Monday, September 30, 2013

October

We are so blessed to have this beautiful weather.  Recess in the sunshine is such a treat.

This week the Grade 2s will begin a new math unit.  In this unit we will be studying numbers up to 100.  This unit includes odd/even, skip counting, and various ways to build numbers up to 100.  We will learn how to use both number lines and the hundred chart.

Grade 3 is about to begin a new math unit as well.  They will be learning about numbers to 1000.

We are just wrapping up our Religion unit on prayer.  You should see this booklet coming home this week.

All students should be into the routine of doing reading homework each night.  Depending on the reading level of your child they may or may not be bringing home a new book each night.  Some students have borrowed chapter books from me as well.  Students should be reading 20 minutes at least 5 out of 7 days of the week.


Reminders:
Friday: Book Orders Due

Have a fabulous week!

Monday, September 23, 2013

Happy Fall!

Hope you had a fabulous weekend.  What beautiful fall weather we have had so far.

In our classroom:

Grade 2s have already completed a French unit on colour.  We are now working at learning the numbers.  Although the vocabulary in these units is familiar, reading the words is new.  This year we will work on reading and writing some of the vocabulary that we learn.


Grade 2s just starting building increasing patterns in Math class, while the Grade 3s just learned about decreasing patterns.  Can you tell which is which in the following pictures?



Our main goal in English Language Arts so far is to learn all the steps involved in the Daily 5.  So far we know the routines for Read to Self, and Work on Writing.  




Religion: In Religion we are doing a study of prayer.  We have talked about the 5Ws of prayer and have now moved into some more detailed topics.  We will work specifically on Praise, Confession, Thanks, Prayer for Others, and Prayer for Self.

Social Studies: We have completed a mini unit in Social Studies about Citizenship.  You should see these papers coming home this week.  They are for you to keep at home.

Reminders:
Wednesday: Pizza Hot Lunch
Thursday: Lunch Lady Orders Due
Friday: Terry Fox Walk, pledge forms due today, picture orders due online

Monday, September 16, 2013

Settling in

Phew!  We got through week 1, and it amazing!  This group of students has settled right into the new routines of the classroom and we are hard at work. 

In ELA we have been working at learning the steps for Daily 5.  This year we are adding CAFE to our literacy instruction.  CAFE is used to teach strategies for comprehension, accuracy, fluency and expanding vocabulary.  By now your child should be doing reading homework each day.  Students may borrow my books from the classroom, or read their own books at home.  They have learned how to pick 'just right books' and should be ready books that fit their level. 

Grade 2s are currently working on a repeating pattern unit, while the Grade 3s are working hard on increasing patterns.  Can you figure out the pattern rule for each of these examples? 




In social studies we have learned the words: Citizen, Rights, Responsibilities.  We have been really focusing on what good citizenship in the country, or at school looks like and sounds like.  Next we will do a somewhat in-depth look at the lyrics of O Canada.

If by chance you still have the order forms for Highlights or Owl magazine, and would like to order, please submit them as soon as you can.  The online setup for our classroom is done, or you can send orders in to school. 

Reminders:
Tuesday - Running Club 3:30 (Grade 3 and up)
Wednesday - Picture Day
Thursday - Running Club 3:30 (Grade 3 and up)
Friday - Pizza Orders due

As always, if you have questions or concerns please let me know. 

Monday, September 9, 2013

First Full Week

Wow!  What an absolutely amazing group of students.  It's only day 4 and we are settling into routines nicely.  Over the next couple of weeks all regular routines will fall into place.

Have you seen our artwork yet?  We did an oil pastel and water colour project to show off our names.



We have already started reviewing (or learning) how Daily 5, our literacy program works.  This program includes reading, writing and spelling work.  We are currently talking about reading stamina and practicing Read to Self.

Both the grade 2s and 3s have starting Patterning units in math class.

In Religion we are focusing on prayer right now.

Part of Social Studies includes how we get along in our classroom.  We have talked about things like rules, behaviour, consequences and rewards.  We came up with this class contract:





Thank you for sending in family pictures for our display.  My goal is to have them there all year to remind the students how important the connection between home and school is. 




This week:
If you haven't already returned the package of forms to the office please do so.
Friday - book order and Highlight magazine forms are due

Have a great week!

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Sneak Peek

I am so excited to see everyone tomorrow morning!  It is going to be such an amazing year! 

Doors open at 8:30 am.  All you need to pack in your backpack is your lunch and a pair of running shoes.

Here's a sneak peek at our classroom...

To help remind us of the strong tie between school and home each child will bring in a framed 4x6 family picture to add to this wall.  It is so important to me that we work together to help the children achieve their goals this year.


We will spend a LOT of time reading and working on literacy skills.  You are already familiar with the leveled reading system which we will continue using daily.


The most FAQ during home visits was, "How is Lightning?"  He is back from his summer vacation home and excited to see you!  He did get a new (stronger) lid for his cage after he planned and executed a grand escape this summer. 


As usual we will spend time every day meeting together at the carpet to learn about each other, and learn our lessons.  Technology will continue to be a regular integration into all subject areas.


Have a great last day before we get right back into routine in the morning.

Can't wait to see you,
Ms. Klatt