Newsletter 3, 2006-2007

2006-2007  Room 302—Newsletter 3  http://room302.blogspot.com

October 2, 2006

Dear Families,

Here is what I have to share:
Reading
Good readers are always making connections between the story and something that they’ve experienced or read:  the story reminds them of other things that aren’t in the story.  We often take a second to share these connections when I’m reading aloud, but we can never share all of them.  This is one of those things that you can do much better at home than I can do at school.  When you’re reading aloud, take the time to share your connections, and take the time to let the children share theirs as well.  You may only have time for one or two books, or one or two pages, but the conversation can be just as important.  It helps make the stories personal, relevant, and meaningful—this means that reading becomes personal, relevant, and meaningful.
Math
The first graders are moving into the book called Building Number Sense.  The second graders are starting Coins, Coupons, and Combinations.  As we finish a book, the students will bring home their old workbooks.  You’ll find that we’ve done some of the work, but usually not all of it.  Sometimes the books have lots extra, or things we don’t need.  The students may use those books as they like.  We don’t need them back once we’re done with them.
Science
For our first science investigation, we balanced tag board shaped like crayfish, triangles, and arches.  We also tried a tag board pencil and a real pencil.  We used clothespins for counterweights, and figured out which configurations were stable.  There is a lot of excitement and interest during our science times.  It’s great.  Now we’re into experimenting with tops.
Book Orders
I’m going to start sending book orders home.  Order if you like, but don’t feel obligated.  If you do order, please do not send cash, only checks.  And please make out checks for each book order, rather than one for all.  
We’ll always take time to look through the orders and circle the books that look interesting.  I encourage the children to save the part with the books and use that section to help find new things to read.  Sometimes a library can be a bit intimidating because it has so many choices, but if children walk in with a list of interesting things, it’s easier for a librarian to help them.  
Library
We’ll again have library on Wednesday this week, due to an assembly on Friday afternoon.
Chapter Book
Our current one is My Father’s Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannet.  Before that we finished Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus by Barbara Park.
Field Trip
We’re signed up to go to the Seattle Children’s Theater on to see The Sorcerer's Apprentice by OyamO.  We’re going with the other second grade class, leaving right away in the morning and returning to school about 2:00.  It looks like we’ll have room for 10 adults to chaperone, so let me know if you would like to join us.  I’ll take the first ten.  I’ll be sending permission slips for the kids at a later date.
Class Video
From time to time I video tape things that are happening at school.  Then the students take turns taking the tape home to share.  The tape should return to school the next day so the next person gets a chance; please help your child remember.
Email List
In an effort to help with communication, I’d like to put together a mailing list so that I’ve got another way to get you information like this.  If you’d like to be on it, please send me an email requesting that I put you on the list.  Include your name and your child’s name so I can identify you.  (If you got this newsletter via email, you’re already on the list.  If you didn’t, you’re not.)
Classroom Visits
Any time you’d like to visit, you’re welcome to do so.  Just make sure to stop in at the office to sign in and get a Visitor sticker.
Calendar
Friday, October 6—Taylor’s birthday     Friday, October 13—no school
Thursday, October 12—70’s Dance, 6-8:30     Friday, October 27—early release, 12:15
     


Sincerely,


Jeff