Festival of Cultures

Last week we prepared our room for the Festival of Cultures.

Festival of Cultures
Thank you so much for helping your students plan and complete their India assignments.  I was really impressed by all the different projects that came in this morning.  I truly appreciate all of your effort with this assignment as well as all the the different homework activities I send home.

Home Reading Books in the Bright Orange Bag
Thank you for reminding your students to bring back their Take Home Reading Books to me today.  I want to make sure every student has a new set of books to read over the holiday break.  Even if you forgot today, bring it in tomorrow or Wednesday and I will change the books out. 

Subtraction Exam in Math
This Wednesday, December 17th, we will have an exam covering subtraction.  We practiced our skills today in class today using scratch paper and completing careful work.  The students did well.  I sent home an eight question study guide last Thursday.  If your students can understand the concepts on the study guide they will do well on the exam.  The study guide is due Wednesday.

Curriculum Overview
Literacy - Recognizing the new information we learn when reading non-fiction books, including non-fiction books about India

Math - Subtraction of three-digit numbers, understanding how and why to regroup, preparing for an exam on Wednesday 12/17.

Writing - Studying and emulating the style of one of our favorite authors, Jonathan London.

Language Conventions - Contractions

Leadership - Habit 3 - Put First Things First

Please Bring In Those Orange "Take Home Reading" Bags!

In Room A-2 every student is reading books at their level every day. 
I am hoping with the Take Home Reading book bags we can keep up that reading over the Winter Break.

I hope you are doing well.  Your children keep telling about all of your holiday preparations--I can tell you are enjoying the season.  This past weekend I put holiday lights up with my son and he loves waiting for them to come on each evening.  Here is the Room A-2 newsletter for the week:

Festival of Cultures - India
Last week the students and I began reading about India and recording some of our new learning in a notebook.  This week we will continue our study and work together to create a map of India's major cities and landforms.  We will also make and write about the Flag of India.

Home Reading Books in the Bright Orange Bag
Please make sure your student brings back their Take Home Reading Books to me next Monday.  I want to make sure every student has a new set of books to read over the holiday break.  Even if you forget next Monday, bring them on Tuesday or Wednesday etc.  I will send out another email reminder about this and contact you directly if needed.

Curriculum Overview
Literacy - Recognizing the new information we learn when reading non-fiction books, including non-fiction books about India

Math - Solving subtraction problems with numbers that have many zeros in them making regrouping more complicated.

Writing - Studying and emulating the style of one of our favorite authors, Jonathan London.

Language Conventions - Adjectives and adverbs

Leadership - Habit 3 - Put First Things First

This is what the Take Home Reading book bags look like.

Festival of Cultures in Two Weeks

This week our class is being featured on the video announcements.

I hope you had a wonderful and relaxing Thanksgiving break.  Here is the newsletter for the week:

Festival of Cultures - India
This week we will begin studying the country of India.  Through reading books, visiting websites, and watching video clips we will be learning about the geography, holidays, sports, and landmarks of India.  Make sure you are working with your students on their at-home projects.  Information about this project went home in last week's Monday envelope.  If you need another copy let me know.  The lined paper provided in that packet can be used for students to write a summary and explanation of their project that they can read when they present.  The projects are due on Monday, December 15th, the festival is on Tuesday, December 16th.

Science/Social Studies/Word Study with Ms. Sepich
For the next couple of weeks our Science, Social, Studies, and Word Study lessons will be put on hold.  This will allow us the needed time to study India and prepare for the second grade Festival of Cultures.

Toys for Tots
The Student Lighthouse Community Service Action Team is excited to announce an upcoming service project for the month of December.  Silver Springs Elementary will be an official collection site for the US Marine Toys for Tots 2014 campaign.  Please send in any new unwrapped toys to Silver Springs from Dec. 1-12.  No stuffed animals, please.  Keep this project in mind as you begin your holiday shopping!  We can’t wait to see our Silver Springs community synergize to make this holiday season a little brighter for some very needy children!

Curriculum Overview
Literacy - Recognizing the new information we learn when reading non-fiction books. 

Math - Using subtraction to solve math sentences with missing pieces.  Solving subtraction problems with multiple steps.

Writing - Studying and emulating the style of one of our favorite authors, Jonathan London.

Language Conventions - Adjectives and adverbs

Leadership - Writing about how we have used the Seven Habits in our lives.