Independent Reading- Selecting Just Right Books

Everyone has been excited to choose books for their independent book bins. The children worked in small groups with Ms. Reynolds to think about what makes a book a good pick.

Math

In math, we have been focused on multi-step word problems and using a variety of strategies to determine the solution equation.  Also,we have been playing math games to practice facts.  Also, we have been discussing counting patterns and how they might help us solve problems.

Writers Workshop-

The children have been for productive and focused in our writers's workshop sessions. We are studying the work of Peter Brown. We are thinking about how authors and illustrators plan and review their work. The children have enjoyed sharing their work with a peer partner.

Here is a link to Peter Brown's Website


http://www.peterbrownstudio.com/store/#.VgXPSdw4QpE

Olweus Meeting

We held our first Olweus Meeting on Wednesday. We are so happy to have Mrs. Clerkin join us. We reviewed the rules  and purpose for our weekly meeting. We read and discussed the book, The Blue Ribbon Day. Each of us shared something we were not good at yet.

Zones Of Regulation

Today, Mrs. Perkus visited our room and shared the Zones of Regulation program. This is a way for all of us to regulate our energy and attention throughout the day. Ask you child to describe each zone and how they might look, act and feel when they are in the different zones. The children are learning to identify which zone they are in and which strategy or strategies will help them be in the green zone which is the most effective for learning.

Families :) Feedback Please

Thank you all for coming to the first Cutler School Ice Breaker. I know the children were delighted to share our new space with you. Please let me know what suggestions you have to improve the event. Did you find the written materials informative and helpful? What topics would you like me to discuss on the blog?

School Photos

I am sending home the school photo envelopes on Friday.  We are scheduled for our photos on Wednesday, September 30th at 9:15.

Pencil Sharpeners Needed

I am looking for 4 families to volunteer for the pencil sharpening job.  I would send home a bag of pencils on Friday to be sharpened and returned to school on Monday morning (or Tuesday if you have had a busy weekend) Please send me an email if you would like to help out with this task.

OUR SCHEDULE

Mrs. Adamik-2nd Grade- Schedule 2015/2016

M, T, TH, F

8:25-8:45- Routines, Attendance, Morning Meeting

8:45-9:00-Word Work

9:00-10:00-Math

10:00-10:10-Snack

10:10-10:30-Recess

10:30-11:25-Writers’ Workshop/Bookmaking

11:25-12:15-Special- M-ART, T-MUSIC, TH-LIBRARY/TECH, F-PE

12:20-1:05 Recess/Lunch

1:05-1:15-Pack Up/Folders

1:15-1:30 Independent Choice

1:30-2:00 –Fundations/Science/Social Studies

2:00-2:50 Reading/Language Arts

2:50-2:57 Closing Meeting/Check Out/Chapter Book

Wednesday

8:25-8:45- Routines, Attendance, Morning Meeting

8:45-9:00-Word Work

9:00-9:30-Math

9:30-10:00-Writers’ Workshop/Bookmaking

10:00-10:10-Snack

10:10-10:30-Recess

10:30-11:15-Project Block

11:15-11:45-Olweus Meeting

11:45-12:00-Pack Up/Folders/Closing Meeting/Bring backpacks to dining hall

12:00-12:40-Recess/Lunch

12:40-12:45-Dismiss from dining hall

MONDAY NIGHT-September 21st

Ice Breaker Night

Mark your calendars...5-7pm on September 21 will be our first Ice Breaker Night! Families are encouraged to attend from 5-6pm with students to visit classrooms and meet teachers. From 6-7pm we will all enjoy ice cream out on the playground. Our vision for the night is to not only combine the Ice Cream Social and Curriculum Night, but to create a new inclusive tradition that welcomes all students and their families to have time in the classrooms with teachers at the start of the year. We can't wait for this special event and are working hard to create a fantastic night for all!

Parent/Teacher Conference Sign Up

This year, I am using an on line site to organize parent/teacher conferences. Please use the link below to sign up for a slot. Let me know if you have any issues accessing the site.

Please sign up for Parent/Teacher Conferences!

Here's how it works in 3 easy steps: 
1. Click this link to go to our invitation page on VolunteerSpot: http://vols.pt/wk3egv 
2. Enter your email address: (You will NOT need to register an account on VolunteerSpot) 
3. Sign up! Choose your spots - VolunteerSpot will send you an automated confirmation and reminders. Easy! 

Cutler Learning Commons

The children are enjoying the new library/tech design and are very excited to check out their own books. Mrs. Hebert has some wonderful activities and areas to explore.

2nd Grade Homework

Grade Two Homework

In grade two the expectation is to spend 20 minutes four nights a week on homework, which is the district policy.  During first term, which comes to end in late November, students will not receive a weekly homework assignment sheet.  Instead, first term will focus on building the habit of doing homework each night. Please work with your child to choose a place and time to complete their homework. The children will be asked to read each evening. This can be a great time to all gather together and enjoy a fabulous picture book. Time will be spent building fact fluency with addition and subtraction facts to 20. In addition, each student will be provided with a list of grade one and two trick words as part of our fundations program. Please spend a few minutes practicing 5 words from the list. Two online programs will be set up to reinforce math and literacy skills throughout the year. First term students will have access to IXL usernames and passwords which will remain the same as in first grade.  By second term Raz-Kids will be set up for student’s access.

The following are specific ideas to get you started:

Math

·                     + Flash cards(triangle)

·                        Card games (fact war)

·                         Dice games

·                         Yahtzee

·                         Dominoes

·                           Mancala

Trick Words

·      Rainbow write – trace your word three times with the colors of the rainbow)

·      Shaving cream

·      Staircase h, he, hel, help, helpe, helped

·      Wiki sticks

·      Tub crayons

·      Sidewalk chalk

·      Magnetic letters

Happy Birthday Lunches

This year, to celebrate birthdays, the children will invite two friends to join me for lunch.  We will play a Happy Birthday game that is based on the Apples to Apples game. I am looking forward to 16 fabulous lunch dates!!

Fire Drill

We had our first fire drill this morning. The children did a wonderful job following our routine and waiting patiently and quietly outside.

BEAR TIME-Be Excited About Reading

On Friday, we settled in with some great books and fun snuggles.  It was a relaxing way to end our first week of 2nd grade.