still have lots going on in Grade 2!
Even though it is a 3 day week, we still have lots going on in Grade 2!
There will be no spelling test this week. I will be testing for Dolch words all week for the September words.
Assembly has been changed to Thursday October 16 at 1pm, at which time we will have an author visit. Tyler Enfield is an Alberta author and will be visiting East Elementary School during this time. If students/parents are interested in purchasing Mr. Enfields book, please fill out and return the form (sent home earlier this week) and bring it on Thursday (with cash) to the presentation.
As many parents have been contacting me about Parent/Teacher Interviews next week, I will let you know that the Secretary is working diligently to send out the website for each individual classroom. Once the website has been created, it will then be distributed to me, and I will pass it along to you. East Elementary has gone digital with signing up for these Interviews, so STAY TUNED :)
The interviews will take place on Tuesday October 21 and Wednesday October 22 from 3:30-8pm (last appointment at 7:30). The interview time can range anywhere from 15-25 minutes.
Sunday 5 October 2014
October 6-10, 2014
A few reminders about what is going on this week:
- Students are encouraged to bring one non-perishable food item every day this week to support the Food Bank
- As temperatures are changing, please ensure your child is wearing the appropriate clothing to school. A fall jacket, mitts, and a hat are good pieces to ensure your child will not get cold at recess.
- Club Moo starts on Monday.
- Spelling Test and Hot Lunch from Swiss Chalet on Friday.
Language Arts
RazKids was a HUGE success this past week, and I encourage you to allow your child to use it at home. I notice some students already using it at home and that is AMAZING! Here are the instructions on how to get to the website: google 'razkids' and select the first option. The teacher login is 'jennkruse'. Allow your child to find their name and type in the password they were given in class (no spaces). The program is great and they can spend 10-15 minutes on it every night. This would even count towards their home reading (red duotang).
Continue Reading at home with your child. Our goal for October is to have each student read 3 hours each. If each student completes this goal, we will have a popcorn party at the end of the month.
We will continue to talk about expository and narrative writing, and students will be able to identify parts of these types of writing. We discussed last week about opinions and why opinions are not necessarily accepted by everyone. For example: "The best season of the year is Summer" is my opinion and is not true for all students.
This week we will begin Reading Comprehension. We will be doing this once/week. This is to build confidence in understanding what they are reading, as well as understanding what to look for in their reading.
Math
This week we will begin our "Patterns" and "Numbers to 100" unit. The "Pattern" unit will continue until mid-November and "Numbers to 100" will continue through February.
Science
We will be continuing to look at magnets and the different types of magnets that exist.
Social
Our focus for social this week will be mapping. I hope to finish this unit this week and begin with another topic next week.
Sunday 28 September 2014
September 29-October 3 2014
This week we have early dismissal on Wednesday at 2:10pm. Please ensure your child has an appropriate ride home at this time.
Club Moo forms are due Thursday October 2. Please let me know if you have not received this form.
Dairy Queen hot lunch is on Friday (orders were due last Friday)
LA
Last week, the students were introduced to two different types of writing: narrative and expository (informative). We discussed where we find this type of writing and how to tell the difference between the two. This week, we will continue to work with these two types of writing and build their knowledge of them.
This week we will be introducing an online reading program called "RazKids". This program allows students to read books online (specific to their reading level), and take comprehension quizzes after they have read the book. They earn points for their reading (through the program) and can access this program at home. We are going to try to use this a few times this week so students can become comfortable with the program. Once they have become comfortable, feel free to use this at home. (NOTE: they may not become comfortable this week and it would be best to try next week)
www.raz-kids.com
Students are encouraged to continue reading 10 minutes a night and work towards their 2 hour goal by Tuesday. Please ensure that the red duotangs are returned to school when they have completed 1 hour.
In the red duotang is the Dolch words. I will be testing those words sometime this week, so please ensure your child is comfortable with these words.
Math
We will be finishing up addition and subtraction this week and moving forward with our next topics. This doesn't mean we will stop practicing our addition/subtraction, but I encourage students to practice their skills at home/in the car/while you are out for a walk.
Social
We have been learning about our country and where the provinces are located in Canada.
Science
Magnets! Magnets! Magnets! We have been discussing magnets and what makes up a magnet. Challenge your kids and have them take a magnet around your house to test what is magnetic.
Club Moo forms are due Thursday October 2. Please let me know if you have not received this form.
Dairy Queen hot lunch is on Friday (orders were due last Friday)
LA
Last week, the students were introduced to two different types of writing: narrative and expository (informative). We discussed where we find this type of writing and how to tell the difference between the two. This week, we will continue to work with these two types of writing and build their knowledge of them.
This week we will be introducing an online reading program called "RazKids". This program allows students to read books online (specific to their reading level), and take comprehension quizzes after they have read the book. They earn points for their reading (through the program) and can access this program at home. We are going to try to use this a few times this week so students can become comfortable with the program. Once they have become comfortable, feel free to use this at home. (NOTE: they may not become comfortable this week and it would be best to try next week)
www.raz-kids.com
Students are encouraged to continue reading 10 minutes a night and work towards their 2 hour goal by Tuesday. Please ensure that the red duotangs are returned to school when they have completed 1 hour.
In the red duotang is the Dolch words. I will be testing those words sometime this week, so please ensure your child is comfortable with these words.
Math
We will be finishing up addition and subtraction this week and moving forward with our next topics. This doesn't mean we will stop practicing our addition/subtraction, but I encourage students to practice their skills at home/in the car/while you are out for a walk.
Social
We have been learning about our country and where the provinces are located in Canada.
Science
Magnets! Magnets! Magnets! We have been discussing magnets and what makes up a magnet. Challenge your kids and have them take a magnet around your house to test what is magnetic.
Monday 22 September 2014
NEWS FLASH!
Just a few updates that came about today...
1. Picture forms are due back tomorrow (Tuesday)! Whether you need retakes or are purchasing a package of pictures, please send those in tomorrow.
2. Terry Fox permission forms must be in by Thursday at 3pm. If I do not receive the permission form, your child will have to remain at school during the walk.
On another note, please ensure that all spelling lists that are sent home (both weekly and the Dolch list) are mastered both verbally and written. Which means your child should be able to spell them (you say the word, your child writes/spells it) and visually recognize the word (look at the word and say it properly aloud).
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sunday 21 September 2014
September 22-26, 2014
I hope the students all enjoyed their 3 day weekend! This beautiful weather, leaves changing colour, and the end of summer/start of fall is definitely a great reason to go outside for a walk or bike ride.
Here's some reminders for the week:
-Hot lunch orders are due this Friday September 26. Please go to the following website to register (parents will have to create a new account regardless of previous accounts) http://eastelementaryschool.blogspot.ca/p/hot-lunch.html
-Library is every Tuesday. Please ensure your child returns all their books so they can take out new ones!
-I have noticed some students are struggling to complete their '10 minutes of reading every night.' I really encourage you to try and build this into your daily routine. Our class goal is 2 hours per child by the end of September. Please ensure you record the time your child reads (in the red duotang).
-Picture order forms were sent home this past week. If you require re-takes or would like to purchase one of the options available, please send those forms back ASAP (no deadline has been set yet, but I assume by Friday Sept 26).
-When packing your child's lunch, be sure to include them! They have been really awesome lately with choosing healthy snacks during morning snack time. Kids are very excited about their lunches...ask them if what you are packing is something they like/dislike. Remember to back a RAINBOW lunch (as many colours of the rainbow as possible) to ensure they are receiving different vitamins.
Here's some reminders for the week:
-Hot lunch orders are due this Friday September 26. Please go to the following website to register (parents will have to create a new account regardless of previous accounts) http://eastelementaryschool.blogspot.ca/p/hot-lunch.html
-Library is every Tuesday. Please ensure your child returns all their books so they can take out new ones!
-I have noticed some students are struggling to complete their '10 minutes of reading every night.' I really encourage you to try and build this into your daily routine. Our class goal is 2 hours per child by the end of September. Please ensure you record the time your child reads (in the red duotang).
-Picture order forms were sent home this past week. If you require re-takes or would like to purchase one of the options available, please send those forms back ASAP (no deadline has been set yet, but I assume by Friday Sept 26).
-When packing your child's lunch, be sure to include them! They have been really awesome lately with choosing healthy snacks during morning snack time. Kids are very excited about their lunches...ask them if what you are packing is something they like/dislike. Remember to back a RAINBOW lunch (as many colours of the rainbow as possible) to ensure they are receiving different vitamins.
Sunday 14 September 2014
September 15-19, 2014
We will be continuing on this week with our normal schedule, except there will be no school on Friday September 19. Also, we have a 'Meet the Teacher Night' on Tuesday September 16 at 6:30pm and I am looking forward to seeing all of you there.
One thing I would like to point out (which I just found out as well), is that students are able to bring back their Library books at any time and take out new ones. The 'check in and check out' times vary depending upon our Librarians' (Mrs Hicks) schedule. However, we will try to exchange books within 24 hours of being brought back. YAY!! This means that your child can read different books at home!
I hope the Home Reading program is going well....I have had a few red duotangs brought back and we are keeping track of 'Hours Read' in our classroom. If you would like me to send home an extra book or two, please let me know and your child can choose a book from the selection. Try to encourage your child to read a minimum of 10 minutes per night.
I was really impressed with the Spelling Test from Friday! Congratulations Grade 2s! I have added a tab at the top of the blog that will have the spelling words for each week so you can ensure you always have access to them.
Don't forget: all pink forms, volunteer forms, student verification forms (the big package of papers sent out this past Tuesday), and the CASL forms (sent home Friday) are due back ASAP. Thank you to all those who have sent their papers back already and I look forward to receiving the rest.
I have also sent out an email about our Class Dojo points. If you have not received an email yet, please let me know and I will look into it. The Class Dojo is a points system that allows a student to earn positive/negative points for their actions/behavior. Parents are able to track this online throughout the day to see how their child is doing. Plus it is a great conversation starter for 'how was your day' around the dinner table!
Have a great week everyone :)
One thing I would like to point out (which I just found out as well), is that students are able to bring back their Library books at any time and take out new ones. The 'check in and check out' times vary depending upon our Librarians' (Mrs Hicks) schedule. However, we will try to exchange books within 24 hours of being brought back. YAY!! This means that your child can read different books at home!
I hope the Home Reading program is going well....I have had a few red duotangs brought back and we are keeping track of 'Hours Read' in our classroom. If you would like me to send home an extra book or two, please let me know and your child can choose a book from the selection. Try to encourage your child to read a minimum of 10 minutes per night.
I was really impressed with the Spelling Test from Friday! Congratulations Grade 2s! I have added a tab at the top of the blog that will have the spelling words for each week so you can ensure you always have access to them.
Don't forget: all pink forms, volunteer forms, student verification forms (the big package of papers sent out this past Tuesday), and the CASL forms (sent home Friday) are due back ASAP. Thank you to all those who have sent their papers back already and I look forward to receiving the rest.
I have also sent out an email about our Class Dojo points. If you have not received an email yet, please let me know and I will look into it. The Class Dojo is a points system that allows a student to earn positive/negative points for their actions/behavior. Parents are able to track this online throughout the day to see how their child is doing. Plus it is a great conversation starter for 'how was your day' around the dinner table!
Have a great week everyone :)
Wednesday 10 September 2014
Settling In...
As we settle into the first full week of Grade Two, we have noticed a few things missing from our class.
1. Headphones for the chromebooks. Please supply a pair of headphones for your child to use. I will put their name on them and you will get them back at the end of the school year.
2. Specific color duotangs. Some students are missing specific colors of duotangs. Please ask your child if they have their work in duotangs...if not, please supply them.
As the weather is constantly changing, please ensure that your child is coming to school with the appropriate attire. With the temperatures around 5 degrees, sweaters are not enough. Please ensure your child is properly dressed according to the weather. This may mean sending a pair of mittens and a hat to keep at school for the time being.
1. Headphones for the chromebooks. Please supply a pair of headphones for your child to use. I will put their name on them and you will get them back at the end of the school year.
2. Specific color duotangs. Some students are missing specific colors of duotangs. Please ask your child if they have their work in duotangs...if not, please supply them.
As the weather is constantly changing, please ensure that your child is coming to school with the appropriate attire. With the temperatures around 5 degrees, sweaters are not enough. Please ensure your child is properly dressed according to the weather. This may mean sending a pair of mittens and a hat to keep at school for the time being.
Friday 5 September 2014
Back to the Grind...
Welcome to Grade 2!! I am very excited to have 19 students in my classroom this year. This group of students is amazing and I cannot wait to watch them grow over the next 10 months.
After the first week, we have already started writing, social, science, math, and phonics. WOW!
Agenda
I have been really impressed with how diligent students are with bringing their kanga pouch and agenda to school every day. Just a reminder to check the pouch every night and initial their agenda. The students receive a 'positive dojo point' for returning it signed. (**Not sure what a dojo is?? Ask your child!**)
What has been sent home?
There have been some papers sent out today that are important for parents to look at: Triton Swimming, East Elementary School calendar magnet, online payment information, and a letter from Principal Chomlak. Please give these a read.
On Wednesday I sent home a newsletter which included a volunteer sheet for classroom activities and classroom parties. Thank you for returning those so quickly.
*On Monday I will be sending home an information page that I would like you to fill out with your child. This will include your child's 'favorites' and some contact information. Please return this by Friday September 12.
Spelling Words & Home Reading (Red Duotang)
I sent home a red duotang containing information on Spelling Words (Dolch words) and our Home Reading program. These spelling words are to be worked on at home (approx. 10 minutes/night). When these words are mastered, please let me know so I can test them.
Our plan for Home Reading is to have each student read a minimum of 10 minutes every night; the class goal is 2 hours in September. Every hour that your child reads, please send the red duotang back to school and we will keep tally. If you have any questions about the Dolch words or the Home Reading, please do not hesitate to email me.
After the first week, we have already started writing, social, science, math, and phonics. WOW!
Agenda
I have been really impressed with how diligent students are with bringing their kanga pouch and agenda to school every day. Just a reminder to check the pouch every night and initial their agenda. The students receive a 'positive dojo point' for returning it signed. (**Not sure what a dojo is?? Ask your child!**)
What has been sent home?
There have been some papers sent out today that are important for parents to look at: Triton Swimming, East Elementary School calendar magnet, online payment information, and a letter from Principal Chomlak. Please give these a read.
On Wednesday I sent home a newsletter which included a volunteer sheet for classroom activities and classroom parties. Thank you for returning those so quickly.
*On Monday I will be sending home an information page that I would like you to fill out with your child. This will include your child's 'favorites' and some contact information. Please return this by Friday September 12.
Spelling Words & Home Reading (Red Duotang)
I sent home a red duotang containing information on Spelling Words (Dolch words) and our Home Reading program. These spelling words are to be worked on at home (approx. 10 minutes/night). When these words are mastered, please let me know so I can test them.
Our plan for Home Reading is to have each student read a minimum of 10 minutes every night; the class goal is 2 hours in September. Every hour that your child reads, please send the red duotang back to school and we will keep tally. If you have any questions about the Dolch words or the Home Reading, please do not hesitate to email me.
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