October Update!

Math ~ Topic 4: Working with Equal Groups

• Repeated addition involves joining equal groups
• An array involves joining equal groups and is one way to think about repeated addition
• Information in a problem can often be shown using a diagram and used to solve the problem. Some problems can be solved by writing and completing a number sentence or equation.
• Vocabulary word: array

Writing ~ Personal Narrative

• Reviewed features of a personal narrative text
• Studied modeled writing: focus on the beginning, middle, and end
• Publishing, illustrations that bring the narrative to life
• Sharing

Science

• Tree parts and their function: roots, trunk, branches, bark, leaves, seeds
• Two types of trees
• Coniferous: contains chlorophyll, stays green all year, needle-like leaves, come have cones
• Deciduous: contains chlorophyll, changes color in the fall, broad shape leaves, acorns

*Family tree project is due November 3rd!
*Tree test is scheduled for November 6th!

Congratulations to our STARBUCK winners from Room 214!

STARBUCK assembly! Watch us Whip!

Show and Share coupons :) Caden and Olivia Q.

Zones of Regulation with Ms. Martin

• How are you feeling? Red, yellow, green, or blue?

Room 214 Update!

A peek at what we've been up to in September!

Coming Up:

• Picture day is THIS Friday, October 2nd
• No School October 12th

• The Memorial School Buddy Bench
• A place where kids can meet friends, work out problems, and make new friends or learn a new a game
• Check it out on the playground! 

• The coupons are flowing! We had our first two "'lunch with the teacher" groups. Keep working hard!!

• In science we are studying weather. We are learning about the 4 types of precipitation, severe storms, the 3 main types of clouds, and the water cycle. The weather test is scheduled for next Wednesday, October 7th. 
• Check out the video of our class singing The Cloud Song! (Written by our very own, Mrs. Nelson!)

• Students all received Memorial School Passports. We visited different areas of the school and learned acronyms about expected behavior in those locations. We visited the bathroom, playground, bus area, lunch room, hallway, and more!

• We have almost completed Topic 2 in math. We learned:
• Addition facts involving 0, 1, and 2
• Addition facts with two addends that are the same
• Addition facts where the addends are 1 apart
• To use the commutative property to find sums
• To find the sum of three addends in any order
• To make 10 when adding
• How to draw a picture and write a number sentence to solve a story problem

Open House

Dear Parents, 

Thank you SO much for coming to Open House! It was wonderful to meet all of you. I look forward to meeting again in December.

First week of school!

We had an awesome start to the school year! The students have all settled into their new classroom. This is a look at some of the fun things we did this week! Have a great long weekend!

Find-A-Friend: Look for a friend that matches each description. You can only use each name once.

Shake Breaks: We are working hard to earn shake break time. We got to Pop See Ko and the kids loved it!!

Math: We began Topic 1 this week with a math game about adding. We wrote addition number sentences and used a part-part-whole mat to help us add cubes.

Class Rules: We worked together to brainstorm ideas for our classroom rules. Here are some of the ideas we came up with.

Spotty Dogs: When students are following the classroom and school rules, they can be "spotted." When they receive 7 spots, they earn a coupon for a prize!

Hopes and Dreams: We wrote about our hopes and dreams for second grade. We are excited to learn about many new things!

Sneak peek at Room 214!

The classroom is ready for second graders! Here's a look at your new classroom!

Summer Letter

August 2015

Dear Families,

I hope you are having a terrific summer! I can’t believe that it is time for me to send you this letter – time does fly when you are having fun! I am looking forward to meeting your child on August 31st, but I thought you might want some information before the start of school.

On your child’s first day back to school please be sure that he or she brings the following:

(Please be sure to label everything with your child’s name, school name and room number)

✻ A book bag or backpack: Please be sure that it zippers and straps are in good working order. Backpacks offer a wonderful support system for children learning to become independent and responsible for his or her schoolwork and belongings. Please be sure to put your child’s name, school and room number inside the bag in case it is ever left on the school bus.

✻ Water Bottle: It is recommended that your child bring a filled water bottle each day. He or she can sip on the water throughout the day as needed and bring it to P.E. as well.

✻ A healthy snack: Juice, water, fruits, vegetables, cheese and crackers, etc. are fine snacks that will help boost your child’s energy throughout the day to keep them engaged in learning. Please do not send any soda or candy as a snack.

✻ Lunch/lunch money: If your child brings lunch, please be sure that his or her lunch box or bag is clearly labeled with his or her name and room number. Burlington Public Schools has a “cashless” system for lunch. If your child is going to be purchasing lunch from the cafeteria, please make sure their account is up to date at www.paypams.com.

✻ Sneakers: Required for P.E.

What not to bring to school:

✻ Classroom materials (pencils, crayons, glue, etc.) are provided by the school.  You do not need to purchase any supplies!

✻ Toys, stuffed animals, trinkets, iPods, cell phones, hand-held electronic games.

Our classroom blog gives you an opportunity to stay informed with classroom curriculum, activities, and upcoming events. A blog permission slip will be sent home during the first week of school that will allow me to post any videos or pictures that are taken during our lessons and activities throughout the year. In the meantime, check out what our blog has to offer at: http://memorialroom214.blogspot.com/

I have enclosed a questionnaire to be returned with your child on the first day of school.  Please fill out this informational questionnaire with your child, include your email address and contact information.

Finally, if your child has a unique family circumstance, allergy, learning or emotional need, please send me an email before the start of school at mclaughlin@bpsk12.org.  I hope I answered some of your questions about the first few days of school. I look forward to a fun and rewarding year ahead!

Sincerely,

Jacki McLaughlin