Welcome to December!
Reading Log Reward
Wednesday, Dec. 7th will be 'Pajama Day' for those who turned in their reading logs for November. The children may wear their pajamas to school but must wear shoes. It is OK to bring their slippers but they must have shoes for gym and recess.
The December logs are not due until we return from Winter Break. They are expected to read over the holiday.
Reading
We are beginning a new theme, Around Town. In this theme, we will read about different kinds of neighborhoods. Our first story is called China Town.
This story is about a boy who lives in Chinatown with his parents and grandmother. He tells about the walks he takes through Chinatown each day with his grandmother.
The comprehension strategy we will work on is summarizing.
The comprehension skill is making judgements.
The grammar lessons will focus on naming words (common nouns).
The phonics lessons will review consonant digraphs th, wh, sh, ch, and word endings -er, and -est.
The vocabulary words are: apartment, delivery, market, handcarts, and celebrations.
The high frequency words are: during, head, lion, and winter.
MathAll of you should have seen the results of their latest timed fact tests in addition and subtraction. As I told many of you at your conference, the children need to continue to practice their facts. There are still many of them using their fingers or the number line on their desks. The facts should be automatic so keep using those flash cards or the computer to review.
We will finish Chapter 8 during the week and have the Chapter Test and Cumulative Review. Chapter 9 covers data and graphs.
Holiday Customs
On Thursday the children brought home the instructions for an assignment they need to complete at home. I am asking them to give a 3-5 minute oral presentation on a special holiday custom of your family. This can be anything your family does each year during the holiday season. I am hoping some old family traditions will be covered to help the children understand that each family is different and has their own special way of celebrating the holidays. If you have any questions regarding this assignment, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Holidays Around the World
The week of December 12th we will not have our normal reading group in order to celebrate customs in other countries around the world. The children will move from classroom to classroom in second grade and learn about how different countries celebrate the holiday. I will start them out with China, Mrs. Walega will teach them about Polish customs, Mrs. Oliver will cover Sweden, Mrs. Schultz will talk about Christmas in Mexican and Mrs. Onorato will explain Hanukkah to them.
Parent/Teacher Conferences
It was very nice meeting with all of you last week. I hope your questions were answered. Remember, I am always available if you have any questions or concerns. Generally, I will not contact you unless I have a concern...so I guess '"No news is good news".
Student of the WeekJack was our special student. Jack has one brother and two sisters. A few of his favorite things are the color yellow, dogs, gumbo, Harry Potter, and soccer.
at school he likes playing with his friends. At home he likes playing with his neighbors. When Jack grows up, first he want to be a movie producer, then he wants to be a biologist.
