Room 322 News
A weekly review
September 28-October 2
This week we started implementing the Math Workshop model and so far the kids have been LOVING it. Instruction every day consists of a mini-lesson on grade level, then group rotations based on skill levels (currently we are working on mastering At Your Seat and Teacher's Choice before adding on the other two rotations), and finally students share out something they've learned or a skill they've used that day. It's been going really well and it gets me excited to teach when I see how excited they are to learn! This coming week we will wrap up our Place Value to 999 unit and move on to Problem Solving.
I focused more on science this week than social studies than I have in the previous weeks. We focused on learning the Scientific Method and how to make good observations through hands-on experiments. The video I sent out by email Thursday was a small glimpse at how enthusiastic they were for learning science. We combined baking soda and vinegar to explode bags and made then elephant toothpaste. These experiments are inexpensive and fun to do at home (you can google the "recipes" for instructions) and teach a lot. I was really proud of their observations they shared. After learning about fancy science vocabulary like catalysts and exothermic reactions we also watched this clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1eG2y2mn54 (starting at 1:28) which had a lot of WOW factor :)
A reading strategy that we developed this week was retelling using the 5 Finger Retell strategy. It involves them identifying the setting, characters, problem, events, solution, and author's main idea. This is a great idea to use with them at home after they complete a book to make sure they are comprehending what they are reading as well.
~Ms. Sivak
Math Workshop
Math Workshop
Math Workshop
Coming Soon...
2. DreamBox and iReady: We will begin using artificial intelligences DreamBox (math) and iReady (reading) in the coming week. It is county-mandated for students to get 20 minutes DreamBox instruction daily in school and there will be some for homework as well (keep checking those assignment books!). iReady information will be sent home once all our testing is complete for it (we still have 4 students in progress). The benefit of these programs to your child is that they provide differentiated instruction that fits your child's needs.
3. Science/Social Studies Swap: Starting this week, Mrs. Barber and my classes will be teaming up for a unique opportunity! For this semester, I will be teaching social studies and Mrs. Barber will be teaching science--then we will switch in the spring. So, on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays, your child will stay in my classroom and learn social studies--then on Wednesdays and Thursdays our classes will swap and they will learn science from Mrs. Barber. We are the only second grade classes doing this and it benefits the students because they will be getting more in depth lessons, learning in a new environment, and making friendships with the other class. Mrs. Barber and I look forward to planning special things for our classes to come together and do throughout the year.
4. Whole School Incentive Programs: Subway Fit for Life and Pizza Hut Book IT! Programs. More information coming soon.
5. Parent-Teacher Conferences information coming soon
Reminders
1. Please go through take home folders with your child this weekend. We cleaned through desks so there are a lot of papers that can be kept at home as well as some students have work from the week that was unfinished which will need completed and returned by Monday. Otherwise, the only homework is to aim for reading each night for 20 minutes and having a good weekend :)
Elephant Toothpaste
Virtual Read Alouds
Math Workshop
ENCORE Schedule
Tuesday: Chinese
Wednesday: PE
Thursday: Art
Friday: Music
**Remember, have your child bring their library books to school even on non-library days as I try and give opportunities to go exchange them during open checkout hours if students are done with their work**
Book Fair
Book Fair: Oct. 5th-9th (8:00AM-3:30PM)
Family Night: Oct. 6th (3:00pm-7:00pm) Bring your whole family to Family Night! Enjoy shopping and supporting our school.
Monday, Oct 5, 2015, 08:00 AM
W R Odell Elementary School, Moss Farm Street Northwest, Concord, NC, United States
Dragon Pride Night (featuring bingo and prize raffles)
Come join us for a family night of fun playing bingo! Students, siblings, parents, grandparents….all are welcome to participate.
$1.00 for 3 sheets
Bid on your favorite classroom basket. Enter to win a chance to be the “Principal For The Day” basket. Baskets will be raffled off throughout the evening – you must be present to win.
$1.00 per ticket / $5.00 for 10 tickets / $10.00 for 20 tickets
Get your Dragon Wear * See Upcoming Events
Snack type refreshments will be available for purchase
$1.00 for water, soda, chips & popcorn / $1.00 for 2 cookies
Papa Robb’s will be selling Paradise Ice. Everyone who makes a purchase will also receive a coupon for one free Paradise Ice at the Papa Robb’s location.
The school also receives a percentage of the proceeds.
$3.00 children size / $4.00 adult size
Funds will go towards making improvements to our concrete courtyard play area